Chennai: Tara Murali, noted architect, heritage conservationist, and advocate for civic rights and environmental causes, passed away on Saturday, July 26, at her residence in Chennai. She was 75 and had been unwell for some time.
Murali was the wife of N. Murali, Director of The Hindu Group of Publications and President of The Music Academy. She is survived by her husband, their son Krishna Murali, daughter Kanta Murali, three grandchildren, and her elder brother, Ramesh Pattabhiraman.
A graduate of the School of Architecture and Planning, University of Madras, Murali maintained an active architectural practice spanning over four decades. Beyond her professional contributions to architecture and urban planning, she was deeply involved in numerous public causes—ranging from consumer protection and civic action to environmental sustainability and heritage preservation.
Among her most impactful efforts were the conservation of the Palani Hills and campaigns to protect Chennai’s heritage landmarks, including the Director General of Police’s office and Queen Mary’s College.
Tara Murali’s life reflected a deep commitment to secular, progressive values. She served as a Trustee of the Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG), was a member of the Broadcast Complaints Council and the governing council of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), and led various book circles and community initiatives.
A woman of many interests, she also served as President of the Tamil Nadu Table Tennis Association and the Table Tennis Players Welfare Association. She notably translated Ma. Po. Sivagnanam’s Tamil book on Veerapandiya Kattabomman into English, reflecting her passion for history and literature.
The cremation will be held at the Besant Nagar crematorium on Monday, July 28, 2025.
