Congratulation for Achieving World Renowned Prestigious
DR APJ Abdul Kalam International Award 2024 in Dubai
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Dr. V. G. 
Santhosam, Chairman, VGP Group of Companies, Chennai (Lifetime Achievement 
Award)
The History VGP is nothing but the history of VG Panneer Das, a pioneer in 
several creative ventures. A poor Christian from a remote village called 
Azhagappa Puram near Valliyur in Tirunelvelli District , Tamil Nadu and worked 
as a Assistant in a Ration Shop in Saidapet, Chennai. He worked hard, with head 
and heart, and soon established his own tea shop in 1954 besides News paper 
vending along with his younger brother VG Santhosam.
In 1955, he opened a shop selling items such as alarm clocks, watches and wall 
clocks. He was the pioneer in South India to introduce Hire Purchase for 
everyday goods. He built the VGP company from virtually nothing to its present 
status as a group of companies including retail, real estate and property 
development, resorts and amusement parks.
He pioneered the idea of "Buy now... pay later" A concept unheard in those days. 
The organization which he founded has been a remarkable success during the last 
five and half decades. He was an exemplary citizen of India, with the interest 
of the employees and compassion for the poor. The rest is history.