His efforts earned him the "Young Global Leaders" award from Davos, Switzerland-based World Economic Forum (WEF) and leadership award from the GSM Association (GSMA), a global trade association representing more than 700 mobile operators.

Maran's tenure was also largely non-controversial. The only time he came under a cloud was then the Tatas dragged Sun TV to court and said the latter's bouquet of channels was being denied for broadcast from its direct-to-home platform.

While this spat continues, the media became silent on Maran when he threatened to drag some newspapers and magazines to court on charges of defamation.

On his future plans, Maran has chosen to remain silent for the moment. According to his close associates, his moves will start unfolding only after what action the DMK takes when he responds to a show-cause notice on why he should not be removed from primary membership of the party.

(by Arvind Padmanabhan, IANS)