Mr. S. Santhanam has been in the business of trading and manufacturing chemicals all through his career. He is a former Managing Director of Ultramarine and Pigments Ltd. and Director of Thirumalai Chemicals Ltd. He has been actively involved in various social development projects. He is a committed member of the International Humanist Movement and believes in voluntary action to bring about social change. Being an ardent supporter of neighbourhood promotion, he was responsible for mobilizing the community at Wadala, Mumbai for greening the neighbourhood. He is the President of the Managing Committee of South Indian Welfare Society that manages a High School, N. R. Swamy College of Commerce and Thirumalai College of Science. He is a diploma holder in printing Technology. He is a Founder – Trustee of Thirumalai Charity Trust.