A.V.Varadharajan, the humble son of a farmer, had to discontinue his education after his Intermediate course for want of funds and served as a clerk in PSG College of Technology canteen. After a year, due to the gesture and initiative of Dr. G.R.Damodharan, then the Principal of PSG College of Technology, he got a rare opportunity to study Engineering amidst his part-time job.

On completing his B.E., he was employed as an Engineer in PSG for 3 years. In 1962, with a few thousand rupees, he ventured into a tiny foundry with 7 workers on rolls. Over the years, with the assistance of his second-generation wards, it has blossomed into an industrial conglomerate of AV Group of companies, providing employment to about 3000 people.

For the past 60 years, his contribution to the development of industries in Tamil Nadu, under the banner of CODISSIA is noteworthy and significant. He was a pioneer in organizing Industrial Trade Fairs in South. He led a team to establish CODISSIA Trade Fair Grounds in the country, next only to Pragathi Maidan of New Delhi. He spearheaded a team of entrepreneurs to establish two Industrial parks to house 300 industries, which will generate 30000 to 50000 jobs.

Apart from Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA), he was also the President of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu Small Industries Association, Small Industries Testing and Research Centre (SITARC) and Tamil Nadu Electricity Consumers Association. He was a member, National Council of CII. AVV also served as a Director/ Member in various Boards and Committees constituted by Government and Financial institutions.

He firmly believes that widespread industrial development (particularly tiny and small) and massive employment generation through appropriate technology alone will lead to the development of our country.