Rajan Pillai, founder of the South African Tamil group Luxmi Raagam and a long-time member of the Shri Mariamman Temple board, has passed away at the age of 59.
Pillai, who lived in Rockford, Phoenix, died this morning, presumably from a heart attack. He was a long-standing member of the Shri Mariamman Temple, serving as a member and secretary for the past twenty years.
Furthermore, he worked as an employee for the Etkinwini municipality police metropolis. His close friend, Silan Archari, chairman of the Shri Mariamman Temple Society, noted that their friendship spanned 40 years, and they attended Mount Edgecombe School together.
Archari added that Rajan was a singer and composer in both Tamil and Hindi languages. He was a connoisseur of the Tamil language and composed songs in both Hindi and Tamil. His music was known throughout South Africa; he created both religious and contemporary works. Moreover, he sang Hindi songs fluently despite it not being his native language.
Silan Archari also reported that Pillai was a winner of song contests held by Lotus FM and a recognized songwriter. He characterized Pillai as a calm and balanced family man who was devoted to his family and the temple community.
Pillai is survived by his wife Alice and three daughters: Treveni, Kirilon, and Ria. Details of his funeral have not yet been confirmed.