The 30-year-old Dunedin umpire wanted to deflect attention from his award and focus on recruitment.
He is passionate about the sport and would love to see more people get involved in umpiring.
"If people are thinking about it then I would definitely encourage them to at least have a taste of it," he said.
"There are a whole heap of resources that are available. Even before you get on to the park there is stuff to read, watch and learn and get excited about."
It was that kind of enthusiasm and passion which resulted in his winning the award.
"It was a nice feeling but obviously we are doing it for the enjoyment and the love of the game.
"It is really nice to be recognised but I’m really lucky with the opportunities and support I’m getting from my association.
"Umpiring has given me a lot of skills that I’ve been able to use outside of cricket."
It can be very tough as well. Umpires do not get a lot of thanks and the players mumble about decisions under their breath.
But walking off the field knowing he has had a good match, and would not change any of his decisions, was a wonderful feeling, he said.
"We do it for the joy we get out of umpiring so that aspect of it does not really come into our preparation."
Jagannathan moved from Chennai to Dunedin five years ago to do a masters in business administration at the University of Otago. The project manager had umpired in India but began to take it more seriously once he arrived here.
"It was something that was really attractive and felt like something I should really do a bit more regularly."
His goal is just to keep improving. He officiated in the National Secondary Schoolboys tournament in Lincoln this season, so he is making his way through the ranks. And for inspiration he does not have to look far with Otago boasting a trio of quality umpires in Derek Walker, Shaun Haig and Chris Gaffaney.
"You can’t look too far ahead at goals because it takes the focus away from your performance."
Staying on top of his game means regular study to brush up the extensive laws and quirky elements of cricket.
"We need to do it on a regular basis. You can’t just afford to pick the book up once every six months and have a look."
Jagannathan is a level four accredited umpire — the highest qualification in New Zealand.
Otago Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association chairman Malcolm Jones said Jagannathan had "impressed" with "his enthusiasm for umpiring" and his willingness to listen, learn, and pass on the skills he has learnt to others.
"Kannan has an excellent rapport with the players and his fellow officials and I’m rapt he has received this award," Jones said.
"A most worthy recipient."
