Sockalingam Sam Kannappan
Charter Member, Society of Piping Engineers & Designers
Advisory Board Member, Asia Society | Texas, USA
Janam Bhumi:
Nattarasankottai, Tamil Nadu, India
Dharma Bhumi:
Nattarasankottai, Tamil Nadu, India
Karma Bhumi:
Houston, Texas, USA
Engineering a Life—Measured in Words, Monumental in Action
The ‘Kannappan’ Factor: “The only true good deed is when you help a stranger, without expecting anything in return.”
THE MAN
From requesting the Chief Minister (CM) of Tamil Nadu to install streetlights for senior citizens in his village to writing a guide book for new international students to help make their stay in Texas easier, Sockalingam ‘Sam’ Kannappan has made exemplary contributions to society.
“I saw senior citizens struggling to find their way in the dark. So, I arranged fluorescent street light installation with the help of the then CM and family friend MG Ramachandran (MGR). I also worked to improve the village’s dilapidated road infrastructure,” he recalls. Kannappan created Tamil fonts with a voice synthesiser to assist MGR after his stroke.
Helping others comes naturally to Kannappan, who learned the “basic values and principles of life” from his grandfather, Narayanan, also a father figure. His father, Sockalingam, a businessman in Burma (Myanmar), returned to set up Varanasi Satram (Lucknow) dedicated to Lord Shiva and safeguarded its properties.
Kannappan was born on 28 December 1943, in Nattarasankottai, Tamil Nadu, the final abode of poet Kambar, composer of the Tamil Ramayana. Living with his mother, S Kaliammai Achi, and grandfather, he did his formal schooling in the village. His life lessons came from his late grandfather and guided Kannappan across continents to engineer a life of purpose for himself and others. His childhood friend, Dr. KNKSK Chockalingam has been a constant support, while mentors like CV Narasiman, Dr. A. Alagappan, Dr ECG Sudarshan, and N. Mahalingam guided him.
THE JOURNEY
Kannappan began teaching after earning his BE (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering from Annamalai University in 1965 and helped seven classmates pass their re-exams. As an Associate Lecturer at PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore, Kannappan earned the title of ‘The 100 percent Professor’ with three of his students scoring 100 percent in the Madras University Examination in 1967. A rare achievement that led to him publishing the ‘Mechanical Engineering Design Data Handbook in Metric Units’, guiding the nation’s transition to a new system. It also paved the way to a new land and greater feats.
When he set foot in the University of Texas, Austin, in 1968, America was reeling from the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. It was a difficult time for Kannappan, a strict vegetarian who found the campus cafeteria inedible. He survived on milk and bread until he found a flat, enabling him to cook his own food.
Earning his Master’s, he quickly became a formidable technical mind, specialising in piping engineering. He is the author of the essential industry bible ‘Introduction to Pipe Stress Analysis’ and creator of EZFLEX, a vital software tool in every engineer’s virtual belt. He also founded ABI Enterprises Inc, a real estate and engineering consulting company. Soon, he was being courted by the highest echelons of his profession, earning him a Texas Governor-led appointment to the state’s Professional Engineers Board, and later as chair of its Enforcement Committee. He is a member of the US National PE Board (NCEES) and the Texas Radiation Advisory Board. Having worked on pipeline safety and bioterrorism defence committees, Kannappan’s career is a multi-layered network of contributions, with prestigious accolades.
THE SPIRIT WITHIN
Kannapan says, “I was raised with values of honesty and kindness. Having seen financial losses, I have come to realise that wealth is transient.”
Guided by empathy, he set up a hospitality committee for the Texas Medical Center to assist Indian patients in getting open-heart surgery in the US. Kannappan witnessed deaths of patients. Without any next of kin present, he coordinated their last rites and mailed their ashes back to India. Kannappan soon became the Indian community’s trusted ‘go-to’ for consulate matters, medical references, and any help needed.
In India, the family organises health camps in their ancestral village, provides free eyeglasses to the visually impaired, and arranges for further treatments. Kannappan is also a trustee of an organisation that feeds senior citizens. In the US, he is the founder of the Houston Meenakshi Temple and Bharathi Kalai Manram, President of the University of Houston Tamil Studies Chair, the Kannappan Art Museum, and the Annamalai University Alumni US.
THE LEGACY
When Kannappan’s wife, Meenakshi, joined him in Texas, she could not find a proper place of worship. This inspired Kannappan to build a temple for Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati)—the deity his wife is named after and who is worshipped in Madurai as the supreme divinity with Sundareshwarar (Lord Shiva) as her consort. Meenakshi chose the five east-facing acres for the temple, which has expanded to 38 acres and will mark its golden jubilee in 2027.
Meenakshi has been the ideal consort, and Kannappan feels blessed to be married to his “genuinely better half”. They have four children: Ramesh and Abirami, IT consultants; Ryan, a finance professional; and Ramakrishnan, a PhD in Environmental Engineering. Ramesh’s wife, Soundaravallai, is in IT, and Ramakrishnan’s wife, Aarathy, is a surgeon. The family has grown to include three grandchildren—Dev, Ahaana, and Annapoorani.
Weekend family gatherings are non-negotiable and filled with laughter and togetherness. Kannappan says, “Watching my children and grandchildren, I realise that my biggest achievement has been passing on the values to the next generation.”
Having crossed the 80 mark, Kannappan has come a long way from the days when he held his ‘Thatha’s’ (grandfather) hand as they walked. At every step of his journey, Kannappan has lived by his grandfather’s ‘silence’ code. “In a noisy courtyard, my grandfather sat silent, and I asked him why he was silent. He responded, ‘Words hold immense power. Speak only when it is important, and ensure your words command respect’.”
Kannappan follows this measured approach, letting his actions speak louder. In a fitting reciprocal action, 27 December 2003 was declared as ‘Sam Kannappan Day’ to mark his 60th birthday. Need we say more?
MAPPING THE INDIA WITHIN
Bharat: Then and Now
“As a child, I heard stories of India’s independence struggle, the sacrifices made by our forefathers, and the dreams they had for a free Bharat. Today, living in two democracies, I see how far we’ve come. Bharat has transformed, but the essence of its values and its spirit of resilience remain unchanged.”
Bharatiya Values that Travelled
“While I have embraced the West, the Indian values I grew up with have always guided me—honesty, respect for elders, and the power of community. These values transcended borders, helping me contribute to the societies I live in and bridge cultures.”
Generations Abroad: A New Bharatiya Identity
“The next generation of Indians is smarter and more adaptable, carrying with them the roots of our ancient culture. As a first-generation immigrant, I focused on ensuring that my children and the younger generation embrace our values while navigating their path in a modern world. A new Bharatiya identity is being shaped, one that blends Eastern wisdom with Western progress.”
Pride, Progress, and the Spirit Of Bharat
“Bharat’s pride lies in its unity, culture, and heritage. While we progress on the global stage, it’s the spirit of Bharat that keeps us grounded. Whether in the temples I’ve helped build, or in the communities I’ve served, the spirit of Bharat has been my constant guide.”
Dreams for the Youth and Future of Bharat
“My dream for India is a nation where its youth choose to stay and build it. I urge youth to lead with both competence and compassion. Use your talents to ensure progress reaches everyone. Let Eastern wisdom guide your actions, and Western skills amplify your impact. Grow Bharat from within.”
BACK TO THE FUTURE – IN FIVE MOMENTS
Food Cravings
THEN
South Indian street food in Madurai was a sensory and savoury experience.
NOW
I love traditional vegetarian meals—rice, simple potato curry, and vegetables.
Sport Spirit
THEN
Cricket reigned supreme.
NOW
Cricket remains a favourite, and I have even established the Pearland Cricket Club here.
Music Tastes
THEN
The voice of late renowned singer MS Subbalakshmi, a family friend, and melodies that filled the streets of Madurai still echo in my heart.
NOW
Old soulful songs still soothe and relax.
Holiday Life
THEN
I eagerly waited for walks to nearby temples with my grandfather.
NOW
We still visit our village as a family—children and grandchildren.
Leisure Habits
THEN
I spent hours listening to my grandfather’s stories and helping women draft letters.
NOW
I find my calm and purpose in writing books and sharing experiences that help others.
AKA
Sam Kannappan Society of Piping Engineers & Designers | Sockalingam Kannappan Asia Society | Asia Society Advisory Board Texas | Engineering Society Charter Member
