A visionary, Subramanian was at the helm of the 75-year old S Viswanathan Printers & Publishers, one of South India’s oldest publishing house under whose banner the flourishing Book-on-Demand printing house Bhavish Graphics also operates.

Recalling his contribution to the industry bodies AMSG Ashokan, president of AIFMP said, “His contribution to All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP) is unparalleled. As the past president, he was one of the first to see the need for the federation to host an exhibition and was the founder secretary of the now successful Pamex event.”

“Subramanian sir was also one of the first to moot the concept of National awards for quality printing too. Now a flagship annual event, the National Award for Excellence in Printing (NAEP) for first co-chaired by him,” added Ashokan.

Anand Limaye, general secretary of AIFMP and head of India Printing Works, said, "He played a vital role in reinstituting the NAEP after Indian government stopped conferring Presidential Awards."

Subramanian was also known for his many education reform initiatives and is said to have been at the forefront of several syllabus changes in diploma courses in Chennai and Tamil Nadu institutions.

In his condolence message, GN Visvakumar, president of Madras Printers and Lithographers Association (MPLA) said, “The members of MPLA record their heartfelt condolences for the sudden demise of our past president who has made several crucial contributions to the Indian print industry including his role in creating Pamex and NAEP. MPLA and AIFMP have at various points have functioned out of his press in McNichols Road. It is indeed a huge loss for us and truly a great soul has passed away.”

Past presidents of AIFMP Manoj Mehta, SR Sharma and printers from various parts of the country offered their condolences and spoke highly about Subramanian’s role in various capacities for the betterment of the industry.