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TNPSC GROUP I & II

Great personalities of Tamil Nadu

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Great personalities of Tamil Nadu

1. THEERAN CHINNAMALAI

¾ A f t e r T h e B r i t i s h va n q u i s h e d Kattabomman, Oomaithurai, Marudhu brothers in their revolt against colonisation, challenge to the British rule came from Theerthagiri, a chieftain of Kongu Nadu.

¾ Theerthagiri was born at Melapalayam hamlet in Erode district in 1756. All the battles fought with the British between 1799 and 1805 were won by Theerthagiri.

¾ After the death of Tipu Sultan, Colonel Maxwell along with his troops moved forward to usurp Coimbatore and that was foiled by Dheeran Chinnamalai on the banks of Cauvery.

¾ He built a fort at Odanilai in Kongu Nadu and consolidated his army: war erupted between Chinnamalai and the British at Odanilai. Once again, the British were defeated in the battle of Odanilai at the hands of Dheeran Chinnamalai.

¾ Having realized that Chinnamalai could not be defeated in the battle, the British contrived a conspiracy to eliminate his rule from Kongu Nadu.

¾ For this purpose, the cook of Chinnamalai Nallapan came forward to assist the British in their Nefarious design. The cook betrayed Chinnamalai while he

was having food. Then, he was hanged to death at Sangagiri.

¾ The credit of being the last ruler, who fought against the British colonisation, is attributed to Theerthagiri.

2. V.O. CHIDAMBARANAR

¾ Place of Birth: Ottapidaram

¾ Parents: Ulaganatha Pillai & Parvathy Ammal

¾ Date of Birth: 05.09.1872

Education: ¾ Primary Education: Ottapidaram

¾ Higher Education: Thoothukudi

¾ Law Education: Trichy — Registered as lawyer in 1895

¾ Public Life: Inspired by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and joined Congress in 1905

¾ Chidambaram Pi l la i establ ished Swadeshi Cooperative Store (Swadeshi Pandagasalai), Swadeshi Dharma Sanga Weaving Association, Swadeshi Prachar Sabha, National Warehouse (Desiya Kidangu), Madras Agro-Industrial Society Limited.

¾ V.O. Chidambaram addressed the employees of Thoothukudi Coral Mill (Madura Coats) on 23rd February 1908.

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SHANKAR IAS ACADEMY Great Personalities of Tamil Nadu

All Rights Reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without permission in writing.

¾ He advocated their demands of pay rise, weekly holiday, and better working conditions.

¾ Inflamed and aroused by his fiery speech, employees plunged into strike.

¾ The strike which started after four days of his speech got aggravated.

¾ As a result, management was forced to come to a negotiating table.

¾ V.O. Chidambaram along with 50 employees had negotiations with management over their demands.

¾ Consequently, management conceded to their demands of pay rise, Sunday holiday and reduction in working hours.

¾ The strike, which was lasted for 9 days, ended in victory and employees resumed their work.

¾ The victory of Coral mills reverberated in other European industries and led to the attainment of pay rise and better working conditions for the employee working in those industries.

¾ Sri Aurobindo praised the intrepidness and sustained f ighting spiri t of Subramanya Siva and V.O. Chidambaram in his magazine dated 13th March, 1908.

The Tamil Helmsman (Kappalottiya Thamizhan)

¾ With the support of the Bri t ish Government, British India Steam Navigation Company had monopoly on shipping transport.

¾ To put an end to this unbridled domination, V.O. Chidambaram started Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company in 1906.

¾ Pandithurai Thevar (Balava Naththam Zamindar), President of Madurai Tamil Sangam, was appointed as its chairman and director.

¾ Other of f ice bearers were : V.O. Chidambaram — Secretary and C. Vijayaragavachariar — Legal Advisor.

¾ Capital of the company was estimated to be 10 Lakh Rupees. 40,000 shares were issued at Rs. 25 per share.

¾ Any Asian can become a shareholder of the company. Janab Haji Mohammed Fakir bought 8000 shares at an investment of Rs. 2,00,000. This was the first investment to the company.

¾ In the beginning, the company didn’t own any ship and hired a ship on lease from Shah Line Steers.

¾ This lease was annulled by virtue of coercion from the British Steam Navigation Company.

¾ As a result, he sealed an agreement to buy a ship from Ceylon.

¾ He toured the entire country to sell shares to collect investment. At first, he bought a ship named S.S. Gallia.

¾ Another ship named S.S. Lowoe was purchased from France. Whenever he took journey for buying a ship, he vowed, “When I return, I will definitely return with a ship, else I will die in the ocean”.

¾ To beat the competition from Swadeshi Steam Company of VOC group, the British Shipping Company charged 1(12 ana) Rupee per passenger.

¾ In turn, Swadeshi Company reduced its fare to 50 Paisa per passenger. Reacting to this reduction, British Shipping Company

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declared free transportation plus a free umbrella as gift to per passenger.

¾ However, people travelled in the ships of Swadeshi Shipping Company out of patriotism for their country. Hence, British company started losing its market share.

¾ As an act of desperation, British company resorted to lure Chidambaram by an offer of purchasing his company for a huge price but he resisted the temptation.

¾ Swadeshi Company consistently ran a trip from Thoothukudi to Ceylon which was opposed by the British government and its shipping company.

¾ The British Government was perturbed by the consistent measures of Freedom Struggle from V.O. Chidambaram.

¾ On 9th March, 1908, release of Bipin Chandra Pa l was ce lebrated in Thoothukudi.

¾ In that celebration, V.O. Chidambaram and Subramanya Siva gave a speech which aroused the patriotic feelings of people.

¾ Waiting for chance to pounce on them, the British Government used this speech as pretext for sedition charge stating that they demeaned the government and provoked the people to revolt agains the government.

¾ V.O. Chidambaram was booked under sedition charge and was awarded two life imprisonment.

¾ Judge of the Thirunelveli District Session court awarded Chidambaram 40 years of imprisonment consisting 20 years for criticism of government and 20 years for abetting Subramanya Shiva. Judge

ordered that Chidambaram should be imprisoned in Andaman Jal.

¾ The case went to Madras High court for appeal. High court ordered not to send him to Andaman prison during the appeal.

¾ So he was sent to Coimbatore prison where he was yoked to oil press.

¾ From the words of R.A. Padmanaban…“Chidambaram was yoked (in place of bulls) to the oil press like an animal and made to work in cruel hot sun”.

¾ He was released from prison on 11th December, 1912. He left the Congress party in 1920. He was also debarred from entering Thirunelveli district and his bar license was revoked.

¾ He along with his wife and two sons migrated to Madras and ran a provision store and oil store.

¾ He appealed to Coimbatore Justice Wallace to restore his bar license. On hearing V.O. Chidambaram’s destitute condition, he gave judgement in favour of V.O. Chidambaram.

¾ Therefore, V.O. Chidambaram christened one of his son as Walashwaran as a token of respect to Justice Wallace who restored his bar license.

¾ He went to Kovilpatti and practised as lawyer. In 1927, he joined the Congress Party, presided Salem District Congress Session and addressed the gathering.

¾ His speech in Salem Congress Session was published as “Enadhu Arasiyal Perunchol”. After that session, he left the Congress Party shortly.

List of Books written by V.O. Chidambaram ¾ Meiyaram - 1914

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¾ Meiyarivu - 1915

¾ Collection of Poems - 1915

¾ Thirukural - Manakudavar Prose - 1917

¾ Tholkappiyam - Ilampoorananar Prose - 1928

¾ Autobiography - 1946

¾ ‘Path to Peace’ and ‘Path to Serenity’, Self-development books of James Allen, were translated by Chidambaram into Tamil . Many English articles were also translated by him into Tamil .

¾ Magazine run by him: Vivegabanu and Hindunesan.

¾ Titles given to V.O. Chidambaram are ‘Tilak of Southern India’, ‘The Tamil Helmsman (Kappalotiya Thamizhan)’, and ‘Chekezhutha Chemmal’. He passed away on 18th November, 1936.

¾ O n h i s 1 0 0 t h b i r t h d a y, I n d i a n government issued his portrait stamp in commemoration of his service to the country.

¾ He was also honoured by naming Thoothukudi port after him i.e. V.O. Chidambaranar Port.

3. V.V. SUBRAMANYA IYER (1881-1925)

¾ He was born to Venkata Subramanya Iyer in 1881. His birth place is Varaganeri situated close to Thiruchchirapalli.

¾ During the lifetimes of Sri Aurobindo and Mahakavi Bharathiyar in Pondicherry, he stayed with them and accelerated the impetus of freedom struggle.

¾ In his earlier career, he practised as a lawyer. After that, he shifted to Rangoon

in Burma to set up a legal firm on the suggestion of his relative.

¾ From there, he went to London to pursue higher eduction in law and became a barrister. He lived in London between October 1907 and April 1910.

¾ He was a multilingual person and knew Tamil , English, Sanskrit, Latin and French.

¾ During his lifetime in London, with Gandhi, he discussed ways and means to attain freedom.

¾ He was arrested in 1910 and was planned to deport to India by ship. When the ship was stopped at Marseilles port en route to India, V.V.S. Iyer escaped from the ship.

¾ After returning to India, V.V.S. Iyer founded ‘Bharathwajar Ashramam’ in Cheran Mahadevi. In this ashram, patriotism and ancient culture were inculcated into Tamil children and youth.

¾ In 1916, he took asylum in Pondicherry and secretly trained youth in use of arms. He stayed in Pondicherry till 1920 and engaged in revolutionary activities.

¾ After Thiru.Vi.Ka, he ran the magazine “Desabakthan”. In 1921, Government considered one of the article published in Desabakthan as seditious and Iyer was incarcerated for 9 months. During his stay in prison, he wrote a book ‘Kambaramayanam - A Critical Study’.

¾ He translated Thirukural into English. He founded a magazine ‘Balabharathi’ and ran it from 1919 to 1932 and established a publishing centre ‘Kamba Nilayam’.

¾ V.V.S. Iyear is regarded to be Extremist Freedom Fighter. He is also called as father of modern short stories in Tamil . Critic still call one of this work

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“Kulaththangarai Arasamaram” as the first short story in Tamil .

¾ Another collection of short stores was published in the name ‘Mangayarkarasiyin Kadhal’ (1916).

¾ He had authored many books, namely ‘Chandra Gupta Chakravarthy’, ‘History of Booker Washington’, ‘Napoleon’, and ‘Self-Confidence’.

¾ In Marathi language, Vir Savarkar wrote a book ‘1857 — First War of Indian Independence’ which was proscribed by the British Government.

¾ V.V.S. Iyer translated that book into English and Tamil and sent to various parts of the world violating the ban.

¾ V.V.S. is the guru of Veera Vanchinathan. He taught Vanchinathan how to shoot using ‘Browning’ revolver.

¾ To take bath, he set off to Papanasam with her daughter, Subathra. When Subathra was caught in the currents of “Kalyanatheertha” waterfall, V.V.S. Iyer plunged into the water to rescue her daughter. Subsequently, both of them died in the fierce currents of waterfalls which took place on 3rd June, 1925.

4. NEELAKANTA BRAHMACHARI

¾ Neelakanta Brahmachari was a militant nationalist and was on the radar of British Police.

¾ For this reason, he took asylum in Pondicherry which was a safe-haven in those day for extremist nationalist fearing arrest in British India.

¾ There, he worked in collusion with V.V.S. Iyer and Bharathiyar.

¾ In 1910, he formed an association named ‘Bharath Matha Sangam.’

¾ He was convicted as criminal in the murder case of “Thirunelveli Collector Ash” and underwent 7 years of imprisonment.

¾ H e w a s r u n n i n g a m a g a z i n e ‘Suryodhayam’.

¾ After his release from prison, he was attracted by communist ideas and published ‘Communist Manifesto’.

¾ For some time, he distributed communist ideas in pamphlets which led to arrest by the British police. Upon being arrested, he tried to shoot a constable.

¾ As a result, he was punished for attempt to murder as well as distributing pamphlets containing communist ideas. In 1922, he was sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment.

¾ In his later life, he led a peaceful life as a monk in the name of ‘Omkar Swamigal’ establishing an ashram in Nandimalai situated in Karnataka. He passed away at the age of 88.

5. MAHAKAVI BHARATHIYAR (1882 - 1921)

¾ ‘Subbaiah’ alias Subramanyan was born to Chinnasamy Iyer and Lakshmi Ammal on 11th December, 1882.

¾ His birthplace was in Ettayapuram in present-day Thoothukudi district(but in those days was a part of Thirunelveli)

¾ Subramanya Bharathi, who was praised as Mahakavi and Desiyakavi, had an ability to compose poems from when he was 11 years old.

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¾ The title ‘Bharathi’ was given to him by the Ettayapuram court in felicitation of his poetic talent.

¾ He worked as a Tamil teacher in Madurai Sethupathi Higher Secondary School.

¾ The poems that he composed during his lifetime in Madurai around 1904 appeared in the magazine ‘Vivekabanu’.

¾ His tenure as Assistant-Editor in ‘Swadeshimithran’ magazine was between November 1904 and August 1906.

¾ H e h a s a l s o b e e n w o r k i n g i n ‘Chakravarthini’, a women’s magazine, from August 1903 to 1906.

¾ In April, 1907, he published a Tamil Magazine, “India” and an English magazine, “Balabharatham”.

¾ Bipin Chandra Pal, a freedom fighter of Bengal, visited Tamil Nadu.

¾ Bharathi made arrangements for public meeting in Marina beach and invited Bipin Chandra Pal to address the gathering.

¾ Further, this event was reported as article in “India” magazine. Angered by his activities, the British Government issued a warrant for his arrest.

¾ As a result, he escaped to Pondicherry in 1908. He lived there till 1918 and continued his service to Tamillanguage.

¾ Residing in Pondicherry, he published many news papers and magazines. They are as follows: ‘India’ — a weekly magazine, ‘Vijaya’ — a Tamil newspaper, ‘Balabharatham’ — an English monthly magazine, ‘Suryodhayam’ — a weekly magazine for Pondicherry people.

¾ He worked as Editor-in-Chief in Karmayogi (December 1909 - 1910) and Dharmam (1910).

¾ In 1909, namely ‘India’ and ‘Vijaya’ his publications were banned in British India.

¾ He published many collection of songs one by one. They are as follows: Swadeshi Geethangal (1908), Jenma Boomi (1909), Panjali Sabadham (1912), Matha Manivasagam (1914), Kannan Pattu and Kuyil Pattu.

¾ First four collection of his works inflamed the prevailing patriotism and swadeshi feelings among public.

¾ In those days, his song line “Achamillai, Achamillai “ was chanted during many demonstrations and protest marches in Tamil Nadu.

¾ British Government arrested Bharthi in 1918 when he reached the borders of Tamil Nadu. He was imprisoned in Cuddalore Prison.

¾ He was released from prison in 1920. After his release, he was living in a rented house in Thulasinga Perumal Street in Thiruvallikeni.

¾ In the last days of his life, he had been working as Assistant-Editor in Swadeshimithran from August to September, 1920.

¾ He was in the habit of feeding fruit to the temple elephant at Parthasarathy Swamy temple during his daily visit to the temple.

¾ In a fateful day, the elephant had a spell of rut, and in spite of advice from bystanders, Bharati went close to the elephant in his usual fashion when the elephant threw him away by its trunk.

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¾ Bharathi, who was already weakened by illness, was shocked by this abnormal behaviour of elephant. The shock coupled with severe diarrhoea deteriorated his health and he departed this life on 11th September, 1921.

¾ His rented house in Thiruvallikeni has been now converted into Bharathi’s Memorial House.

6. VANCHINATHAN

¾ Vanchinathan was born in 1886 and was living in Sengottai. His father name was Raghupathi Iyer, and his mother name, Rukmani Ammal. His real name was Sankaran.

¾ Under the tutelage of his Guru, V.V.S. Iyer, he got trained in using revolver.

¾ On 17th, July 1911, Ashe, Collector of Thirunelveli district, was shot dead by Vanjinathan at Maniyachi Railway Station.

¾ The reason behind his killing was Collector Ashe played a vital role in imprisonment of V.O. Chidambaram and Subramanya Siva and also destroyed Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company.

¾ After assassinating Ashe, Vanchinathan committed suicide by shooting himself.

7. SUBRAMANYA SIVA (1884-1925)

¾ S u b r a m a n ya S i va wa s b o r n a t Vaththalagundu in Dindigul on 14th October, 1884.

¾ Having finished his education in Coimbatore, he joined as writer in Sivagasi Police Station.

¾ After stepping into freedom struggle, he had close friendship with V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and Bharathiyar.

¾ H e wa s s e n t e n c e d t o 1 0 ye a r s imprisonment, for he took out a procession along with V.O. Chidambaram violating the ban.

¾ During his confession in Thirunelveli session court, he quoted a Thirukural and exclaimed, “Those who champion righteousness will decimate injustice and uphold justice”.

¾ His sentence was reduced to 6 years. He underwent a lot of hardships in prison and was inflicted by Leprosy.

¾ Subramanya Siva published many m a g a z i n e , n a m e l y G n a n a b a n u , Prabanjamithran, India Desandhri.

¾ He authored Sachidananda Sivam and Gnanaradham.

¾ He composed Sivaji and Raja Desingh dramas and also acted in them.

¾ U n d e r a n a s s u m e d n a m e o f “Suthanthirananda”, he established “Bharthi Ashram” at Papparapatti in Dharmapuri district and provided training to Nationalists for freedom struggle.

¾ He passed away on 23rd July, 1925 during his stay in Bharathi Ashram.

8. PAVENDHAR BHARATHIDASAN (1891 - 1979)

¾ Kanagasubburathinam, popularly known as, Bharathidasan was born in Puducherry on 29th April, 1891.

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¾ His father name was Kanagasabhai Mudaliar and his mother name, Lakshmi Ammal.

¾ He gave himself an adopted name “Bharathidasan” echoing his love and admiration for Subramanya Bharathi.

¾ Worked as Tamil Teacher, he participated in Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920.

¾ Mahakavi Bharathi himself introduced Bharathidasan in Swadeshimithran Magazine as following: “Kanaga subburathinam belongs to the poetic circle of Shri Subramanya Bharathi”.

¾ He ran a weekly magazine ‘Kuyil’ (1948).

¾ Thanthai Periyar gave him a title ‘Puratchi Kavi’.

¾ His drama work “Pisiranthaiyar” secured him Sahitya Akademi Award in 1970.

¾ In 1990, Tamil Nadu government n a t i o n a l i s e d t h e w r i t i n g s o f “Bharathidasan”.

¾ Indian Postal Department issued a commemorative stamp of Bharathidasan on 9th October, 2001.

¾ In memory of him, Tamil Nadu government confers Bharathidasan award on Tamil Scholars.

¾ He authored the following books: Siruvar Sirumiyar Desiya Geetham, Thondar Padai Pattu, Kadhar-Rattina Pattu, Pandiyan Parisu, Ethirparadha Mutham, Kudumba Vilakku, Irunda Veedu, Azhagin Sirippu, Isaiamudhu, Tamil Iyakkam, Puratchi Kavi, Manimegalai Venba.

¾ He was praised as ‘Pavendhar’ and passed away on 21st April, 1964.

¾ Tamil Thendral Thiru. Vi. Kalyana sundaram (1883 - 1953)

¾ Thiruvarur Virudhachalam Kalyana Sundaranar, popular known as Thiru. Vi. Ka., was born at Dhullam village situated close to Porur in Chennai on 26th August, 1883.

¾ He was interested in Politics, Society and many other fields. He was also a good orator.

¾ He worked as Editor-in-chief for the “Desabakthan” magazine from 1917 to 1920.

¾ After that, he published a weekly magazine “Navashakthi” in 1920. He published oration and editorial as a separatebooks which were novelty in his time.

¾ He presided and led the strike by employees of Buckingham and Carnatic Mills demanding pay rise.

¾ Under his leadership, Madras District Session of Congress took place in Kancheepuram in November, 1925.

¾ During this session, Periyar requested his permission to pass a resolution demanding community wise quota but Thiru.Vi.Ka. denied him to do so.

¾ Coupled with this denial, Periyar left Congress Party owing to differences of opinion over the issue of discrimination of students based on caste in Gurukulam conducted by V.O.C. Iyer in Cheran Mahadevi.

¾ In 1926, Thiru.Vi.Ka. left the Congress Party.

¾ He authored the following books: ‘Pennin Perumai’, ‘Murugan Alladhu Azhagu’ , ‘Manidha Vazhkaiyum

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Gandhi Adigalum’, ‘Pudhumai Vettal’, ‘Desabakhtaamirdham’, ‘Indhiyavum Viduthalaiyum’, ‘Tamil Thendral’, ‘Thiru.Vi.Kavin Vazhkhai Kurippugal’.

¾ He was popularly known as Tamil Thendral and passed away on 9th September, 1953.

¾ His birth centenary was celebrated by Tamil Nadu government with all grandeur in 1983.

¾ I n d i a n G o ve r n m e n t r e l e a s e d a commemorative stamp of him on 21st October, 2005.

9. E. VE. RAMASAMY

¾ He was born in Erode on 17th September, 1879. His parents were Venkatappa Nayakkar and Chinnathayi.

¾ E.Ve. R is the short of Erode Vekatappa Ramasamy Nayakkar.

¾ He was also known as Thanthai Periyar and was a social activist and reformer.

¾ His mother tongue was Kannadam. He can speak in three languages, namely Tamil , Telugu, and Kannadam.

¾ At the age of 19, he got married to 13 year old Nagammai in 1898.

¾ He took active participation in politics since 1915 and conducted Non-Brahmin Congress Session in Erode.

¾ He was elected as President of Erode Municipality in 1918.

¾ He joined the Congress Party in 1919 and participated in Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920.

¾ He along with his wife, Nagammai and sister, Kannammal participated in picketing liquor shop in Erode.

¾ During this protest, he felled 1000 coconut trees from his own plantation field.

¾ He was appointed as President of Madras District Congress in 1922.

¾ During Tiruppur meeting, he put forth his demand of implementation of reservation system in allotment of seats in Government schools and jobs.

¾ He fought for temple entry of schedule caste people living in Vaikom in Kerala on 3rd March 1924.

¾ As he secured temple entry for scheduled caste people, he was given the title “Vaikom Veerar”.

¾ When he was in Congress Party, he instituted a weekly magazine “Kudiyarasu” for the welfare of non-brahmins on 2nd May, 1924.

¾ ‘Pen En Adimaianal’ —- a famous feminist book written by E.Ve.R

¾ When Thiru. Vi. Ka. presided District Congress Session in Kancheepuram, he proposed a resolution demanding community wise quota system. As Congress Party refused to pass the resolution, he left the Congress Party.

¾ Upon his leaving the Congress Party, he launched ‘Self-Respect Movement’ in 1925.

¾ He conducted first Self-Respect Movement Conference in Chengalpattu in 1929. In that meeting, Sowndhrapandiyanar, Kuththusi Gurusamy, Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar participated.

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¾ He became Editor-in-Chief of the Dravidan newspaper in 1926. He launched an English Magazine ‘Revolt’ on 7th November, 1928.

¾ He was the first person who propounded the “family planning” system in India. In January, 1930, he wrote a book on family planning and created awareness among the public about population control.

¾ His wife Nagammai passed away on 11th May, 1933.

¾ His weekly magazine “Kudiarasu” was banned by the British Government in 1933 so he started “Puratchi” weekly magazine on 20th November, 1933.

¾ He had been supporting the Justice Party since 1934 and published “Pagutharivu” weekly magazine on 12th January, 1934. In this magazine, he eliminated 14 letters and brought reforms in Tamil Letters.

¾ On 1st January, 1937, Periyar published “Viduthalai” as daily newspaper which was previously published as weekly magazine by Justice Party on 1st June, 1935.

¾ Opposing enactment of law for making Hindi a compulsory subject in schools, he courted arrest in 1937.

¾ He got the title “Periyar” in women’s conference held under Neelambikai, daughter of Maraimalai Adigal. This conference took place in Madras on 13th November, 1938.

¾ He was elected as leader of Justice Party on 29th December, 1938. In 1939, he put forth a demand for “Dravida Nadu” in the Dravidian Unity Conference.

¾ On 27 th August, 1944, Justice Party conference took place in Salem. In that conference, Annadurai passed

a resolution by which name of the Justice Party was changed to Dravidar Kazhagam.

¾ At the age of 70, Periyar got married to, Maniammai who was 28 years old at that time.

¾ He lead a movement for burning national flag and burning pictures of Gods as token of protest to oppose the prejudice and discrimination based on caste within temples and the country.

¾ On 27th June 1970, in appreciation of his service to society, UNESCO organisation gave him the following titles: “Visionary of New World”, “Father Social Reforms movement”, “Socrates of South Asia”.

¾ It also conferred on him a certificate which states “Enemy of ignorance, superstition, meaningless rituals and customs”.

¾ He released a bimonthly magazine “Unmai” in 1970 from Trichy.

¾ In 1970, he led an agitation demanding anyone from any caste should become a priest provided that the concerned person underwent proper and systematic training to be a priest.

¾ He was suffering from herniaand was admitted in Vellore C.M.C. Hospital for treatment. He passed away on 24th December, 1973 at the age of 95.

10. SATHYAMURTHY

¾ Sathyamurthy was a freedom fighter and was born at Thirumayam in Pudukottai district on 19th August, 1887.

¾ He finished his graduation at Madras Christian College and Law graduation at Madras Law College.

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¾ He was famous for his eloquent speech. Hence, Congress Part sent him to England as a representative of the Joint Parliamentary Committee to debate the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms and Rowlatt Act.

¾ During his stay in England, he worked as a London reporter for the English newspaper, ‘The Hindu’ for 10 days.

¾ In 1930, he was arrested for trying to hoist Indian flag at Shri Parthasarathy Temple in Thiruvallikeni.

¾ In 1936, he was appointed as President of Madras Presidency Congress and Kamaraj, his disciple, was appointed as Secretary.

¾ In 1939, he was elected as Mayor of Madras. During his tenure as Mayor, there was scarcity of drinking water in Madras.

¾ In order to augment water supply, with the assistance of then Madras Governor Sir Arthurhope, he laid foundation for Poondi reservoir.

¾ In 1942, he was arrested for participating in Individual Satyagraha and imprisoned at Amravathi prison in Nagpur.

¾ On his way to Nagpur prison, his vertebral column was injured and drew his last breath before independence at Madras General Hospital on 28th March, 1943.

¾ Dheerar Satyamurthy lived in “Sundara” Home which was gifted by K.P. Sundarambal.

¾ When Poondi reservoir was completed in 1944, Sathyamurthy was not alive. To commemorate his service and sacrifice to the country, his disciple Kamaraj named

Poondi reservoir after him. Hence, the name “Sathyamurthy Sagar”.

¾ A commemorative stamp of him was issued by India Post in 1987 to recall his service to the nation.

11. THILLAIYADI VALLIAMMAI

¾ Valliammai was born at Johannesburg in South Africa on 22nd February, 1898.

¾ Munusamy Mudaliar and Janaki Ammal were her parents: they belonged to Thillaiyadi village situated close to Thanjavur.

¾ Though Valliammai had never visited India, she was a devout patriot of India.

¾ In South Africa, Gandhi led an agitation protesting racial discrimination in which she participated and was sentenced to 3 months imprisonment.

¾ During her confinement, she fell ill and was released from prison. Subsequently, she expired at the age of 16 on 14th February, 1914.

¾ In Thillaiyadi village, a public library was named after her. In 1971, Government built a Valliammai Memorial Hall at Thillaiyadi village in Nagapattinam district.

¾ She was emaciated during her release from prison. Taking pity on her debilitating illness, somebody suggested her getting South African citizenship and thereby avoiding hardships of being an Indian.

¾ Further, that person quizzed her why she was fighting for a country that didn’t have its own flag. Sooner, tearing a few pieces of fabric from her saffron, white, and green sarees and putting together,

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Valliammai showed and retorted, “Here is our flag and our motherland…!!!”.

¾ Gandhi designed the national flag in the same fashion given by Valliammai.

¾ A Commemorative stamp with her portrait was issued on 31st December, 2008.

12. TIRUPPUR KUMARAN

¾ Kumaran was born at Chennimalai in Erode district on 4th October 1904.

¾ In 1932, Kumaran led a protest march, holding national flags in their hands, in Thiruppur as part of Civil Disobedience Movement which was organized by Desabandhu Youth Association.

¾ To disperse the protestors, police meted out lathi charge. Suffering massive injury in his head due to lathi charge, Kumaran fainted on the ground but held the flag firmly and didn’t let it touch the ground.

¾ Hence, he was given the epithet, “Kodi Kaththa Kumaran” meaning one who defended the flag by sacrificing one’s life.

¾ In the hospital, he departed his life on 11th January, 1932.

¾ To honour his service to the country, a memorial was built by the government in Tiruppur.

¾ A commemorative stamp with his portrait was issued on his 100th birth anniversary in 2004.

13. CAPTAIN LAKSHMI

¾ Lakshmi was born on 24th October, 1914. Her father, Dr. Swaminathan, was an advocate and her mother, A.V.

Ammukutty alias Ammu Swaminathan, was a social activist.

¾ She studied in Madras Medical College and completed MBBS in 1938. In 1940, she went to Singapore and rendered her medical service to Indian labourers and poor people living in Singapore.

¾ Nethaji Subash Chandra Bose founded Indian National Army in 1942. Women division of INA named after Jhansi Rani was formed in July, 1943.

¾ She was appointed as Captain to Jhansi Rani Regiment.

¾ She was a minister in temporary government, ‘Azad Hind’ formed by Nethaji.

¾ In March 1947, she married Premkumar Sehgal who served with her in Indian National Army and thereafter lived in Kanpur.

¾ In 1971, she joined Communist Party of India (Marxist).

¾ In 2002, by left parties, she was pitted against Abdul Kalam in presidential election.

¾ Padma Bhushan award was conferred on her in 1998.

¾ At the age of 97, she expired in Kanpur Hospital on 23 July, 2012.

14. DR. MUTHULAKSHMI REDDY

¾ Muthulakshmi Reddy was born in Pudukottai on 30th July, 1886. She was the first woman doctor in India.

¾ Her sister died of cancer in 1923. Ensuing this, Muthulaksmi vowed to eradicate cancer from the society and established Cancer Relief Hospital in 1949.

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¾ Given her consistent efforts, Cancer Research Institute was founded in Adyar and then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru laid foundation stone for this institute.

¾ Apart from Medicine, She also contributed her valuable time for bringing reforms in political and social system.

¾ She dedicated her entire life to abolish Devadasi system which was an inhuman practice in her days.

¾ She was nominated to Madras Presidency Legislative Council in 1929 given her vigorous fight to abolish Devadasi System. Ensuing her perseverance, Justice party enacted a law abolishing Devadasi System.

¾ She conducted All India Women Conference in Pune in 1930.

¾ She was the President of All India Women’s Association from 1933 to 1947 except for her two years break.

¾ She founded Avvai Illam at Besant Nagar, an Orphanage to rehabilitate destitute people.

¾ In 1968, she departed her life at the age of 82.

15. DR. S. DHARMAMBAL

¾ Karunthattankudi nearby Thanjavur was the birthplace of Dharmambal. Having learnt Siddha Medicine, she founded a hospital in Madras and entered into social service.

¾ Attracted by the principles of Thanthai Periyar, she championed widow remarriage, intercaste marriage and women education.

¾ She was deeply interested in the development of Tamil literature and Tamil music.

¾ She was imprisoned many times for her participation in Anti-Hindi agitation.

¾ Till 1940, Tamil Teachers were not treated on par with other subject teachers and discrimination were entertained in terms of pay.

¾ That is, salary of a Tamil teacher was not increased. To secure Tamil teacher their due respect in society, she led an agitation programme called “Ezhavu Varam”.

¾ Ensuing this, then Education Minister, Avinasilingam Chettiyar issued a G.O. to pay salary to Tamil Teacher on part with other subjects teacher.

¾ She served as President of Madras Student’s Association for 10 years.

¾ Appreciating her service to Tamil language and its literature, she was given the title “Veera Tamil Annai”.

¾ She was the one who gave ‘Periyar’ title to E.Ve. Ramasamy Nayakkar.

¾ The title “Ezhisai Mannar” was given to M.K. Theagaraja Bagavadhar by her.

¾ In 1959, she passed away at the age of 69.

16. MOOVALUR RAMAMIRTHAM AMMAIYAR

¾ She was born in Thiruvarur in 1883 and brought up in Moovalur village near Myladudhurai. So she got a tag ‘Moovalur’ before her name, Ramamirtham.

¾ She was born in ‘Isai Vellalar Community’ whose girls were dedicated to the service

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of God and Arts. In due course, people of this community were taken for granted and abused by Kings and Zamindars.

¾ Saddened by indignity meted out on her community females and their slavery, she decided to dedicate her life to their liberation, self-esteem, dignity, and upliftment.

¾ Explaining the injustice inflicted on her community women, she toured the entire country and secured support for her cause.

¾ She joined the Congress Party and organised Isai Vellalar Community Conference in 1925.

¾ “Dasigalin Mosavalai Alladhu Madhi Petra Minor” was a novel authored by her and was weaved on the backdrop of her life story. The plights of Devadasis were brought to light by this novel.

¾ Her battle against Devadasi System aroused awareness among women of Tamil Nadu as well as created awareness among women at national level.

¾ In her lifetime, she was the source of inspiration for many women to align themselves for national movement and social reforms.

¾ She departed this life on 27 June, 1962.

¾ In honour of her service and sacrifice, Tamil Nadu Government has assigned her name to social scheme which is meant to provide financial assistance to poor women for their marriage. Name of the scheme is Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Memorial Marriage Assistance Scheme.

17. MA. PO. SIVAGNANAM (JUNE 26, 1906 - OCTOBER 3, 1995)

¾ Mylapore Ponnusamy Sivagnanam alias Ma.Po.C was a freedom fighter and an acclaimed Tamil scholar.

¾ He was born at Salvan Kuppam near Thousand Lights in Chennai on 26th June 1906.

¾ Given his love and command over the literature ‘Silapaadhikaram’, Sollin Selvar R.P. Sethupillai gave him a title ‘Silampu Selvan’.

¾ He was an eloquent speaker and joined the Congress party. Before independence, he authored two books in 1947, namely ‘Autonomy to Tamil People’ and ‘The British and Autonomy Scheme’.

¾ He started a movement called “Tamil Arasu Kazhagam” in 1946 when he was in Congress Party.

¾ In 1954, he exited the Congress Party.

¾ Tamil Nadu was previously called as Madras State. He carried out demonstration demanding that Madras State should be changed to Tamil Nadu.

¾ When states were partitioned based on language-spoken, he led a North Boundary Agi tat ion demanding Thiruthani be given to Tamil Nadu. Consequently, Thiruthani was included in Tamil Nadu.

¾ H e a u t h o r e d h i s t o r y b o o k s o f Kattabomman and V.O. Chidambaram. 142 books were written by him. Among them, 60 books are related to politics.

¾ His book “Vallalar Kanda Orumaipadu” secured him Sahitya Akademi Award in 1966.

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¾ Name of his autobiography is “My Struggle”. Tamil Nadu’s contributions to freedom struggle were compiled by him in two volumes.

¾ He ran a weekly magazine ‘Sengkol’ as well as ‘Tamil Murasu’ magazine.

¾ He served as a Member of Legislative Council.

¾ Tamil Nadu government nationalised his works on his 100th birth anniversary. A commemorative stamp with his portrait was issued in honour of his service to Tamil and its society.

18. P. JEEVANANDAM

¾ After Swami Vivekananda, Jeeva alias P. Jeevanandam was believed to have inspired the young people of Tamil community.

¾ He was born on 21st August, 1907 in Bhudhapandy village next to Nagerkoil. His father name was Pattapillai and her mother name was Oomaiammal. Sorimuthu was the name given to him by his parents.

¾ He wrote a novel “Sugunarajan or Swatantra Veeran” when he was studying 10th standard.

¾ In his young age, he served as a teacher in Desiya Gurukulam administered by V.V.S. Iyer. After its closure, he established ‘Gandhi Ashramam’ in Siravayal nearby Karaikudi.

¾ His collection of poem ‘Pennurimai Geethanjali’ was published as a book in 1933. This is the first book written by Jeeva.

¾ To propagate socialist ideas, he instituted ‘Janasakthi’ in 1937. His arts and

literary magazine ‘Thamarai’ started its publication in 1959. Both the magazines are published till now.

¾ He participated in Vaikam Satyagraha, M o ve m e n t a g a i n s t S u c h i n d r a m Untouchability, and Self-Respect Movement.

¾ His Union for Employees Security caused proliferation of labour union in various parts of Tamil Nadu and this paved the way for labourers to fight for their rights.

¾ When Communist Party of India was banned by Indian government in 1948, he went to Sri Lanka and continued his work.

¾ Jeeva authored two small books, namely ’History of Socialism’ and ‘Philosophy of Socialism’. Subsequently, many books related to socialism were translated into Tamil from Russian language.

¾ It became an obligation for Jeevanandam to preside over Congress Socialist Party, Union for Employees Security, and Self-Respect Socialist Party.

¾ During this time, he was also Editor-In-Chief for magazines of ‘Socialism’, ‘Arivu’ and ‘Janasakthi’.

¾ During Self-Respect movement, Jeeva devised a policy framework ‘Erode Scheme’ in coordination with Periyar. This scheme elicited much expectation among the public.

¾ Since there was difference of opinion with Periyar, he and his fellow socialists including Saththan Kulam A. Raghavan, Neelavathi and Ramanathan founded ‘Self-Respect Socialist Party’. ‘Socialist’ and ‘Arivu’ were party organs of Self-Respect Socialist Party.

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¾ First conference of this party took place in Trichy in 1936. S.A. Dange, one of the prominent member of Communist Party of India, participated in this conference.

¾ He was popular among Tamil people for his vivid lecture on Kambaramayanam and other ancient Tamil literature. His songs were famous in those days, especially “Kalukku Serupumillai, Kal Vaitrukku Kuzhum Illai”. It was reportedly said that audience were moved to tears after listening to his songs.

¾ He led a life of living example for honesty and modesty. He expired on 18th January, 1963.

19. ‘MARHSAL’ A. NESAMANI

¾ Nesamani was born as the second son on 12th July, 1895 at Vilavangkodu in Kanyakumari district. His parents were Appavu and Ganaammal.

¾ After finishing his B.A. under-graduation in Thiruvananthapuram Maharaja College, he worked as a Teacher. Then, he got his B.L. from Thiruvananthapuram Law College.

¾ After registering in Nagercoil court, he practiced as a lawyer since 1921.

¾ In his young age, he fought against social ills and its eradication. In those days, chairs were provided to upper caste Advocates whereas stools were provided to lower caste advocates.

¾ Piqued by this kind of discrimination within the court hall, he kicked the stool on his first appearance in the court hall and sat on the chair. His sustained struggle eradicated the caste discrimination within the court hall.

¾ After independence, Kanyakumari was under the administration of Travancore Presidency.

¾ Disputing this administration, Nesamani presided over a great number of agitations and demonstrat ions demanding Kanyakumari to be incorporated under Madras state.

¾ These struggles were called as ‘South Border Agitation’.

¾ Ensuing his struggle, Kanyakumari was annexed to Madras State on 1st November, 1956.

¾ Hence, people gave him titles, namely ‘Father of Kumari’ and ‘Marshal Nesamani’.

¾ He served as President of Nagercoil Municipality. He was also elected as a Member of Legislative Assembly.

¾ He served as a Member of Parliament from Nagercoil Constituency till his death.

20. IYOTHEE THASS

¾ Ayothidasar was born on 20th May, 1845 and expired in 1914. He was a British-Indian.

¾ His original name was Kathavarayan.

¾ Siddha Doctor - Iyothee Thass

¾ Adi Dravidar: He was a pioneer to all Dravidian Organisation in opposing caste discrimination. He asserted that religion of Adi Dravidar was Buddhism. Having embraced Buddhism, he became a role model to others. In 1891, “Panjama Mahajana Sabha” was established by Iyothee Thass and Rettamalai Srinivasan, another prominent Adi Dravidian leader.

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¾ Pan jama community people were outcaste, not included in the hierarchy of “Varna Ashrama Dharmam’.

¾ He was also called as Pandit Ayothidasar, Iyothee Doss, and Ayothi Dasa.

¾ His grandfa ther worked under George Harrington, a British Official. Kathavarayan (his childhood name) s tayed wi th h is grandfather in Harrington’s office which was in Ooty. This setting proved to be an advantage to him as he was able to gain knowledge and proficiency in Tamil literature, Philosophy, Siddha Medicine. He gained faculties to speak fluently in Tamil , English, Sanskrit, and Pali.

¾ In 1870, Ayothidasar created a sense of brotherhood among Thodar and other tribal people who were living in Nilagiri hills. He founded ‘Advaithananda Sabha’ in 1896. He along with Rev. John Rathinam — Christian missionary, launched a magazine, ‘Dravida Pandiyan’.

¾ He released a proclamation that scheduled caste people were not Hindus in 1886. He established ‘Dravida Mahajana Sabha’ in 1891. During census, he requested the scheduled caste people to register themselves as ‘casteless dravidars’. His measures were invigorating to “Anakarika Dharmapala” which was a Buddhist Reformist Organization in Sri Lanka.

¾ Iyothee Thass along with his supporters met Colonel H.S. Olcott and expressed his wish to embrace Buddhist religion. He also asserted that Parayar community originally belonged to Buddhist religion.

¾ Further, he propagated that aryan community expropriated the lands of

Parayar community who were the native people of Tamil -speaking land.

¾ With the support of Olcott, he went to Ceylon, had himself baptised by Sumangala Nayake, buddhist monk, and returned to India.

¾ In 1898, “Sagaya Buddhist Sangam”, which had branches all over southern india, was established by him in Chennai.

¾ He launched a newspaper ‘Oru Paisa Tamil an’ on 19th June, 1907 and fiercely criticised Brahmins. In 1914, he passed away at the age of 69.

¾ Iyothee Thass was recognised as the first-generation anti-caste leader of Madras Presidency.

¾ Moreover, he is the first popular scheduled caste leader embracing Buddhist religion. In many respects, forthcoming anti-caste leaders like Ambedkar, Periyar, Dravidar Kazhagam, and Thirumavalavan had imbibed the theory and practice of Iyothee Thass who embraced buddhist religion.

¾ Iyothee Thass was unknown to people for a brief period of time until Ezhilmalai published writing of Iyothee Thass through Parayar Sahitya Academy and circulated his books.

¾ From this time on, Iyothee Thass was widely known among the public. Ezhilmalai, an ex-Minister of Welfare, took efforts to establish National Institute of Siddha Research under the name of Iyothee Thass. Till 2005, it was not implemented and remained as mere proposal.

¾ By his sustained agitation and struggle, C.K. Tamil arasan, the leader of Indian

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Republic Party, reached out to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

¾ Finally, National Institute of Siddha Research was named after Pandit Iyothee Thass on 3rd September, 2005.

¾ On 21st October, 2005, a commemorative stamp with his portrait was released.

¾ In 2008, works of Iyothee Thass was nationalised.

21. C NATESA MUDALIAR

¾ C. Natesa Mudaliar, also known as Natesan, was a politician and activist of the Dravidian Movement from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

¾ He was one of the founders of the Justice Party along with Theagaroya Chetty and Dr. T. M. Nair.

¾ He was regarded as the “heart” of the Justice Party.

Early Life ¾ Natesa Mudaliar was born in a Tamil

family of Triplicane, Madras in 1875.

¾ He had his early schooling in Madras and graduated from Presidency College, Chennai and Madras Medical College before practising as a doctor.

Reuniting ¾ At the time in 1912, there were two groups

in the Madras Corporation Council.

¾ The Non-Brahmin group was led by the legendary Sir Pitti Theagaroya Chetti.

¾ The other group was led by T.M. Nair.

¾ The two leaders often clashed at Council meetings even though both were non-Brahmins.

¾ Natesa Mudaliar realised that if these two leaders could be brought together it would give the Non-Brahmin movement a fast forward push.

¾ Thus, Natesa Mudaliar was able to reconcile their differences.

Dravidian Movement ¾ The Madras Non-Brahmin Association

was formed in 1909 by two lawyers from Madras city, P. Subramanyam and M. Purushotham Naidu.

¾ Theagaraya Chetty did not involve himself in the movement until 1912, when the Madras United League was formed.

¾ It was formed by disaffected non-Brahmin members of the bureaucracy like Saravana Pillai, G. Veerasamy Naidu, Doraiswami Naidu and S. Narayanaswamy Naidu with C. Natesa Mudaliar as its Secretary.

¾ Later in 1912 itself (October), Madras United league was renamed as Madras Dravidian Association.

¾ It was the first time the word Dravidian was used for a political entity.

¾ Panaganti Ramarayaningar, later the Raja of Panagal was elected its President.

¾ As a part of its programme, the Madras Dravidian Association conducted a hostel called “Dravidian Home”

¾ It was for the benefit of non-Brahmin students who did not have hostel privileges due to caste-based discrimination.

¾ In 1914, Natesan ran such a Dravidian hostel in Triplicane, Madras.

¾ There was a meeting held in Madras in November 1916 by a group of about thirty people, including Theagaraya Chetti and Dr. T. M. Nair.

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¾ They established the South Indian People’s Association (SIPA) to publish English, Tamil and Telugu newspapers to publicise grievances of non-Brahmins.

¾ Theagarya Chetty became the secretary of SIPA.

¾ The newspaper was named Justice and started publishing from 26 February 1917 onwards.

¾ Dr. T. M. Nair was its first Editor.

¾ The meeting also formed the “South Indian Liberal Federation” (SILF) as a political association.

¾ Later, the association came to be popularly called the “Justice Party” due to the publication of the Justice Magazine.

¾ Theagarya served as the first President of the federation from 1917 till his death in 1925.

¾ The Justice Party sought a remedy by the earliest adoption of reservation and secularisation by law.

¾ Along with the Justice Party, EVR Periyar’s Self Respect Movement, started in 1925, joined hands to form the Dravida Kazhagam (DK) which served the anti-Brahmin, anti-North Indian and anti-Congress outfits.

Political Life ¾ Natesa Mudaliar sent lengthy telegrams

on the Anti Brahmin Movement to the London newspapers at great cost.

¾ The Times London published that in the ‘Letters to the Editor’ verbatim, creating quite a stir in Britain and India.

¾ In 1920, the Doctor moved a resolution in the Madras Corporation Council that what were called the Depressed Classes

and usually called Panchamas should be called Adi Dravidas.

¾ Natesa Mudaliar, along with Theagaroya Chetty, was instrumental in negotiating an end to the Buckingham and Carnatic Mills strike of 1921, organized by V. Kalyanasundaram, populary known as Thiru Vi.Ka.

¾ India’s first labour union, the Madras Labour Union (MLU) was formed at Buckingham and Carnatic Mills by B. P. Wadia and V. Kalyanasundaram Mudaliar on 27 April 1918.

¾ Natesan did not participate in the first general elections in Madras Presidency held in 1920.

¾ However, in the 1923 assembly elections, Natesan was elected to the Madras Legislative Council.

¾ He was twice elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly during 1923-26 and 1933-37.

¾ At the Non-Brahmin confederation in Coimbatore in 1927, he led the split of the Justice Party into two camps: Ministerialists and Constitutionalists.

¾ He functioned as the leader of the Constitutionalists till the two groups merged.

¾ In 1929, Natesan presided over the Justice Party conference in which a resolution was passed facilitating the admission of Brahmins in the party.

Last stage ¾ Natesan was expected to contest in the

1937 elections to the legislative assembly of Madras.

¾ But he died all of a sudden in February 1937 at the age of 62.

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Legacy ¾ Natesa Mudaliar lived for his ideals and

social reforms and in his honour a road in Triplicane was named after him.

¾ A park in Thyagaroya Nagar is also named after Natesa Mudaliar.

¾ K. M. Balasubramaniam, a writer and supporter of the Dravidian Movement, compared him to Mahatma Gandhi.

¾ His oft repeated phrase was: “The Justice Party is the justest Party, Give that party your support hearty.”

22. THEAGARAYA CHETTY

¾ Sir Pitti Theagaraya Chetty was an Indian lawyer, industrialist and a prominent political leader from the erstwhile Madras province.

¾ He was one of the founders of the Justice Party in 1916 along with C. Natesa Mudaliar, Dr. T. M. Nair.

¾ Theagaraya Chetty is regarded as one of the founders of the non-Brahmin movement in Tamil Nadu and the first to lead the movement.

Early Life ¾ Theagaraya Chetty was born in Egathur,

Madras Presidency in Telugu speaking Devanga family on 27 April 1852.

¾ On graduation in 1873, he entered public life and served as a member of the Corporation of Madras from 1882 to 1922.

¾ He served as a member or Councillor of the Corporation of Madras for 40 years from 1882 till 1922.

¾ He also served as the President of the Corporation of Madras from 1920 to 1923.

¾ He was the first non-official President of the Madras Corporation.

¾ He was elected to the Madras Legislative Council in 1910.

¾ He was one of the founder-members of the South Indian Chamber of Commerce and served as its President from 1910 to 1921.

¾ Theagaraya Chetty fought on behalf of the Indian Patriot newspaper and its editor Karunakara Menon against Dr T. M. Nair who later became his close associate.

¾ Theagaraya Chetty served as a member of the Indian National Congress before founding the South Indian Liberal Federation in 1916.







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¾ It was for the benefit of non-Brahmin students who did not have hostel privi leges due to caste-based discrimination.




¾ Theagaraya Chetty became the secretary of SIPA.








In Elections ¾ When elections were held in December

1920 in the Madras Presidency as per the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms, the Justice Party obtained a comfortable majority by winning 63 seats out of 98.

¾ The Governor of Madras Lord Wellington invited Theagaraya Chetty to form the Government.

¾ However, Theagaraya Chetty refused on account of the ethical rule that head of a political party can’t hold a post in the cabinet too.

¾ As a result, A. Subbarayalu Reddiar was appointed Chief Minister.

¾ Subbarayalu Reddiar had two Cabinet members, the Raja of Panagal and Sir Kurma Venkatareddi Naidu.

Last Stage ¾ Theagaraya Chetty died on 28 April 1925.

¾ He was succeeded by the Raja of Panagal as the President of the Justice Party.

His Legacy ¾ The Government honoured him with Rao

Bahadur in 1909, Diwan Bahadur in 1919, and Sir in 1921.

¾ He is usually credited for the victories of the Justice Party in the 1920 and 1923 elections.

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¾ North Madras Hindu Secondary School at Old Washermanpet in Chennai was founded in 1897 by Theagaraya Chetty and his father, as a school for the less privileged locals.

¾ Later it was transformed into Sir Theagaraya College in 1950 by his grandson.

¾ He is credited with the idea of serving mid-day meals to school children.

¾ The first midday meal in Chennai was served in the corporation school in Thousand Lights of Chennai in 1920.

¾ At Ripon Building, home to the Corporation of Chennai, the second oldest in the world, stands a statue dedicated to Sir Theagaraya Chetty.

¾ T.Nagar, a locality in Chennai which is named after him, was constructed between 1923 to 1925 by the Madras Presidency Government of the Raja of Panagal.

¾ Because of his love for white dresses, Theagaraya was aptly named Velludai Vendar.

23. RETTAMALAI SRINIVASAN

¾ Rettamalai Srinivasan is a social justice icon who carried an indomitable spirit fighting for equality and civil rights for the Dalits rubbing shoulders with another great icon of modern India, Ambedkar.

¾ Rettamalai Srinivasan was born on 7th July 1859 in the Village Kozhiyalam, Maduranthagam Taluk, Kancheepuram District.

¾ His Father name is Rettamalai.

¾ Srinivasan was fondly called as Thatha by the people.

Early Life ¾ He graduated Bachelor of Law at

Coimbatore Government Arts College.

¾ He was considered as the first graduate among the Scheduled Caste.

¾ He got married with Renga Nayaki in 1887.

Initial stage Activism ¾ He was the brother-in-law of the famous

Dalit ideologue Pandit Iyothee Thass.

¾ After the death of his first wife, Iyothee Thass married Srinivsan’s sister Dhana Lakshmi.

¾ During the early days of his political career in Nilgiris, he closely worked with the Theosophical society and Henry Steele Olcott.

¾ He also served as the president of Scheduled Castes Federation, Madras and Madras Provincial Depressed Classes Federation.

¾ After coming to Chennai in 1890, Rettamalai Srinivasan established and led the Paraiyar Mahajana Sabha in 1891 which later became Adi-Dravida Mahajana Sabha in 1893.

¾ He redeemed Panjami Lands and facilitated for getting House Pattas, Agricultural lands and Education for children in 1894.

¾ In the year 1895, British Official Viceroy Lord Elsin Visited Chennai, Rettamalai Srinivasan met him along with the people and handovered grievance petition.

¾ He organized a meeting on Dec 23, 1893 at Wesleyan Missionary Hall in Madras

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against the Congress petition demanding that Indian Civil Services Examination should be conducted in India.

¾ He opposed the move and said that if caste Hindus become civil servants, they will suppress the poor Depressed Classes (DCs).

¾ He gave a counter petition signed by 3412 people and submitted it to General Sir George Chesney at a massive meeting.

¾ The above event made the Depressed Classes assert themselves and fight for their rights at that point of time.

¾ In October 1893 he founded a Tamil newspaper at the age of 32, called ‘Paraiyan’, which highlighted the sufferings of the Depressed Classes (Who was later classified as Scheduled Castes).

¾ The magazine came out for 7 years and when he left India for South Africa it had a slow death.

¾ On October 21, 1898 he submitted a petition to the Government how the children of the Depressed Classes were denied admission in many schools.

¾ Responding to h is pet i t ion the government issued an order that the Chennai Municipality should establish schools.

With Gandhi ¾ From 1900 to 1921 he left India and went

to East Africa and then to South Africa.

¾ Srinivasan had the opportunity to listen to Gandhi’s talk in Zanzibar in East Africa in 1902 but met him at Phoenix in South Africa during 1906.

¾ He worked as a translator in a South African court when Gandhi was practicing there as an advocate.

¾ He was instrumental in Gandhi putting his signature in Tamil as “Mo.Ka. Gandhi” (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in Tamil).

¾ He met Gandhi thrice at Yeravada Jail on the Poona Pact issue, though critical of his stand on issues of untouchability, religion-based reforms and separate electorates.

¾ He states that “Gandhiji a great soul, on behalf of depressed classes, collected lakhs of rupees and had spent them on the education of their children, fought so many years to eradicate untouchability but was not able to change the heart of the caste Hindus.”

Later Part in India ¾ In 1921 he returned to India.

¾ In 1923, he was nominated for the Madras Legislative Council. Till 1929, he was a member of MLC.

¾ Srinivasan was instrumental in bringing legislations that allowed the DCs to use the public streets, buildings, wells and market.

¾ In 1922, MC Rajah passed a resolution demanding that the terms Paraiya and Panchama be dropped from official usage and instead be substituted with Adi-Dravida and Adi-Andhra.

¾ But even after two years there were violations in this regard.

¾ Srinivasan raised this concern in the house.

¾ He also sought to abolish the dominance of Caste Hindus in the Vi l lage Administrative Officer posts which was implemented by MGR government in 1980.

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¾ He was also instrumental in formation of a Labour Welfare Department in 1919 by the British government to ameliorate the sufferings of the Depressed Classes.

¾ He was the president of the first Adi Dravidars Provincial Conference held at Pachiayappan College of Chennai in 1928.

¾ He also demanded complete prohibition in the state at the Legislative Council.

¾ His wrote his autobiography on his own, Jeeviya Sarithira Surukkam (A Brief Autobiography). It was published in 1939.

With Ambedkar ¾ Srinivasan worked c losely with

Babasaheb Ambedkar.

¾ He states that, “Both me andAmbedkar worked as nail and flesh, we both went as representatives of the DCs at the Second Round Table Conference in London and fought for their political rights.”

¾ In August 1930, R.Srinivasan as the president of Madras Provincial Depressed Classes Federation disapproved the idea of reservation in joint electorates and categorically preferred separate electorates and insisted that representation should be on the basis of their numerical strength and the disabilities faced by them in the region.

¾ In November 1930, Rettamalai Srinivasan along with Ambedkar got an opportunity to represent the interests of the Depressed Classes.

¾ Both favoured the extension of minority status to the DCs and felt that such a measure alone could ensure their proper political representation.

¾ Rettamalai Srinivasan represented the Paraiyars in the first two Round Table Conferences in London (1930 and 1931) along with B. R. Ambedkar.

¾ In 1932, Ambedkar, M. C. Rajah and R. Srinivasan joined the board of the Servants of Untouchables Society established by Gandhi.

¾ However, shortly afterwards, the three of them withdrew from the Board, which was later renamed as Harijan Seva Sangh.

Ideologies ¾ Following Ambedkar ’s decision to

convert, Srinivasan issued a statement demanding him to reconsider his decision.

¾ Srinivasan as an M.L.C., in the Provincial government of Madras Presidency and President of Madras Provincial Scheduled Castes Federation maintained consistently that only a Constitution that was planned under the auspices of Parliament in England could serve justice to the Depressed Classes.

¾ Like Dr.Ambedkar, he believed that Gandhi’s religious approach would not lead to the material improvement of the DCs, but felt that legislations favouring temple entry would definitely improve the social status of the DCs.

¾ During the Round Table Conferences, Srinivasan brought significant publicity to the state of affairs for Dalits when he refused to shake King George V’s hand, publicly proclaiming, “I am an untouchable”.

Last stage ¾ Rettamalai Srinivasan breathed his

last in the year 1945 at the age of 85.

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Honours ¾ British Government honored him with

Rao Sahib in the years 1926 at Madras, Rao Bahadur on 1930, Diwan Bahador in the year 1936.

¾ He was honored as ‘Dravida Mani’ in the year 1940 presided by Rajaji in the Presence of Thiru Vi.Ka.

¾ The then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Selvi J Jayalalithaa in 6th July 2011, announced and ordered that 7th July, the birthday of Rettamalai Srinivasan will be celebrated as Government functions is honour of his service.

¾ A manimandapam has been established for Rettamalai Srinivasan in Gandhi Mandapam Campus in Guindy, Chennai.

¾ The centra l government i ssued commemorative stamps in 2000.

¾ The Liberation Panthers Party constructed a memorial in Otteri near Madras and named it Urimai Kalam (Field of Rights).

24. TM NAIR

¾ Taravath Madhavan Nair was an Indian medical practitioner, politician and political activist of the Dravidian Movement from the Madras Presidency.

¾ He founded the Justice Party along with Theagaroya Chetty and C. Natesa Mudaliar.

Early Life ¾ Nair was born near Tirur on 15 January

1868 in the Taravath family of Palghat, Madras Presidency.

¾ Nair graduated from Presidency College, Madras and joined the Madras Medical College.

¾ But prior to completing his course, he moved to Edinburgh of UK.

¾ His sister Taravath Ammalu Ammal was a Sanskrit and Malayalam scholar who wrote a book in Malayalam on the lives of the 63 Nayanmars

At UK ¾ He graduated in M.B., Ch.B. at the

University of Edinburgh and obtained his M.D. in 1896, with Sanskrit as the compulsory classical subject.

¾ During his stay in the United Kingdom, he was a member of the Edinburgh Student’s Representative Council, Secretary

¾ Later he became the President of the Edinburgh Indian Association, member of the Edinburgh University Liberal Association and University Union.

¾ He was also one of the editors of Edinburgh University Liberal’s magazine “The Student”.

¾ Prior to his return to India, Nair spent some time in London where he served as Secretary and later Vice-President of London Indian Society which was led by Dadabhai Naoroji.

¾ He also served as a member of the British Medical Association, the Royal Asiatic Society, the National Liberal Club and the Royal Society.

Activism ¾ The Antiseptic, a journal for Indian

doctors, was founded at Madras in 1904, by Nair, and edited by him up to his death in 1919.

¾ During World War I, he served as one of the surgeons in the hospital ship, S. S. Madras and was commissioned as a Lieutenant.

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¾ At the end of the war he was awarded the Kaiser-i-Hind medal and posthumously the War Service medal.

¾ From 26 February 1917 the newspaper Justice began publication, and Dr. Nair was the Chief Editor until his death in 1919.

¾ In his newspaper, Dr. Nair attacked his opponents in the Indian National Movement and supporters of the Home Rule Movement.

¾ Nair was a vigorous critic and opponent of Annie Besant, both politically and in regard to her Theosophical activities.

Politics and Admin ¾ Nair represented Triplicane in the Madras

Corporation from 1904 to 1916.

¾ In 1908, Nair was appointed member of the Labor Commission by the Government of India.

¾ He submitted a report condemning the situation of workers in factories and recommended the reduction of hours of work.

¾ H e p e r s o n a l l y s u b m i t t e d h i s condemnation and recommendations before the Secretary of State for India at London.

¾ From 1912 to 1916, Dr. Nair was a member of the Madras Legislative Council.

¾ Nair was associated with the Indian National Congress from the time of his return to India in 1897, but broke from it in 1917.

¾ He presided over the District Congress at Chittoor, North Arcot in 1907.

¾ In the Congress sessions in 1898 and 1899, he strongly condemned the present status

of Indian officers in the Medical services and campaigned for equal treatment to be meted out to them.

¾ When Nair lost the elections to the Imperial Legislature of India held in 1916, he blamed caste-based prejudices in the Indian National Congress for his loss.

¾ Nair felt that the Brahmins were dominating the Indian National Congress.

¾ He vehemently protested the Home Rule Movement launched by Annie Besant.









¾ It was for the benefit of non-Brahmin students who did not have hostel privileges due to caste-based discrimination.

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¾ Theagarya Chetty became the secretary of SIPA.








¾ In 1918–19, Dr Nair led a mission to England to speak in support of communal representations before a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

¾ Last Stage

¾ He died in London on 17 July 1919 as a result of a heart attack.

¾ His body was cremated at Golders Green, cemetery in London and which still attracts pilgrim.

¾ In 2008, the Government of India released a postage stamp in his honour.

¾ Dr. Nair Road, an arterial road running through T. Nagar, Chennai is named after him, since he lived and practised medicine from there.

¾ He was called as Dravida Lenin by EVR Periyar due to TM Nair’s Social thought and Self Respect philosophies.

25. PANAGAL RAJA

¾ Raja Sir Panaganti Ramarayaningar also known as the Raja of Panagal, was a zamindar of Kalahasti, and an important leader of Justice Party.

¾ Ramarayaningar was regarded as an advocate of democracy and a staunch supporter of empowerment of the depressed classes.

¾ He was the Chief Minister or Premier of Madras Presidency from 11 July 1921 to 3 December 1926.

¾ He was one of the founder-members of the Justice Party and served as its President from 1925 to 1928.

Early Life ¾ Ramarayaningar was born in Kalahasti,

Chittoor District, Madras Presidency on 9th July 1866.

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Activist life ¾ In 1912, he was nominated to the Imperial

Legislative Council of India in Delhi and represented the landlords and zamindars of South India.

¾ In 1914, Ramarayaningar moved a legislation for the creation of separate Provincial departments for the welfare of depressed classes.

¾ He served as a legislator until 1915.

¾ In 1912, the Madras Dravidian Association was established by C. Natesa Mudaliar.

¾ Ramarayaningar was elected as the first President of the Association.

¾ On 19 July 1917, at a conference in Coimbatore presided over by the Ramarayaningar, the four different non-Brahmin associations got together to form the South Indian Liberal Federation.

¾ Later this party unofficially was known as the Justice Party.

¾ In 1918, he was awarded the title of Dewan Bahadur.

¾ He was also made a member of the Imperial War Council the same year.

Reforms during his tenure ¾ When Subbarayalu Reddiar resigned,

citing health reasons, Ramarayaningar was appointed Chief Minister.

¾ He served as the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency from 11 July 1921 to 3 December 1926.

¾ The Madras Town Planning Act of 1920 had been passed on 7 September 1920 before the dyarchy was established.

¾ In 1921, the Raja of Panagal introduced the Hindu Religious Endowments Bill.

¾ As per this bill, trusts were established to maintain temple funds and given complete power over the administration of temples.

¾ In 1921, a labour strike erupted in the Buckingham and Carnatic Mills in Madras.

¾ The strike eventually came to an end in October through the mediation of C. Natesa Mudaliar.

¾ Dr. Gour’s Bill, introduced in 1921, brought about an amendment in the Special Marriages Act, sanctioning the legal validity of inter-caste marriages.

¾ In 1921, the Justice Party government of the Raja of Panagal introduced reservations for backward classes in government jobs.

¾ In August 1921, the First communal Government Order was passed.

¾ As per the order, 44 percent of jobs were reserved for non-Brahmins, 16 percent for Brahmins, 16 percent for Muslims, 16 percent for Anglo-Indians and Christians and eight percent for the Scheduled Castes.

¾ However, this Act did not guarantee adequate quotas for scheduled castes.

¾ In 1922, MC Rajah passed a resolution demanding that the terms Paraiya and Panchama be dropped from official usage and instead be substituted with Adi-Dravida and Adi-Andhra.

¾ In 1922, the Madras State Aid to Industries Act was passed.

¾ Through this Act, the government made it a state policy to advance loans to developing industries.

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¾ The Madras University Act was passed in the year 1923.

¾ As per the provisions of this Act, the governing body of the Madras University was completely reorganised on democratic lines.

¾ In 1925, the Andhra University Act was passed which included similar reforms in Andhra University.

¾ The Theagaroya Nagar locality in Chennai was developed during his Chief-Ministership in 1923 to 1925.

¾ The Raja of Panagal reorganised the Public Works Department in the Madras Presidency and improved medical facilities, water supply and communications in rural areas and patronised Siddha medicine.

¾ A School for Indian Medicine was set up. For this the Raja gave his property, located in Hyde Park Gardens, Kilpauk of Madras. The Kilpauk Medical College is now in that campus.

¾ Despite the fact that he was regarded as a communalist and anti-Brahmin, he nominated a Brahmin, T. Sadasiva Iyer as the Commissioner of the Hindu Religious Endowment Board.

¾ Ramarayaningar assumed office as Chief Minister for the second term on 19 November 1923 through the Madras Presidency legislative council election, 1923.

Post Tenure ¾ Theagaroya Chetty, the founder-President

of the Justice Party died in 1925 and the Raja, then Chief Minister of Madras succeeded Chetty as the second President of the Justice Party.

¾ Ramarayaningar resigned as Chief Minister in 1926 when the Justice Party failed to obtain a majority in the 1926 elections to the Madras Legislative Council.

¾ He, however, continued to remain active in politics and served as the President of the Justice Party until his death on 16 December 1928.

¾ In the Assembly elections which took place on 8 November 1926, no party was able to get a clean majority.

¾ The Swarajya Party won 41 of the 98 seats and emerged as the single largest party while the Justice party won 21.

¾ No party had a clean majority and the Swarajya Party which was the single largest party in the assembly was reluctant to form the government.

¾ The Governor appointed P. Subbarayan as the independent Chief Minister and nominated 34 members to the Council to support him.

¾ Raja became the leader of opposition in the council.

¾ In 1927, the Simon Commission which was appointed to report on the working of the progress of the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms landed in India.

¾ It was boycotted by the Swarajya Party and the Indian National Congress.

¾ However, the Just ic i tes and the Subbarayan Government accorded the Commission a warm reception.

Last Stage ¾ Ramarayaningar died on 16 December

1928 of influenza.

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¾ He was succeeded as the President of the Justice Party by B. Munuswamy Naidu.

Legacy ¾ Ramarayaningar was very active in the

All-India Non-Brahmin movement.

¾ He was a friend of Shahu Maharaj and was closely associated with the former’s Satya Shodhak Samaj.

¾ In 1923, the British government bestowed upon Ramarayaningar, the honorific title of “Raja of Panagal”.

¾ Ramarayaningar was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire on 5 June 1926.

¾ From 17 December 1920 to 11 July 1921, Ramarayaningar served as the Minister of Local Self-Government in the first Justice Party government led by A. Subbarayalu Reddiar.

¾ The Justice Party began to decline with the death of the Raja of Panagal.

¾ The lack of efficient leadership in the party is regarded as the main reason for its decline.

¾ The statue of the Raja of Panagal stands inside the park in T. Nagar that is named after him.

26. C.N. ANNA DURAI

Early life ¾ C.N. Annadurai (Conjeevaram Natarajan

Annadurai) was born on 15th September 1909 at Kanchipuram. He was born in poor family. His parents worked as weaver. His father’s name is Natarajan and his mother’s name is Bangaru ammal. He was brought up in his aunt’s house whose name is Ms. Rajamani.

¾ He studied in Pachiyappa’s School, Kanchipuram.

¾ He worked as clerk in Kanchipuram Municipal Office in 1927.

¾ In 1930, he married Ms. Rani.

¾ In 1931, his first essay named “Pengal Samathuvam” was published in magazine named “Tamilarasu” which was started by Masilamani Mudhaliyar.

¾ He graduated with B.A. (Honours) and M.A. (Economics & Politics) at Pachiyappa’s college, Chennai.

¾ He worked as a teacher in Govindappa Naicker’sschool, Chennai.

Social Life ¾ Professor Varadharajan and Justice

Party’s Venkatasamy has introduced 3 important ideas which made him to involve in social life. The three important ideologies are

Social Justice ¾ Non-Brahmins upliftment

¾ Bringing social changes with the support of political party

¾ He joined in Justice Party with the motto of establishing “Casteless Society” in 1934. For this, the editor of Magazine “Sunday Observer” P. Balasubramaniyam and the editor of journal “Justice” T.V. Nadhan helped him to join in this party. (They both were described as Political Twins).

¾ Anna’s f irst short s tory named “Kokarakoo” was published in Ananda Vikatan magazine in 1934.

¾ He met Periyar E.V. Ramasamy for the first time in Sengunthar Youth Conference held in Tiruppur.

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¾ He has contested in local body election from Chennai’s Pedhunaicken Pettai ward in 1936 and lost in election.

¾ The authority of managing the journal “Balabarathi” was given to Anna in 1936 which was started by Basudev.

¾ His first poetry named “Congress Uzhal” was published in Vidudhalai Magazine in 1937.

¾ In 1937, he headed Self Respect Conference held at Thuraiyur , Trichy.

¾ H e wo r k e d a s a s u b - e d i t o r i n “Navayugam” magazine in 1937 which was started by Kanchi Manimozhiyar.

¾ He went to Erode and became a full time sub - editor in magazine Kudiarasu and Vidudalai which were published by E.V. Ramasamy.

¾ When Rajaji was the Chief Minister of Madras Province, Hindi was made as a compulsory language in school. This issue faced severe criticism. In 1938, during first Anti-Hindi agitation Anna got 4 month imprisonment (first time).

¾ Since 1938, he has written & published open letters to various leaders under the pen name of “Bharathan”. Anna also wrote articles, stories, criticism and dramas under various pseudonyms (pen name) such as Sowmiyan, Otran, Sammatti, Nakiran, Samadharman, Venus, Veeran, Aani and Kurippon.

¾ In 1939, Anna’s first short novel named “Komalathin Kovam” was published in Kudiarasu magazine.

¾ He became a General Secretary of Justice Party in 1939 when Periyar E.V.R. was its president.

¾ Congress leader Dr. Varadarajalu described him as the “Brain of Justice Party”

¾ His first novel named “Veengiya Uthadu” was published in Kudiarasu.

Dravida Nadu policy ¾ State Conference of Justice Party has

commenced on February 24, 1940 in Thiruvarur. The policy resolution “Dravida Nadu for Dravidians” was passed in this conference which was proposed by ‘Sunday observer’ Balasubramanyam and Seconded byC. Basudev and Arignar Anna.

¾ He published “Dravida Nadu” magazine at Kanchipuram with the help of T.P.S. Ponappa, Anga Muthu and Ganesan in 1942 which was supported by R.Arangannal and Thilai Villalan.

¾ His first Drama/play, “Chandroodhaya” was staged at Lakshmi Vilas drama theatre at Thiruvadhipuram in 1943.

Ideology Politics ¾ On August 27, 1944, the resolution

was presented by Anna at 16th State Conference of Justice party in Salem. The Resolution says,

¾ Renounce the titles/names given by British Government like Sir, Rao Bahadur, Diwan Bahadur, Rao Sahib.

¾ People should resign from their Chairman of Local Council post and honourable Magistrate post.

¾ No caste sur name should be with their names.

¾ South Indian Liberal Federation (Justice Party) should be renamed as Dravidar Kazhagam.

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¾ The above resolution was passed after so many debates which was called as “Annadurai Resolution”.

¾ According to this resolution, Dravidar Kazhagam’s new President was Periyar E.V.R and its General Secretary was Anna.

His Creations/Works

Drama/Plays Or Iravu, Velaikari, Sivaji Kanda Hindu Samarajayam, Needhi Dhevan Mayakkam, Kadhal Jothi, Paavaiyin Payanam, Kumasthavin Penn, Kolakariyin Kurippu.

Movies (Story-Screenplay) Nallathambi, Velaikari, Or Iravu, sorgavassalNovels Rangoon Radha, Kalingathubharani, Parvathi B.A.,

Dhasaavatharam, En Vazhuvu, Kumarikottam, Vandikaran magan, Kadaisi Kanavu, Makkal Theerpu, Vellai Maaligaiyil.

Other Books (Essays) Romapuri Ranigal, Kambarasam, Periyapurana Puthaiyal, Panathottam, Maaji Kadavulgal.

Election Politics ¾ He worked as a editor for newspaper

“Maalaimani” in 1949 which was started by T.M. Parthasarathy.

¾ Conflict of interests arose between Periyar E.V.R and Anna.

¾ Periyar E.V.R married Maniyammaiyar on July 09, 1949, resulted in split of Dravidar Kazhagam and leader like Anna, E.V.K. Sampath, Nedunchezhiyan, M. Karunanidhi, N.V. Natarajan left the party.

¾ On September 17, 1949 they met at Tiruvottiyur Shanmugam’shouse which was located at No.7, Pavalakara Street, Parris Corner, Chennai.

¾ Meeting was held in this house which was headed by K.K. Nelamegam. And later formed a new party called Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

¾ The inauguration of new party was held at Robinson Park (Royapuram) Chennai on the same day, which was headed by “Pethampalayam” Palanisamy.

¾ Ideologies of DMK are

� Social Reform

� Equality in Economy

� Liberation from imperialism of North Indian Politics

¾ Anna announced his party’s triple code of conduct were Kadamai, Kanniyam, Kattuppadu (Duty, Dignity, Discipline).

¾ In 1950, Tiruchi court sentenced him six month of imprisonment for his work “Arya Mayai” (which was published in 1943) and Congress Government banned his work Arya Mayai and Latchiya Varalaru.

¾ In 1951, first DMK state conference was held in Chennai which was headed by C.N. Natarajan. At this conference, DMK decided not to participate in upcoming elections. At the end of the conference Anna made a emotional speech named “Kaneer Thuligale! En Kannin Manigalae”.

¾ In 1953, he announced a famous “Three corner protest” (Mummunai Porattam).

� Against Kulakalvi Thittam (Led by E.V.K. Sampath)

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� Rail Blockade Protest

� Renaming the name “Kallakudi” (Led by M. Karunanidhi)

¾ In 1953, he published “Nam Nadu” magazine for his party.

¾ In May 1956, the second DMK state Conference held at Tiruchi, the party announced that it will contest General Election in 1957.

¾ As per the party decision, DMK contested and won 15 seats in MLA election (Legislative Assembly Election) and 2 seats in Lok Sabha election.

¾ Anna won in Kanchipuram constituency and went to assembly.

¾ He started new English weekly magazine named “Home Land (1957)” and “Home Rule (1966)” to spread his ideologies around the world.

¾ In February 1962 General Election, DMK contested and won 50 seats in Legislative Assembly Election and 7 seats in Lok Sabha Election despite Anna lost in Legislative Assembly election, later got elected to Rajya Sabha in March 20, 1962.

¾ As per 16th Amendment Act, 1963 informally referred to Anti-secession Bill, prevented local political leaders in different regions within India from using the electoral process to propagate secession from the Union. This Amendment was passed due to consequences of India-China war in 1962.

¾ As the result, Anna dropped the claim for separate “Dravida Nadu”.

¾ Following this, the magazine “Dravida Nadu” stopped its publication in 1963 and he spread his ideas through magazine “Kanchi”.

¾ In 1963, DMK opposed the constitutional Amendment which made Hindi as official language in Part XVII of Indian Constitution (deals with official language). Anna opposed part XVII of the constitution and declared the protest against it.

¾ Anna felt that the Central Government was imposing Hindi on Tamil people as per this amendment.

¾ Before commencing the protest (17th November 1963) all DMK leaders were arrested including DMK party head Anna and charged cases on him.

¾ He was imprisoned for 6 months. This incident created popularity to DMK among people of Tamil Nadu.

¾ In 1965, Indian Government made Hindi as their official language. Due to this congress influence in Tamil Nadu started to decline and DMK headed by Anna influence began to rise.

Formation of Government ¾ In the General Election held in February

1967, Rajaji’s Swatantra Party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the Muslim League and DMK was allied together with Ma.Poo.Sivagnanam’s Tamilarasu Kazhagam and Adityanar’s “Naam Tamilar” party. This coalition of parties together called as United Front.

¾ DMK won 138 seats in Legislative Assembly and 25 seats in Lok Sabha and enjoyed great victory. The main reason for victory was Anti-Hindi agitation & scarcity of rice (food insecurity) during the period of government headed by Chief Minister Bhaktavatsalam.

¾ DMK MLA’s choose Anna as their party head of the assembly.

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¾ Later Anna went to Tiruchi from Chennai and met Periyar E.V.R and received wishes and greeting from Periyar E.V.R. who supported DMK’s rule until his death and called DMK’s rule as rationalized one.

¾ On 6th March 1967, DMK Party formed the Government under Chief Ministership of Anna. He did not contested in Legislative Assembly election at that time, later he contested in by - election on April 22, 1967 in a vacant seat on Tamil Nadu Legislative Council and won the election.

¾ The other ministers (DMK) were: � R. Nedunchezhiyan (Education) � M. Karunanidhi (public works) � K.A. Mathiazhagan (Food) � A. Govindasamy (Agriculture) � Sathiyavani Muthu (Welfare of

Adi Dravidar) � S.J. Sadhik Baadsha (Health and

Family Welfare) � S. Madhavan (Law) � M . M u t h u s a m y ( L o c a l

Governance)

Achievements ¾ His rule is secular (not belongs to any

religion). His ideology was religion should not mix with politics. Because of this, he passed a Government Order (GO) not to keep god images in any state Government office.

¾ He advocated the principle of “One Community – one God” (Ondre Kulam – Oruvane Devan).

¾ During election Campaign in party’s manifesto he promised to give minimum

cost rice. In order to achieve this, he introduced scheme Padiyarisi (One measure rice for one Rupee) in Coimbatore and Chennai at 15th May 1967.

¾ He enacted the Government law for approving Self Respect Marriage which took place since 1925.

¾ During those days, marriages were held under the priest (Brahmins) who recite Sanskrit Mantras to perform weddings, which was strongly opposed by Periyar E.V.R. and introduced a new system of marriage without Mangalaya Suthra (Thali) and reciting Vedic Mantras which was called as Self Respect Marriages.

¾ Anna introduced Hindu Marriage Amendment Bill in Legislative Assembly session. After this the bill became act and Self Respect Marriages got legal recognition (1967).

¾ He introduced Gold Medal Scheme which was given to couple who did Inter-Caste Marriage.

¾ Anna Government gave priority in public employment for person who marries widow.

¾ In July 1967 he renamed the Secretariat, St. George Fort to Thalamai Seyalagam.

¾ He introduced the resolution to change name of Madras Province to Tamil nadu. (C. Sankaranalinganar sacrificed his life for the change of state name in 1957).

¾ The resolution got passed without any opposition and subsequently the parliament amended the Article 3 of the Indian Constitution. From January 14, 1969 Madras province was officially called as Tamil Nadu.

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¾ He changed the term “Satyamev Jayathe” in Gopuram Symbol (State Emblem) to “Vaimaiyae Vellum” and other term“Government of Madras” to “Tamilnadu Arasu” and put it in regular official use.

¾ Seerini, a 1300 member volunteer organization was created.

¾ Tamil was introduced as official language and field of Governance by Anna.

¾ Scheme to rejuvenate coovam river was inaugurated by Anna.

¾ He abolished land tax for land whose cultivation depends on rain (Punsai land).

¾ He took free elementary and high school education to next level. Accordingly, he introduced new scheme to children whose parents monthly income is less than Rs. 1500 will be given free Pre-University Course (PUC).

¾ He named his economic policy as Scientific Socialism. He defined “Socialism is not just wealth; Socialism is not just about ensuring wealth but to strive to create equality”.

¾ The first step of socialism policy is Nationalization of Public transport (bus) in order to check the growing monopoly of private buses in Tamil Nadu which was first move in all over India.

¾ He developed a “Veeranam Project” for ensuring drinking water supply need to Chennai people.

¾ This project was launched in Cuddalore district which was implemented later.

¾ Chief Minister Welfare Fund was created by Anna.

¾ He hosted 2nd World Tamil Conference in 1968.

¾ In January 08, 1968, Official Languages (Amendment) Act was implemented. Tamil students staged a protest against this act. Later on, the protest got back as per promise made by Anna. As the result, bilingualism (2 language policy) came to existence in Tamil Nadu (i.e, English and Tamil)

Special Recognition: ¾ Pavendar Bharathidasan conferred the

title “Arignar” to Anna at the function held in Chennai, then after he has been called as Arignar Anna by people. Then he was called “Perarignar Anna” by people.

¾ For his honesty and soundness ideologies he was called as “Thennatin Gandhi” (South India’s Gandhi).

¾ In 1968, Yale University in United States awarded him the title “Chubb fellowship”. Anna was first non-American to receive this award (Chubb fellowship award was given to great scholars).

¾ Annamalai University conferred the honorary doctorate to ‘Anna” in 1968 for his Leadership quality, Good Governance and Political manners.

¾ Kalki Krishnamoorthy impressed with the revolutionary works of Annadurai and compared him to German drama artist Ibsen. He also called Anna as “Thennatin Bernadsha” (South India’s Bernadsha).

¾ Former President V.V. Giri praised “Anna is abode of high qualities”.

¾ A foreign scholar Lesslie Newbign said “The Creative Power of Poet; The

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Magnetic Power of Great Genius; A political sense of humour has imbibed in Anna”. His simplicity and discipline were being loved by all people. All these qualities are inscribed in a single person who was Anna.

¾ Anna is a excellent orator and his stage speech were unique.

Twilight Days ¾ Anna was diagnosed with Cancer in

September 1968. He was sent to United States for treatment and got admitted in New York Memorial Hospital and treated by Dr. Theodore Miller. He returned Chennai after his treatment.

¾ He participated in statue opening ceremony of Kalaivanar N.S. Krishnan held in January 14, 1969 which was last public function attended by Anna.

¾ Anna passed away on February 03, 1969. At his last funeral about 15 million people were appeared and his body was buried in Marina Beach, Chennai. Since then, the memorial has been erected in public tribute in the name of “ANNA SQUARE”.

27. KAMARAJAR

Childhood Days ¾ H e w a s b o r n i n Vi r u d u p a t t i

(Virudhunagar) on 15th July 1903.

¾ His Parents: Kumarasamy- Sivagami ammal.

¾ His birth name is Kamatchi (Based on family deity).

¾ His parents affectionately called him ‘Raja’. Later, both the names were

mingled and he was known as Kamaraj thereafter.

¾ He studied in schools Enathi Nayanar Vidyasala and Kshathriya Vidyasala.

¾ He discontinued his schooling when he was in 6th standard due to his family financial condition.

Freedom struggle ¾ He joined in the Indian National Congress

in 1919.

¾ He participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920.

¾ He was elected as a member of the Virudhunagar Municipality in 1922. Then he met Congress leader S. Sathyamoorthy, who was Political Guru for Kamaraj.

¾ He participated in the Vaikom Satyagraha (1924) and Susindram Temple Entry Movement.

¾ He became a member of the Madras Provincial Congress Committee in 1925.

¾ He participated in the Sword Satyagraha (1927).

¾ The British banned Indians carrying arms like dagger, spear, etc. This was opposed vehemently by Indians, consequently the ‘Sword Satyagragha’ movement was started.

¾ The Satyagraghis marched towards the streets, carrying swords and propagating inalienable right to bear arms.

¾ In 1927, Kamaraj organized a meeting called the Indian Republic Congress at Virudhunagar which was presided by Nehru.

¾ He campaigned the Congress ideology in rural areas, which was supported by

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‘Thiruvannamalai’Annamalai Pillai and ‘Rajapalayam’P.S. Kumarasamy Raja (who later become Chief Minister).

¾ H e p a r t i c i p a t e d i n a n t i - S i m o n demonstration along with George Joseph in 1928, when Simon Commission reached Madurai.

¾ In 1930, he participated in Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha and later got arrested and sentenced 2 years imprisonment in Alipore Jail. This was his first imprisonment. Then Satyagrahis was released according to Gandhi-Irwin Pact which was signed in March 05, 1931.

¾ S. Satyamoorthy was elected as President and Kamarajar was elected as Secretary in Tamil Nadu Congress Committee election held in Karaikudi in 1936.

¾ He was elected unopposed from Sattur constituency in Madras provincial Assembly election held in 1937.

The President of TNCC ¾ In 1940, Kamaraj was elected as the

President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee.

¾ He was arrested in Karur on the way to meet Gandhi in Wardha to discuss about Individual Satyagraha and sent to Vellore Jail.

¾ In 1941, he was elected as the Chairman of Virudhunagar Municipality when he was in prison (Later he resigned from the post).

¾ In 1942, Quit India Resolution was passed in Bombay, Kamaraj was participated in that meeting while returning he got arrested and imprisoned in Vellore Jail for 3 years.

¾ In 1946, Kamaraj won the Madras Provincial Assembly election from Sattur Constituency.

¾ In 1946, he elected as member to the Constituent Assembly.

¾ When India got independence he went to S.Satyamoorthi’s house and hoisted the National Flag.

¾ He was elected as a member of All India Congress Committee in 1947.

Behind the First Amendment Act ¾ In 1950, during Chembagam Doraisamy

Case, the Madras High Court ruled out the validity of Communal G.O. (1928) which gave communal reservation for Backward class people in education and public employment which was against the “Right to Equality” of Indian Constitution.

¾ Later Supreme Court also upheld the Judgment. (1951)

¾ The people of Tamil Nadu thought that the Right of backward class people has taken away.

¾ A tense situation has developed in Tamil Nadu.

¾ Then Kamaraj as the president of Congress in Tamil Nadu explained Nehru about the situation prevailing in Tamil Nadu and explain him about importance of communal reservation and urged him to take necessary step. Nehru accepted the suggestions of Kamaraj and enacted the First Amendment Act (1951).

¾ In 1952, Congress Party won 152 seats out of 375 seats in Assembly elections in Madras Province. Rajaji became Chief Minister with support of some parties. At that time, Kamaraj was elected as

39



MP from Srivilliputhur Parliamentary Constituency.

¾ In 1953, Chief Minister Rajaji introduced a new system of elementary education called “the Modified Scheme of Elementary Education” in Tamil Nadu. This created controversy. Moreover, it was sarcastically called as “Kula Kalvi Thittam”. Congress Party also opposed this scheme. So, Rajaji resigned as the Chief Minister on March 25, 1954.

Chief Minister ¾ Kamarajar sworn as Chief Minister

of Tamil Nadu on April 13, 1954. He resigned from Member of Parliament post in the Lok Sabha.

¾ He kept the Ministers in Rajaji’s Cabinet remain unchanged.

¾ In Kamaraj Chief Ministership (1954) other minister were

� A.P. Shetty (Health)

� M. Bhaktavatsalam (Agriculture)

� C. Subramanyam (Education)

� M.A. Manikavelu (Revenue)

� Shanmuga Rajeswara Sethupathy (Public Works Department)

� Parameshwaran (Hindu Endowment Board)

� S.S. Ramasamy Padaiyatchi (Local Governance)

¾ He was the first Chief Minister of India who do not know English language.

¾ On 18th May 1954, Chief Minister Kamaraj announced withdrawal of Rajaji’s Education Policy. (“Kulakalvi Thittam”).

¾ Later he contested in by-election held at Gudiyatham Constituency and became a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA).

¾ In 1955, the Indian Congress Session (INC) held at Avadi near Chennai, the responsibility of conducting this session was given to Kamaraj.

� The premises where the meeting will take place was named as Satyamoorthy Nagar.

� President of the Session – U.N.Dhebar

� Chief Guest to the Session – Yugoslavia’s President Marshal Tito.

� The famous resolution to establish of the “Socialistic Pattern of Society” was passed.

� This resolution was proposed by –Nehru

� This resolution was seconded by - Kamaraj

¾ Kamaraj opposed the proposal of “Dakshina Pradesh” that the Union Government sought to create in 1956, as per P.C. Roy’s plan.

¾ Dhakshina Pradesh in sole administrative unit of Southern State comprises of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

¾ In Kamaraj period, the present border line (boundary) of Tamil Nadu was completely mapped (i.e, determined).

Education Revolution ¾ In 1954, Kamaraj constituted an

E l e m e n t a r y E d u c a t i o n R e f o r m Committee with R.M.Alagappa Chettiyar as Chairman.

� N.D.Sundaravadivelu was one of its member

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� This committee submitted its report to government in 1955.

� The committee was expected to suggest ways and means for implementing the directive principle (DPSP) contained in Article 45 of the Constitution

¾ Kamaraj who discontinued his schooling due to poverty so he gave opportunity to other poor children to continue their education in school.

¾ For this causes, he allocated the double the amount for primary level education.

¾ He had also ensured that villages with the population of 300 people should provide with primary school.

¾ He introduced Mid-day meal scheme to all schools with support of people, to prevent children discontinue from their schooling due to poverty.

¾ In 1920, based on the idea of P.Theagaraya Chetty , ( then Mayor of Madras Corporation) the mid-day meal scheme introduced in a Corporation school in Thousand Lights area.

¾ Later Government to discontinue the scheme due to some reasons. However, in 1925 the scheme was re-implemented.

¾ On advice of the Kamarajar, Director of Public Instruction N.D. Sundara Vadivelu enacted Mid-day meal scheme into an education movement with the support and participation of people.

¾ Mid-day meal scheme was first introduced in 1956 at Ettayapuram (Birth place of Bharathiyar). This was thefirst time in independent India.

¾ Mid-day meal scheme had 2 objectives.

� Increase student enrollment in school.

� Reduce the students drop out from schools.

¾ In 1957, Kamaraj ordered to make a survey of schools.

¾ He introduced a triple benefit scheme to school teachers that included pension, provident fund and insurance schemes.

¾ In 1958, Kamaraj set up the Madras State Education Advisory Committee under the Chairmanship of C. Subramaniyam.

¾ C. N. Annadurai was one of its member.

¾ Kamaraj ordered to conduct “School Improvement Conference” throughout Tamil Nadu to seek financial assistance for Mid-day meal scheme

¾ In 1958, the first meeting of “School Improvement Conference” held at Kadambur (Tiruvallur District)

¾ In 1959, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru attended the School Improvement Conference held at Thekkur (Karaikudi) and Adaikalapu (Thirunelveli).

¾ Kamaraj increased school working days from 180 days to 200 days.

¾ He introduced the uniform system to school children to eradicated imbalance between students in schools. He gave free uniforms to poor children.

¾ School Meals and School Improvement Schemes Assessment Committee was constituted in 1960 with K. S. Subramaniam as Chairman.

¾ Kamaraj who introduced compulsory s c h o o l e d u c a t i o n i n 1 9 6 0 a n d implemented across all over the state in 1962.

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¾ The American government was very much impressed by the Mid-day meal scheme and came forward to associate itself in the scheme. It sent milk power packets through CARE(‘Cooperative A m e r i c a n R e l i e f E ve r y w h e r e ’ ) programme in the year 1961-1962.

¾ During his tenure, (1963) the age of retirement of teachers was raised from 55 to 58.

¾ In the final phase of British period, the literacy rate of Tamil Nadu is 7% which had been improved to 37% in Kamarajar’s rule.

¾ In Madras Assembly Election of 1957, Congress won 151 seats. Kamaraj became Chief Minister again for second term. In his Chief Ministership, other minister were

� Bhaktavatsalm (Home)

� C. Subramaniyam (Finance)

� R. Venkataraman (Industries)

� M.A. Manickavelu (Revenue)

� P. Kakkan (Public Works)

� V. Ramayya (Electricity)

� L o u r d a m m a l S i m o n ( L o c a l Governance)

Pachai Tamizhan (A True Tamizhan) ¾ On December 27, 1956 Tamil was declared

as the official language for the state of Tamil Nadu (released on January 23, 1957 in Gazette)

¾ Kamara j Government formed a committee under the chairmanship of Ki.Aa.Pe. Viswanatham to develop Tamil glossary for research, appropriate translations for technical syllabus and jargons

¾ During his tenure, the Budget (Annual Financial Statement) year 1957-58 was prepared in Tamil for very first time.

¾ During his rule, Tamil Development and Research Council was established in 1959. On this recommendation the Government Arts College in Coimbatore, introduced Tamil as the teaching language in their Bachelor’s degree in the year 1960-61.

¾ Tamil Nadu Text Book Corporation started to publish text books in Tamil language.

¾ Periyar called Kamarajar as “Pachai Tamizhan” (The True Tamizhan).

Progressive Laws ¾ The Madras Cultivating Tenants

Protection Act, 1955 was passed under his period, ensured welfare of farmers.

¾ In 1958, he introduced Madras State Panchayat Act, resulted in creation of more than 12,000 Panchayat and 373 Panchayat Unions.

¾ The Tamil Nadu Land Reforms (Fixation of Ceiling on Land) Act, 1961 was enacted under his rule. This act ensured and regulated land on one’s hand and checked ownership of more than 30 acres of land for a family of five.

Developmental schemes ¾ Mettur Paper Industry, Mettur Canal

Project & Cauvery Delta Development Project were brought by him.

¾ In 1958, Mani Muttharu Dam was built. Also, Amaravathi Dam was constructed.

¾ Parambikulam – Aliyar Irrigation Project had been implemented with the cooperation of two states Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In 1961, Prime Minister Nehru

42



inaugurated the Parambikulam- Aliyar Project.

¾ In his rule, Kundha Electricity Project was completed. The main reason for completing this project with the help of Industrial Minister R. Venkataraman (who later became the President).

¾ Under his rule, Tamil Nadu showed progress in all fields like agriculture, industry, education and medicine.

¾ In his period, power generation has increased. As the result more villages had got electricity connection and supplied with electricity. Many industries was opened.

¾ Kamaraj development programs in Tamil Nadu are aimed at creating socialism. Henceforth, he fondly called as “Democratic Socialist Architect” by people.

¾ Kamara j brought some Centra l Government Projects in Tamil Nadu. They were

¾ Neyveli Lignite Corporation (with the help of East Germany) (Kamarajar was sole responsible for bringing this central government project)

¾ Neyveli Thermal Power Plant (with Russia’s assistance)

¾ Integral Coach Factory, Avadi, Chennai (with Switzerland’s assistance).

¾ Hindustan Teleprinter Factory (with Switzerland’s assistance)

¾ R a w P h o t o F i l m I n d u s t r y a t Udhagamandalam (France’s assistance)

¾ BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited), Tiruchi.

¾ Manali Oil Refinery Plant.

¾ Heavy Armoured Vehicle Factory, Avadi, Chennai.

Consecutive Victory ¾ “Navasakthi” Magazine was launched

in 1960 under the guidance of Kamaraj to propagate the policies of congress (Editor: T.S. Chokkalingam).

¾ In Legislative Assembly Election (1962), Congress won 139 seats and elected Kamaraj as the Chief Minister. Kamaraj sworn as Chief Minister for the third consecutive time.

¾ Other Ministers in third term were

� M. Bhaktavatsalam (Education)

� Jothi Venkatachalam (Public Health)

� R. Venkataraman (Finance)

� M . S . A b d u l M a j e e t ( L o c a l Governance)

� B.Kakkan (Agriculture)

� V. Ramayya (Public Works Revenue)

� N.S.S. Mandradiyar (Co-operative Societies Forest)

� G. Poovaragavan (Information and Broadcasting)

¾ Kamaraj served as Chief Minister for nine years consecutively from 1954 to 1963.

K-Plan ¾ After Chinese War in1962, the Prime

Minister Nehru realized that Congress Party became weakened and met Kamaraj at Hyderabad and formulated K-Plan to retrieve congress from shock.

¾ According to this plan, the senior leader of Congress Party should resign from the Minister ship and work for their party.

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¾ Kamaraj resigned from Chief Minister post in October 02, 1963 as per K-Plan.

¾ Except Nehru many other leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri, Jagjivan Ram, Morarji Desai and S.K. Patil resigned from the minister post and returned to party work.

¾ Periyar described that the Kamaraj’s resignation is like suicide.

President of All India Congress Committee ¾ Kamaraj was elected as the President

of the All-India Congress committee in 1964. He presided the following congress session.

� Bhubaneswar (1964)

� Durgapur (1965)

� Jaipur (1966)

¾ After the death of Prime Minister Nehru on May 27, 1964. Kamaraj made Lal Bahadur Shastri as the Prime Minister of India.

¾ After signing Tashkent Agreement, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away. Then Kamaraj (as president

of all India congress) made Indira Gandhi to sworn as Prime Minister.

¾ When Kamarajar served as President of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee made Prakasam, Omandur Ramasamy, Kumaraswamy Raja to serve as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

¾ When he was President of all India Congress, he supported Lal Bahadur Sastri, Indira Gandhi to serve as Prime Minister of India.

¾ Therefore, he is proudly known as King Maker.

¾ The Anti - Hindi agitation that began in Tamil Nadu on January 25, 1965 diminished Congress’s influences. As the result Kamarajar lost in Legislative Assembly election in 1967, he contested from Virudhunagar constituency.

¾ Kamarajar resigned from the Presidentship of All India Congress in 1967.

Final Phase of Life ¾ In 1969, the All-India Congress split into

two factions due to conflict of interest.

Congress

� Congress(O)

� Known as Syndicate

� Leaders: Nijalingappa, Kamaraj, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy

� Congress(R)

� Known as Indicate

� Leaders: Indira Gandhi, Bhaktavatsalam, C. Subramaniyam

¾ In 1969, he won in the by-election from Nagercoil parliamentary constituency.

¾ Kamaraj led Congress (O) formed alliance with Rajaji’s Swtantra Party in Assembly

Election in 1971. But Congress (O) won only 15 seats.

¾ Kamaraj died on October 02, 1975.

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¾ He was awarded with the “Bharat Ratna” posthumously in 1976.

Impact made by Kamarajar ¾ In 1995, then Finance Minister Manmohan

Singh introduced a scheme called “National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education” all over India. This scheme was based on Kamaraj’s “Midday meal Scheme”.

¾ Kamaraj’s “Midday meal Scheme” has further developed and has implemented as a “Nutritious Meal Programme” in Tamil Nadu since July 01, 1982.

¾ Due to his contribution towards education, his birth anniversary (July 15) is celebrated as ‘Educational Development Day’.

¾ He is also known as Perumthalaivar (Great leader), Karmaveerar, Kalvi Kan Thiranthavar, Karuppu Gandhi (Kala Gandhi).

28. OMANDUR RAMASAMY

Early Life: ¾ Omandur Ramasamy was born on

1st February 1895 in Omandur near Tindivanam in Villupuram District.

¾ His Parents: Muthuraman – Ranganayaki.

¾ His family has the surname “Periya Valaivu”. Hence he was called Omandur Periyavalaivu Ramasamy (OPR). Later he was proudly called Uttamar OPR and Omandurar.

¾ He attended primary schooling in Omandur and later continued his schooling in Walter Schulter High School (belongs to Arcot Mission, Tindivanam)

and Triplicane Hindu High School, Chennai.

¾ He studied upto 8 th standard and discontinued his school education due to his family situation.

¾ I n 1 9 1 0 , h e g o t m a r r i e d t o Singarathaammal. After few years, his wife and son died due to ill health.

¾ He later became an ardent devotee of Ramana Maharishi who lived in Tiruvannamalai.

Freedom Struggle: ¾ Vengambu Shastri majorly contributed

Omandur to involve in public life.

¾ Omandur joined in Congress in 1919.

¾ In 1920, he attended the Congress session presided by Vijayaragachariyar held in Nagpur.

¾ In 1930, Omandur became the leader of South Arcot District Congress Committee.

� South Arcot District comprises of Cuddalore, Villupuram and Kallakurichi District in present days.

¾ He sent volunteers to Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha March in 1930 so that he got arrested and jailed (for first time).

¾ 13. Omandur was active participant in boycotting foreign clothes held at Villupuram in 1932. For this, he got 6 month of imprisonment.

¾ In 1936, the famous “Kirambu (Clove) Satyagraha movement was launched by Omandur with the support of S.R. Subramaniyam and V. Subbiah (both belongs to Puducherry)

� Kirambu (Clove) Satyagraha is planned protest by national leader including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to

45



protest against unloading the cloves in Indian ports which was carried by ship from Jhansi bai Island, Africa.

¾ He was spiritual so started the Skandha Ashram.

¾ In 1938, he became the leader of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee by contesting against Satyamoorthy.

¾ Vinobha Bhavae was first Individual Satyagrahi in 1940. T.S.S. Rajan was first Individual Satyagraha in Madras Province.

� Later Omandur participated in Individual Satyagraha and got arrested (imprisoned in Tiruchi jail later changed to Vellore jail).

¾ At the commencement of Quit India Movement (1942), Omandur was arrested and imprisoned for 15 months under the Prevention of Police Act.

¾ In 1945, Omandur presided over the Natural Farmer Conference held in Kottaiyur, Virudhunagar.

¾ In 1946, he got elected in Madras Province Legislative Council election.

Chief Minister favouring agriculture ¾ He became the Chief Minister of Madras

provinces on March 2, 1947. Prior to him, all other Chief Minister who got elected belongs to royal families, zamindars and barrister. But Omandurar came from simple agricultural family.

¾ He was symbol of simplicity. In his cabinet, other ministers were.

� Avinasilingam Chettiar (Education)

� B. Gopala Reddy (Finance)

� M. Bhaktavatsalam (Public Works & Information)

� Dr. P. Subburajan (Police & Law)

� Dr. T.S.S. Rajan (Food)

� H. Seetharama Reddy (Industry)

� K. Chandramouli (Local Governance)

� Danies Thomas (Liquor)

� K. Madhav Menon (Agriculture)

� Kala Venkata Rao (Land Revenue)

� A.P. Shetty (Health & family welfare)

� V. Kurmaiah (Rural Development)

¾ On the day of independence (15 August, 1947) Omandurar was Chief Minister of Madras Province. So he hoisted the National Flag in Fort St. George.

Laws of achievement ¾ T. Prakasham brought some changes in

Communal Reservation in 1946 which has been existed since 1928.

¾ Omandurar felt the changes (amendments) was against social justice and he abolished all the changes (amendments) brought by T. Prakasam (in 1946) and firmly implemented communal reservation, therefore he was called “Beardless Ramasamy” [Thadi ilatha Ramasamy (Periyar)]

¾ Under his period, the Criminal Inquiry Act was repealed on June 05, 1947.

¾ During his period, “Devadasi Abolition Bill” (1947) was passed (1947) and became Act.

� Young women in the village temple were forced to service in the temple (which was called as “Pottu Katuthal”). This was considered a predicament on site of feminism (i.e. encouraging female slavery causes disrespect to women)

46



¾ This law was introduced by Omandurar on October 09, 1947 to eradicate the completely Devadasi System completely by eliminating some of short commences in the previous Devadasi Abolition bill.

¾ It came into effect on November 01, 1947.

¾ He introduced Hindu Religious Charity Act to protect the property of Temple and Monasteries.

¾ Under his period, the Zamindari System was abolished in 1948 and newly introduced Ryotwari System.

¾ In Madras provinces only selected district followed prohibition of Liquor/Alcohol but under his regime, prohibition of Liquor was implemented all over Madras Province.

¾ Omandurar, who was the first person in India to purchase the Private plane “de Havilland Dove” for the use of State Government.

¾ Hyderabad was annexed by India on September 17, 1948 through “Operation Polo”. Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel congratulated Omandurar who was Chief Minister of Madras province at that time for his help and suggestions.

Father of Adi Dravidar Welfare Development

¾ Under this rule “Temple Entry Act” was passed in 1947.

� The law permitted all caste people including depressed class people to enter into temple.

� Those who violate this law was legally punished.

� This Act addressed some of complaint & grievances found in Temple Entry & Compensation Act”, which was

enacted in 1939, during Rajaji’s period.

¾ Omandurar gave priority to Adi Dravidars while giving Government lands to public used, for this reasons he passed the Government Order (GO)

¾ During his period, Adi Dravidas Welfare Department was created. Hence, he was known as “Father of Adi Dravidar Welfare Department”

Devotee of Tamil Language ¾ During the Omandurar period, in 1948

Tamil Language was introduced as official language for office use in Tiruchirappalli District.

¾ Omandurar made “Thirukkural” as compulsory subject in the schools.

¾ Under his period, the Government awarded the Prizes for the best Tamil Books/works.

¾ Omandurar introduced new post called Royal Poet (Ashana Kavignar) in Legislative Assembly

� Namakkal Kavignar Ramalinganar was first Royal Poet (Ashana Kavignar)

¾ In his period an Government Order (GO) was passed on November 23, 1948. As per this order,

� In Tamil Nadu temples the name of to God & Goddess should be changed to Tamil. Tamil must present in entrance of temple & in tower.

¾ The “Gopuram Emblem” of Tamil Nadu was decided in 1948 and rent to Central Government for the approval. The symbol was designed by Artist R. KrishnaRao. When Kumarasamy Raja

47



was Chief Minister it was put into official use.

¾ In his rule, the National poet (Desiyakavi) Bharathiyar works were nationalized in 1949.

¾ Once Omandurar went to Tirupathi in that public meeting, he told “My ancestor were Telugu speakers but I proudly says, I am Tamilian and My mother tongue is Tamil”

¾ He was first to use term “Gentlemen and Gentle mothers” (Periyavargalae Thaimargalae) in public meet which was used frequently in all public meeting and debate in Tamil Nadu.

Great soul (Uthamar) in Vallalar Way: ¾ He was elected as a member of

Constitution Assembly immediately after resigning from Chief Minister post on April 6, 1949 due to political crisis.

¾ He headed Saiva Siddhanta Conference held at Kundrakudi in 1951.

¾ In 1951, he moved to Vadalur in Cuddalore district following the ideologies & teaching of Vallalar Ramalinga Adigalar, who spoke for human equality. He started to practice agriculture again. He lived in Vadalur following the path of Vallalar until his last breathe.

¾ He created the following in Vadalur:

� Sutha Sanmargha Nilayam.

� Vallalar Gurukula Palli (ie., Vallalar Gurukula Schools)

� Appar Orphanage & poor students housing

� Appar schools home

� Ramalinga volunteer home

¾ In 1967, he headed Vivekananda centenary function held in Coimbatore.

¾ In August 25, 1970 he was buried in Vadalur in sitting posture.

¾ Leader saying about Omandur

� Sacred Soul (Atma) by Rajaji

� Omandur Ramasamy no…. Gandhi Ramasamy (Omandur Ramasay Allais Gandhi Ramasamy) by Arignar Anna.

� Unpolished Diamond Stone (Pattai Theetapadatha Vairakkal) by Nehru.

29. RAJAJI

Early Life ¾ Rajaji was born on 10 December 1878

at Thorapallinear Hosur, Krishnagiri district (presently). His birth name is Rajagopal.

¾ He later known as Rajagopalachari in short as Rajaji.

¾ His parents: Venkatarya Chakravarti -Singarammal.

¾ He studied in the following institutions:

¾ Central College, Bangalore.

¾ Presidency College, Madras.

¾ Madras Law College.

¾ He married Alamelu Mangammal.

Mango of Salem ¾ In 1900 he began his career as a Lawyer

in Salem.

¾ Swadeshi movement (1905) was developed due to partition of Bengal. This incident changed his life.

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¾ Rajaji attended the Congress session (1906) in Calcutta along with Namakkal kavignar Ramalinganar and V.O.C.

¾ Session president - Dadabhai Naoroji.

¾ He also attended the Surat Congress session in 1907.

¾ He was elected as a member in the Salem Municipal Council in 1911.

¾ Rajaji attended the Social Reform Conference at Tiruchirapalli in 1914 and he was elected as the President in the conference.

¾ He supported the Inter-caste marriage.

¾ He started the “Tamil Scientific Term Society” in 1916.

¾ Rajaji joined in the Home Rule League and started a branch of the League in Salem.

¾ Rajaji attended the LucknowCongress session in 1916.

¾ He served as Chairman in the Salem Municipal Council from 1917 – 1919. The reform brought by him:

¾ Eradication of Untouchability.

¾ Inter-caste dining (Samapandhi Virundhu)

¾ Promotion of education of backward class people.

¾ He formed the Salem Literature Forum (Salem Ilakeya Mandram)

¾ He is known as “Mango of Salem” (Salethu Mambazham).

Freedom Struggle ¾ He became the Madras High Court

Lawyer (prosecutor) in 1919.

¾ He quit his lawyer profession after meeting Gandhi in Chennai. Then participated in the Rowlatt Satyagraha.

¾ He participated in the Non – Cooperation Movement in Chennai in 1920.

¾ Rajaji was sentenced to three months of imprisonment for attending the public meeting (Protest against arrival of Prince of Wales in 1921).

¾ After his release from prison he wrote the book “Siraiyil Thavam” in 1922.

¾ He elected as a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC).

¾ After the arrest of Gandhi in 1922, the responsibility of publishing Gandhi’s journal Young India, has given to Rajaji.

¾ In 1922, he attended the Gaya Congress session and followed the path of Gandhi and supported “No Changers” faction. From then he played important role in National politics.

¾ He participated in the Vaikom Satyagraha in 1924.

¾ In 1924, he started an ashram in Pudupalayam near Tiruchengode which was constructed on the model of “Gandhi’s Sabarmathi Ashram” and named it as “Gandhi Ashram”.

¾ Ratina Sabapathy who was the person to donate his land for this Ashram.

¾ In 1929 Rajaji published the Tamil magazine “Vimosanam” from this Ashram. The journal dealt about prohibition of Liquor.

¾ The editor of the magazine was ‘Kalki’ Krishnamoorthy.

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¾ As well as his English magazine “Prohibi t ion” which emphases “Prohibition of Alcohol”.

¾ In 1930 he elected as the President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee.

¾ Gandhi praised Rajaji as “My Conscience Keeper”.

Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha ¾ On March 12, 1930, Gandhi began

famous Dandi March and broke the salt law on April 6, 1930. It was called Salt Satyagraha.

¾ Rajaji went to Madurai and consulted Vaithiyanathar and N.M.R. Subba Raman (also known as Madurai Gandhi) to conduct Salt Satyagraha based on the model of Dandi March and choose the place “Vedaranyam” for conducting the Salt Satyagraha.

¾ Accordingly Rajaji along with 99 congress volunteers started the salt satyagraha Yatra from Tiruchirapalli to Vedaranyam on April 13, 1930.

¾ They sung the song “Achamillai” (wrote by Subramanya Bharathi) in that march.

¾ Namakkal Kavignar Ramalingamwrote the new song “Kathiyindri Rathamintri Yuttam ondru varuguthu” (a war is coming without knife and blood”) for this Yatra.

¾ Satyagrahis reached Vedaranyam on April 28, 1930.

¾ Rajaji took some Satyagrahis along with him and reached Agasthiyam palli Village near Vedaranayam, broke the salt law and got arrested.

¾ The persons who led the Salt Satyagraha after Rajaji’s arrest were:

� K. Santhanam

� Mattaparai Venkataraman.

� K. Subramaniyam.

� G. Ramachandran.

¾ Vedaranyam Salt satyagraha lasted about one and a half months.

¾ Some other important leaders participated in the Salt Satyagraha were:

� Sardar Vedharatnam.

� T.S.S. Rajan.

� Rukmani Lakshmipathy.

� C. Swaminathan.

¾ Rajaji became Acting President of All India Congress Party in 1932 and played a key role in signing Poona Pact (on September 24, 1932).

¾ Rajaji’s daughter Lakshmi got married to Gandhi’s son Devadas Gandhi.

¾ He constructed a new boarding hostel for Adi Dravidar students in Tiruchengode in 1935.

Formation of the Government (First Term)

¾ Congress party contested in the election in Madras province (1937) for first time and Congress won 159 seats out of a total of 215 seats.

¾ Rajaji became Chief Minister on July 15, 1937. Other ministers in his cabinet were

� T. Prakasam

� P. Subbarayan

� V.V. Giri

� T.S.S. Rajan

� Yakub Hassan Seth

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� Munisamy Pillai

� S. Ramanathan

� Bezawada Gopala Reddy

� Kongkatti Raman Menon

¾ He passed Agricultural Debt Relief Act, 1938 to solve the problems of the farmers.

¾ A new committee was formed under the Revenue Minister T. Prakasam to remove the Zamindari System. This Committee recommendation was adopted by those who came to power later.

¾ He passed Temple Entry Authorization and Indemnity Act, 1939 which gave legal right for depressed class people to enter into temple.

¾ Vaithiyanathan, L.N. Gopalasamy implemented this act at Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai.

¾ During his rule, Liquor Prohibition enacted for the first time in Madras Province (Salem district) from 1st October 1937.

¾ Sales tax was introduced to compensate the loss incurred by state by prohibiting the liquor sale.

¾ This tax was introduced by Rajaji for first time in Asia.

¾ During his period, the Stanley Medical School was upgraded to Stanley Medical College in 1938.

¾ In the academic year 1938 – 39, Rajaji declared Tamil as the medium of instruction in schools in Tamil Nadu.

¾ He introduced Gandhi’s Wardha Scheme of Education in schools.

¾ In 1938, he made Hindi as a compulsory second language from 6th to 8th standard

in schools in Tamil Nadu. This issue paved the way for the anti – Hindi Agitation in Tamil Nadu.

¾ The British Government made India to participate in the 2nd World War without Indian leader consultation. Due to this congress Ministry resigned in all the Provinces.

¾ So, Rajaji’s Cabinet resigned on 29 October 1939.

¾ He got arrested under Defense of India Rules Act and imprisoned for a year.

¾ In April 1942, Rajaji led Madras provincial Legislative Congress members passed a resolution. This resolution was named as Madras Resolution. Accordingly,

� To support Muslim League for forming separate country (Pakistan).

� Establishment of Central Government in Centre and Federal government in Provinces.

¾ He opposed the Quit India Movement (1942). Following this, he left the Congress Party.

¾ C. Rajagopalachari’s formula (C. R. formula) was a proposal formulated by Rajai in 1944 to solve the political deadlock between the All India Muslim League and Indian National Congress on two nation theory and independence of India from British.

¾ He rejoined in the congress in 1945.

Chanakya ¾ He became a Minister in Interim

Government formed in 1946.

� Portfolio: Industries (first)

� Education and Arts (Later)

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¾ Richard Casey (the Governor of Bengal from 1944 to 1946) called Rajaji as the “Wisest Man in India”.

¾ He was appointed as thefirst Governor of West Bengal, after India’s Independence.

¾ He was appointed as theActing Governor – General of India in November, 1947 for a few days.

¾ Rajaji succeed Mountbatten as “Governor-General of Independent India”.He was first and last Indian to hold this position (From June 21, 1948 to Jan 26, 1950).

¾ After India became Republic, he became Union minister without anyportfolio for a few months. After death of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on December 15, 1950, Rajaji assumed the role of Home Minister. Later he resigned from the minister post due to difference of opinion with Nehru.

¾ Due to his Political knowledge he hailed as “Chanakya”.

Formation of the Government (Second Term)

¾ After the general elections in 1952, no party proved majority in Madras Assembly, so Governor of Madras Province Sri Prakasa asked Rajaji to form the Government. Rajaji sworn as Chief Minister on April 1952 with coalition of some parties. In his Cabinet, other ministers were:

� A.P. Shetty.

� C. Subramaniyam.

� K. Venkatasamy Naidu.

� N. Renga Reddy.

� M.V. Krishna Rao.

� V.C. Palanisamy Goundar.

� R. Naguna Gowda.

� N. Sankara Reddy.

� M.A. Manicka Velu.

� K.P. Kutti Krishnan.

� Shanmuga Rajeswara Sethupathi.

� Pattabhirama Rao.

� T. Sanjeevaiah.

¾ Speaker of the Legislative Assembly– Siva Shanmugam.

¾ Confidence Motion was introduced at the Madras Legislative Assembly for first time in Independent India on June 30, 1952.

¾ It is brought by Ruling Government.

¾ No confidence Motion is often brought by opposition party.

¾ Pannaiyal/Tenants Protection Act, which was introduced in 1952, to affirmed the rights of tenant farmer over their leased land in Thanjavur.

¾ During his period, the problems of the weavers who had been doing the traditional textile weaving were solved. He did

� Inauguration of weaver co-operative society.

� Establishment of Handlooms Board

� Strengthening of Khaddar industries & Village based cottage industries

� Because of this Rajaji’s period was called the “Golden Age of Handloom Weavers”.

¾ During his period in 1953, Andhra became separate state from state of Madras (Its capital – Kurnool).

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¾ Andhra people claimed ownership of Madras. Rajaji denied this claim and retained Madras as capital of Tamil Nadu.

¾ Rajaji introduced a new education scheme called “Modified Scheme of Elementary Education” in Tamil Nadu.

� Education Minister at that time was C. Subramaniam.

� Rajaji introduced 4 hours of schooling instead of full day.

� Student utilize this free time to learn thier family profession.

� Periyar and Anna have criticized this as “Kula Kalvi”and Caste Education.

¾ Rajaji’s educational reform has faced severe controversy. So he subsequently resigned his post in 1954.

¾ Rajaji was the first person to receive “Bharat Ratna” award along with

� S. Radhakrishnan

� Sir. C.V. Raman.

Mootharignar (Scholar Emeritus) ¾ After leaving Congress he formed a

new party called Congress Reform Committee in 1957.

� President : K.S. Venkata Krishnan

� This party contested in the Assembly Election of Madras State in 1957.

¾ In 1959 Rajaji formed the Swatantra Party in Chennai

� First President of the Party: N.G. Ranga

� General Secretary: Minno Masani

� Other important leader: Murari Vaithiya.

¾ It was considered as Right wing party and an alternative to Congress.

¾ The purpose of party to end Nehru’s “License – Permit -Raj” system.

¾ This party was called “Inanala Katchi” by Periyar E.V.R.

¾ Rajaji expressed his views on behalf of party through the English Magazine “Swarajya”.

� Editor of this magazine: Khasa Subba Rao.

¾ He met John F. Kennedy in White House, USA in 1962 to halt the use of nuclear weapon for world peace on behalf of Gandhian peace movement.

¾ In 1962 Legislative Assembly election the party formed alliance with Anna Durai’s DMK, this alliance continued till 1967 election.

� Anna called him as “Mootharignar” (Scholar Emeritus).

¾ In 1938 when he was Chief Minister in Madras Province imposed Hindi at schools in Tamil Nadu. But in 1965, when anti – Hindi Agitation started he supported students and opposed imposition of Hindi.

¾ In 1971, he formed alliance with Kamaraj’s faction Congress (O) and faced the election.

Contribution to Literary Works ¾ His series based on Ramayanam were

published in the Magazine Kalki under the name “Chakravarti Thirumagan”. This book was awarded with Sahitya Academy Award in 1958.

¾ His other works were

� Thirumular Thirumozhi

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� Sokkirathar

� Kudikedukum Kal

� Thikketra Parvathi

� Vysar Virunthu (Mahabharatham)

� Kannan Kattiya Vazhi (Bhagavat Geethai)

¾ His English translation work

� Thirukural (1965)

¾ He wrote the book “Mankind Protests” against testing of Nuclear Weapons.

¾ He has written the epitome “Sri Ramakrishna Upanishad” about life of Paramahamsa Ramakrishna.

¾ He wrote famous song “Kurai Ondrum Il lai” which was sung by M.S. Subbulakshmi.

¾ He died on December 25, 1972.

30. P.S. KUMARASAMY RAJA

Early life ¾ He was born on 8 July 1898 in Rajapalayam.

¾ His Parents: ‘Poosapadi’ Sanjeevi Raja - Muthammal.

¾ Poosapadi is the village where their forefathers lived.

¾ He studied at Hindu High School in Srivilliputhur.

Swarajya Palayam ¾ He inspired by the activities of Home

Rule League which was started by Annie Besant.

¾ He hosted the Home Rule Meetings in Srivilliputhur and Rajapalayam in which B.P. Wadia participated as the Chief Guest.

¾ B.P. Wadia was one of the Prominent leaders in Home Rule Movement.

¾ He inspired by writings of Annie Besant and Speeches of S.Satyamoorthy.

¾ After meeting Gandhi in 1919 (for first time), he fully engaged in India’s freedom struggle.

¾ He participated in Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919).

¾ He was the Vice-President of the Reception Committee in the first Khilafat Conference held in Madras in 1920.

¾ He established Peasant Association and Harijan Sangh in 1921 at Rajapalayam Region.

¾ Both Kumarasamy Raja and his political guruI.B. Arangasamy Raja were actively participated in Non – Cooperation Movement.

� I.B. Arangasamy Raja formed the Congress Committee in Rajapalayam.

¾ He actively campaigned on eradication of Untouchabilityandpromotion of Khadi products.

¾ In 1925 he arranged meeting on occasion of Gandhi’s Birthday in Rajapalayam. S. Srinivasa Iyengar attended the meeting and praised the activities of Kumarasamy Raja which made Rajapalayam as Swarajya Palayam.

Southern Gandhi ¾ He established Gandhi Khaddar

Vastralayam Company at Rajapalayam in 1927, which was inaugurated by Gandhiji.

¾ This company was merged with All India Sarka Sangh in 1929.

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¾ He participated in Anti – Simon Protest.

¾ He established All India Sarvodaya Sangh’s branch in Rajapalayam (This was thefirst branch of Tamil Nadu).

¾ In 1931, he participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement which involved in boycott of foreign cloths and Toddy Shop Picketing.

¾ B r i t i s h G o ve r n m e n t d e s c r i b e d Rajapalayam as Dread Town (Achamuttum Nagaram) after Kumarasamy Raja’s activities.

¾ He participated in Karachi Congress session (1931).

� He proposed the idea for No tax movement

� INC President: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

¾ In 1932, he was arrested and imprisoned for a year for protesting against British.

¾ His book “My Introduct ion As a Gandhian” attracted the people’s attentions.

¾ He was called “Southern Gandhi” by people of Rajapalayam.

People’s Representative ¾ In 1934, he was elected to the Central

Legislative Assembly.

¾ In 1937, he was elected to Madras Provincial Legislative Council.

¾ He conducted the Fortieth (40th) Tamil Nadu Provincial Political Conference at Rajapalayam in 1938.

� President of the Conference: Omandur Ramasamy.

¾ In 1940 he was sentenced to nine months imprisonment for participation in Individual Satyagraha (Tiruchi Jail).

From Gandhian to Governor ¾ He was elected unopposed from

Srivilliputhur Constituency in Legislative Assembly election in 1946. He served a Minister of Agriculture, Public Works and Cooperative in the Cabinet of T. Prakasam (who was Chief Minister at that time).

¾ When he was Agriculture Minister he levied agricultural income tax to the persons who earns Rs. 5000/- and above as agricultural income in a year.

¾ He was the President of “Hindustan Scout Association”. Its headquarters at Adyar, Chennai.

¾ He resigned from his Minister post after different of opinion with Chief Minister Prakasam.

¾ When India’s attained Independence, he celebrated the occasion in Rajapalayam in grand manner.

¾ He established Cooperative society and cooperative banks.

� Bhupathi Raja cooperative bank in Rajapalayam is the result of efforts of Kumarasamy Raja.

� He formed Rajapalayam Cooperative Housing Society in 1948.

¾ He established “Gandhi Kalai Mandram” in Rajapalayam.

¾ When Omandur Ramasamy was Chief Minister, the conflict between the land lords and their farm labourers in Thanjavur emerged as the problem.

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� Chief Minister appointed the Commission to analyze the about this issue.

� Chairman of the Commission - Kumarasamy Raja.

� Members - C. Subramaniam and R. Venkatraman.

¾ When Omandur Ramasamy resigned from his Chief Minister post, Kumarasamy Raja sworn as Chief Minister on April 6, 1949. In his cabinet:

� T.S.S. Rajan

� M. Bhaktavatsalam

� M. Seetharama Reddy

� K. Chandramouli

� Pesawada Gopala Reddy

� K. Madhava Menon

� Kala Venkata Rao

� A.P. Shetty

� P. Parameshwaran

� C. Perumal Samy

� Rossah Victoria

� Neelam Sanjeev Reddy

¾ After enacting Constitution, India become Republic on January 26, 1950. At that time “Madras Presidency” became “Madras Province”.

� Kumarasamy Raja was Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (Madras Province), when the country became Republic.

¾ Omandurar passed Zamindari Abolition Act in 1948. Due to some practical difficulties it was not fully implemented.

� Kumarasamy Raja executed this Act bravely.

� Zamindari Lands was seized by Madras Government. Then it was duly given to Landless farmers with the land document (Patta).

¾ Complete Prohibition of Liquor, Adi Dravidar Welfare Board and Land Reform which was brought by Omandurar came into effect when Kumarasamy Raja was the Chief Minister.

¾ During his period the District Courts were separated from Executive and brought under the control of High Court in 1949.

� This gave independence to District Judicial System.

¾ During his period Communist Party of India was banned in Province on 6 September, 1949 for various reasons.

¾ During his period, in Champakam Dorairajan Case, Madras High Court passed the verdict that the Communal Reservation was invalid in Madras Province. The Government headed by him appealed to Supreme Court. Later Supreme Court upheld the judgement of Madras High Court.

¾ As the Chief Minister of Madras Province, he played a key role in enacting the First Amendment Act (1951) for continuation of the Communal Reservation.

¾ For this the awareness campaign was conducted by Periyar E.V.R and Anna Durai.

¾ Both Kumarasamy Raja and Kamarajar insisted Congress Leaders (High Command) to resolve Communal Reservation issue.

¾ He lost in the Legislative Assembly election held in 1952.

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¾ He served as the Governor of Orissa from 1954 to 1956.

¾ In 1955 he establishedthe Congress Golden Jubilee Ground in Rajapalayam.

¾ Inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

¾ He died on March 15, 1957.

31. KALAIGNAR KARUNANIDHI

Early Life ¾ Kalaignar Karunanidhi was born on 3rd

June 1924 in a village called Thirukkuvalai in Thiruvarur district. His birth name is Dakshinamoorthy. Later he changed his name as Karunanidhi.

¾ H i s p a r e n t s : M u t h u v e l a r – AnjugamAmmal.

¾ He started the organization called Tamil Manavar Mandram (Tamil Students Association).

¾ He established “Ilaigner Marumalarchi A m a i p p u ” ( Yo u t h R e n a i s s a n c e Organization).

¾ He edited Manava Nesan (1938), a handwritten Journal, later it was converted into Murasoli, a printed publication in 1942.

Public Life ¾ He was inspired by the activities of

Justice Party Leader Alagirisamy and involved in the public life.

¾ He was associated with the journal Kudiarasu (Edited by Periyar E.V.R)

¾ Actor M.R. Radha gave him the title “Kalaignar” (An Artist) after seeing his drama (play) ‘Thookumedai’. Then after he was known as ‘Kalaingar Karunanidhi’.

¾ He headed the “Kallakudi” renaming protest in 1953. Later he was sentenced to six month of imprisonment.

¾ The name Kallakudi was changed when he became Chief Minister in 1969.

¾ He was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly from Kulithalai constituency in 1957 and won all the elections he contested until 2016.

Formation of the Government (First term)

¾ When DMK came into power in 1967, he became Minister of Public Works (in Anna’s Cabinet). He became the Chief Minister on February 10, 1969 after the demise (death) of Anna. His tenure was

� 1969 – 1971 – 1st term as Chief Minister

� 1971 – 1976 – 2nd term as Chief Minister

� 1989 – 1991 – 3rd term as Chief Minister

� 1996 – 2001 – 4 th term as Chief Minister

� 2006 – 2011 – 5 th term as Chief Minister

¾ During his period he amended the Tamil Nadu Agricultural Labourers Fair Wage Act, 1969 and increased wages to agricultural Labourers in the Cauvery Delta region and penalise landowners who exploit labours.

¾ During his period, he amended the Tamil Nadu Land Ceiling Act, 1961 and reduced maximum acreage from 30 acres to 15 acres in 1970.

� The acquired land was given to landless farmers.

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¾ He came up with a program of village electrification in 1969, supplies surplus electricity to villages.

¾ In his rule, the problems in the “Cotton Mill” was resolved by implementing the recommendation of B.S. Loganathan Committee. This committee was formed during the period of Anna.

� More Textile industries was formed.

¾ During his period P.V. Rajamannar Commission was setup in 1969 to examine the ‘Centre – State Relations’.

¾ The Commission consists of

� P.V. Rajamannar (Chairman)

� A . L a k s h m a n a s a m y Mudaliyar(Member)

� P. Chandra Reddy (Member)

¾ Recommendation of the Commission are

� An Inter – State Council should be set up.

� Article 356 and 365 (dealing with President’s Rule) of the Indian Constitution should be totally omitted.

� All- India services (IAS, IPS and IFS) should be abolished.

¾ The report was submitted to State Government in 1971.

¾ Under his rule, Tamil Nadu Police Commission was established for the first time in 1969.

� Chairman of the Commission: R.A. Gopalasamy.

¾ Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board was established in 1970. It was formed under Tamil Nadu Areas Improvement and Clearance Act, 1971.

� The main function of this board to eradicate slum and provide hygienic settlements of them.

¾ He announced the work of Manonmaniam S u n d a r a m P i l l a i ’s “ N e e r a a r u m Kadaludutha” song as the state song of Tamil Nadu. (Thamizh Thaai Vaazhthu). Its music was composed by M.S. Viswanathan.

¾ He attended the third World Tamil Conference in Paris in 1970.

¾ He found the International Institute of Tamil Research at Chennai in 1970 for doing research about the Tamil Language.

¾ He constituted the State Planning Commission (SPC) in Tamil Nadu on 25th May 1971, which was first in India.

¾ In 1971, he established the State Industries promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) under the Companies act.

� This inspired many entrepreneur and resulted in setting up more industries.

¾ In 1971, he came up with the Beggar Rehabilitation Program to provide the livelihood to those who beg in street.

¾ In 1971, he received an honorary Doctorate degree from Annamalai University.

¾ He received “Raja Rajan Award” from Tamil University in Thanjavur from his work “Thenpandi Singam”.

¾ In December 2006, he received an honorary Doctorate degree from Madurai Kamaraj University.

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Formation of the Government (Second term)

¾ During his rule (1971), the Prohibition was suspended(lifted)in Tamil Nadu.

� Inorder to boost the state’s revenue and to prevent the sale of liquor in the black market.

¾ He erected a statue of Rajaraja Chola in Thanjavur in 1972.

¾ In 1972, he established the Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Coimbatore for first time in South India.

¾ He abolished the Hand Rickshaw in 1973 and introduced Bicycle Rickshaw in the place of Hand Rickshaw.

¾ In 1973, the Government headed by him held ‘Mupperum Vizha’ in Tirunelveli.

� House of Bharathiyar in Ettaiyapuram was changed into Bharathiyar Memorial.

� Erecting a statue to V.O. Chidambaram Pillai.

� I n a u g u r a t i o n C e r e m o n y o f K a t t a b o m m a n F o r t a t Panchalankurichi.

¾ In 1973, he initiated a program to purchase Paddy directly from farmers through the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation.

¾ Under his rule the Women Police Wing was established in 1973.

¾ In 1974, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed the State Autonomy Resolution. This kind of resolution was first in India.

¾ During his rule, the Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation (TAHDCO) was formed in 1974.

� It is registered under the Companies Act, 1956.

� It aimed at raising Socio – Economic Status of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Caste People.

¾ He created Senthamizh Sol Pirappuiyal Agramuthali Iyakkagam.

¾ During his period the law was enacted in 1970 that enables all Caste people are eligible to became priests in Hindu temples. But for some reasons the law was not enforced.

¾ On January 31, 1976, the Government under his leadership was dissolved by using Article 356. (President’s Rule).

Formation of the Government (Third term)

¾ He constituted Tamil Nadu Traders Welfare Board in 1989.

¾ During his tenure, the Self Help Group movement was started in Dharmapuri District in 1989.

¾ He enacted the Hindu Succession Amendment Act, 1989 which provide equality to female heir on their ancestral property.

� This Act was enacted based on the resolution passed in Self – Respect Conference (1929) held in Chengalpattu.

¾ During his regime, the Second Police Commission was formed under the Chairmanship of Sabhanayakam.

¾ During his tenure, the first Veterinary University of Asia named “Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Science University” was established in 1989 at Chennai.

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¾ For the first time in India, farmers in Tamil Nadu were given free electricity (1990).

¾ In 1990, he introduced 30% reservation for women in the Public Employment.

Formation of the Government (Fourth term)

¾ In 1996, he introduced 33.3% reservation for women in Local Body Election in Tamil Nadu. This was first time in India.

¾ In 1996, he created a separate individual Ministry for Tamil Language.

¾ In 1996, he changed the name of “Madras” to “Chennai”.

¾ District and Transport Corporation in Tamil Nadu were named after the leaders. This led to caste conflicts over the time. All Districts and All Transport Corporation in Tamil Nadu were named after the leaders. This led to caste conflicts over the time. To avoid this, he changed name of all districts after their respective headquarters and named all Transport Corporations as their zonal headquarters. For example:

(Before) (After)

Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar District Sivaganga district

SS Ramasamy Padayatchiyar District Villupuram district

Veeran Sundaralingam Transport Corporation Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, Madurai

Dheeran Chinnamalai Transport Corporation Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, Kumbakonam

¾ During his tenure, the wages of Agricultural Labourers was raised and fixed as per the recommendation of the Kolappan Committee which was formed in 1997.

� Minimum wages determination

� Determined the working hours of Agricultural labourers.

� Men – 6 hours

� Women – 5 hours

¾ In 1997, he started a separate department for Higher Education.

¾ In 1997, he founded the first Law University in India under the name of Ambedkar in Chennai.

¾ He initiated the “Namakku Naame Thittam” program in 1997 to strengthen the Self Help Groups.

¾ During his tenure, “Samathuvapuram” a creative housing project was developed to promote the casteless society and revitalize social justice program and to spread the goals of Periyar E.V.R.

¾ Accordingly the Samthuvapuram project with 100 houses in each Taluk was constructed As per this

� Adi Dravidars – 40 houses

� Most Backward Classes – 25 houses

� Backward Classes – 25 houses

� Other Classes – 10 houses

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¾ First Samathuvapuram was established on August 17, 1998 at Melakkottai, Madurai.

¾ He setup a separate department for Information Technology in 1998.

� Tamil Nadu is the first state in India to formulate a comprehensive IT Policy.

¾ In 1999, he held a Tamil Internet Conference.

¾ In 1999, he launched Uzhavar Sandhai (Farmer’s Market).

� Farmer can sell their agricultural products directly to consumer without intermediaries.

� The first Uzhavar Sandhai was opened in Madurai.

� Farmers donot give rent to their place in the market area.

� The project was based on “Apne Mandi” model of Chandigarh.

¾ In 1999, he introduced “Vazhvoli Thittam”.

� It ensured the health of school children.

¾ On December 31, 1999 he erected Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari (It was 2 days festival).

� Sculptor of the statue: Sirpi Ganapathi Sthapathi.

� Height of the statue : 95 feet

� Height of foot column: 38 feet

� Total Height : 133 feet

� Total Weight : 7000 tons.

� 133 Kurals in Thirukkural engraved on the statue.

¾ He founded TIDEL Park (2000) in Chennai.

� Inaugurated by: Then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

� TIDEL Park is the joint venture of two organizations of Tamil Nadu

� TIDCO (Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation)

� ELCOT (Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu)

� TIDCO + ELCOT = TIDEL

¾ Tamil was declared as Classical Language by the Central Government on October 12, 2004.

� Tamil is the first Classical Language of India.

� Karunanidhi was the one who initiated this (his party was one of the most important coalitions in the Central Government).

� Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at that time is Selvi. J. Jayalalithaa.

Formation of the Government (Fifth term)

¾ In 2006, he announced that the government would issue an ordinance to pave the way for appointment of priests from all castes.

� He formed A.K. Rajan committee to investigate the legal implementation of this law.

� The law was challenged in the Supreme Court in Adi Sivachiriyargal case.

� The final judgment, delivered in December 2015, upheld the law and opened the gates for appointments.

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¾ On September 15, 2006 (Birth Anniversary of Anna) he initiated a program to providing a colour television to the public.

¾ On September 17, 2006 (Birth Anniversary of Periyar) he started 2 acre land issuing project for land less agricultural labour.

¾ During his tenure (2006 – 2011), the IAMWARM project funded by World Bank. The productivity of land near sub – basin of the rivers was improved.

� IAMWARM – Irrigated Agricultural Modernization and Water Bodies Restoration and Management.

¾ In December 30, 2006 he initiated scheme “Varum Mun Kappom” (Free Preventive Health Care).

� This is the first medical pioneering program in India.

� As per the Scheme, people can access preventive medical check – up.

¾ In 2006, he implemented the “Anaithu Grama Anna Marumalarchi Thittam”.

� To expand the infrastructure of all the Gram Panchayats in Tamil Nadu and improve the village.

¾ In 2006 he exempted the “Entertainment Tax” for Tamil Movies named in Tamil.

¾ Until 2006, there was common entrance examination for getting admission to medical and engineering courses in Tamil Nadu. This led to create obstacle for the rural students to pursue their dream. So he cancelled Common Entrance Test. It has been in effect since 2007.

� He appointed a panel of experts headed by Ananda Krishnan to investigate about Common Entrance Test.

¾ In 2006, he enacted a law for teaching Tamil Language compulsorily in schools in Tamil Nadu.

¾ During his tenure, the “Third Police Commission” was formed in 2006 under the Chairmanship of R. Purnalingam.

¾ In 2006, he started “Ariviyal Tamil Mandram” (Scientific Tamil Forum).

� He announced to celebrate Birth Anniversary of Kamarajar (July 15) as the “Education Development Day”.

¾ During his period, the State Government introduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on January 1, 2007 in Tamil Nadu.

� This as an Indirect Tax.

� This has significantly reduced the Income Tax.

¾ He enacted Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Encroachment Act in 2007.

¾ In 2007, Kalaignar Karunanidhi introduced “Kaniyan Poongunranar Prize” for the best software developers in Tamil.

¾ In 2009, he introduced Choice based Credit System in all the colleges.

� This resulted in undergraduate students to study “Tamil” as a subject.

¾ Under his rule , the Mechanical Department in Engineering College has started to taught their subjects in the Tamil Medium.

¾ He found the Disabled Welfare Board in 2007.

¾ In 2008, he found the Third Gender Welfare Board.

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¾ During his period the World Tamil Classical Conference was held on June 23rd to 27th, 2011 at on Codissia Hall, Coimbatore.

¾ He established Anna Centenary Library on September 15, 2010 (Birth Anniversary of Anna) at Kotturpuram, Chennai.

� The largest library in South Asia.

¾ In his rule, there were preferential (20% Special reservation) for the students who were educated in Tamil Medium schools under the Tamil Nadu Appointment on Preferential Basis in the Services under the State of Persons Studied in Tamil Medium (PSTM) Act, on September 30, 2010.

¾ Samacheer Education system was introduced based on recommendation of Muthukumaran Committee (2007). There have been four types of education in Tamil Nadu.

� State Board Education

� Matriculation Education

� Anglo Indian Education

� Oriental Education

� Samacheer Education system combines all four of the above e d u c a t i o n s y s t e m s i n t o o n e syllabus called “Samacheer Kalvi” (Samacheer Education).

¾ During his tenure, the works of Tamil Scholars were Nationalised. Some of them are

� Devaneya Pavanar

� MarimalaiAdigal

� Thiru. Vi.Ka

� Kalki

� Kavimani Desigavinayagam Pillai

� Namakkal Kavignar Ramalingam

� V.O. Chidambaram.

� V.V.S. Iyer

� K. Appa Duraiyar

¾ In 2011, the Maruthamuthu Commission established to restore Panchami lands.

� From 1918 to 1931 the British Government granted free lands to Schedule Caste. This land is called Panchami lands. This land can be sold on purchased by belongs to same Scheduled Caste only.

¾ Amartyasen and Jean Draze have described that the Development of Tamil Nadu is similar to Development of many European Nations. Tamil Nadu has pioneered Social Welfare Program and prioritized Poverty Alleviation Scheme. They described that Karunanidhi was one among the leaders who implemented the welfare programs in Tamil Nadu.

� Amartyasen and Jean Draze were author of the famous book, “An Uncertain Glory”.

¾ He established A.N. Sattanathan Commission in 1969 for welfare of B a c k wa r d C a s t e . A s p e r t h e i r recommendations, he increased the reservation for Backward Caste from 25% to 31% in 1971.

� Increased the reservation of the Scheduled Castes from 16% to 18%.

� He reclassified the Urdu Speaking Muslim and Kongu Vellalar Community as Backward Classes.

� Vanniyar Community demanded for 20% separate reservation. When

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Karunanithi formed the Government in 1989, that the subdivision of reservation for Most Backward Classes was carved out . 108 Communities including Vanniyar Community classified under the Most Backward Classes (MBC).

� He created 3.5% special reservation for the Backward Caste Muslim (BCM).

� He created 3% sub – reservation for Arunthathiyar (who was socially oppressed) within Scheduled Caste.

¾ He wrote many books as fiction, poetry and Novels. Notable among them are

� Nenjukku Nidhi (Autobiography)

� Kural Oviyam (Th i rukkura l Explanation)

¾ He died on August 7, 2018.

32. M. BHAKTAVATSALAM

Early Life ¾ He was born on October 9, 1897.

¾ His parents: Minjur Kanagasabapathy – Mallika Ammal.

¾ He was known as “Minjur Kanaga sabapathy Bhaktavatsalam” and later he was known as M. Bhaktavatsalam.

¾ He was brought up by his maternal uncle C.N. Muthurangam and C.N. Evalappar.

¾ His school Education

� L u t h e r a n M i s s i o n S c h o o l , Purasaiwakkam

� Pinnathur Subramaniyam High School, Mylapore.

¾ His Graduation

� Presidency College, Chennai.

� Madras Law College, Chennai.

Public Life ¾ He worked as Junior Advocate under

Alladi Krishnaswamy.

¾ He associated with Annie Besant’s “Home Rule League”

¾ He became the member of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee in 1922.

¾ He started a newspaper called ‘India’ to campaign the policies of the Congress.

� Before him, Bharathiyar also published a journal in the name of ‘India’.

¾ He worked as Secretary of the Madras Mahajana Sabha for few months.

¾ His activities in the Freedom Struggle:

� Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919)

� A n t i – S i m o n C o m m i s s i o n demonstration (1928)

� Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha (1930)

� Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1932)

� Individual Satyagraha (1940)

� Quit India Movement (1942) ¾ He got arrested and imprisoned for

six months after Independence Day Celebration in 1932.

� A s p e r t h e “ P u r n a S w a r a j resolution”(1929), every year on January 26 was celebrated as Independence Day (as symbol of protest).

¾ He served as the Deputy Mayor of the Madras Corporation. (1936-1937).

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¾ He contested the Legislative assembly election and won in the election (1937 and 1946) and subsequently present in the following cabinet:

� 1946 – Ministry of Public works (T. Prakasam’s Cabinet)

� 1947 – Ministry of Public works (Omandur Ramasamy’s Cabinet)

� 1949 – Ministry of Public works (P.S. Kumarasamy Raja’s Cabinet)

� 1953 – Ministry of Agriculture (Rajaji’s Cabinet)

� 1954 – Ministry of Agriculture and Industries (Kamaraj’s Cabinet)

� 1957 – Ministry of Home Affairs (Kamaraj’s Cabinet)

� 1962 – Ministry of Finance and Education (Kamaraj’s Cabinet).

¾ In 1963,the“National Council for Women Education” has setup M.Bhaktavatsalam Committee to analysis the problem of women’s education. Its recommendations:

� All state government should appoint female teacher in the elementary schools.

� A separate women inspectorate should be established for enrolling more girls into schools.

� Education for girls should be improved according to guidelines p r o v i d e d b y H a n s a M e h t a Committee (1962). Domestic Science should be taught as compulsory subject.

� The advanced curriculum subject created by the Central Social Welfare Department should be taught to adult girls.

� The State Government should enlighten the public with regard to education of girls by organizing conferences, seminars and display of audio visual material.

� The State government should provide financial support for female education.

� In the Teacher Training Institute, seats should be reserved for women students from rural areas.

Chief Minister ¾ According to “K – Plan” in 1963, Kamaraj

resigned from his Chief Minister post, succeed by M.Bhaktavatsalam as Chief Minister.

¾ In his Cabinet, the other ministers were:

� P. Kakkan (Ministry of Home Affairs)

� R. Venkataraman (Ministry of Industries and Electricity)

� Jothi Venkatachalam (Ministry of Health)

� V. Ramaiah (Ministry of Public Works)

� N.S.S. Mandradiyar (Ministry of Food)

� S.M.A. Majid (Ministry of Home Affairs)

� Po o va r a g a va n ( M i n i s t r y o f Information and Publicity).

¾ During his period, RSS president Golwalkar appointed a committee under Eknath Ranade to bui ld Vivekananda memorial at Kanyakumari for celebrating the Birth Centenary of Swamy Vivekananda (1863).

� Initially Bhaktavatsalam opposed the project of RSS, but later he gave

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permission for the construction of the Rock Memorial at Kanyakumari in 1964.

� The construction of this Memorial began in January 1964 and was completed in 1970

Students welfare programme ¾ For maintaining the health of pre-school

going children “Triple Vaccine Scheme” was introduced in 1964.

¾ During his tenure, the “School Medical InspectionProgramme” was introduced in schools to maintain the health condition of the children.

¾ In 1966, Madurai Kamaraj University was established under his rule.

¾ He initiated to utilize the funds taken from the temple under the control of Hindu Endowment Board for establishment of schools, college and hostel.

Water Management ¾ Manimuttar River Project (Kallidaikurichi)

a n d K a d a n a I r r i g a t i o n P r o j e c t (Ambasamudram) was implemented by him.

¾ During his rule, the Peechiparai Dam in Kaniyakumari and Perunchani Dam Project were completed.

Obstacles Overcame

¾ When he was the Chief Minister, he faced the following problems

� Food Shortage (Rice Scarcity)

� Price Hike

� Anti – Hindi Agitation

¾ He appointed a Vigilance cell in the Board of Revenue to estimate the price of goods in Tamil Nadu.

¾ He provided the necessity commodities to the people through Co-operative Societies.

¾ In 1963, he started the “Seed Multiplication Scheme”.

¾ He introduced a new variety of Paddy called “ADT 27”.

¾ He introduced the “Farm Management Program”.

Anti – Hindi Agitation ¾ He was honest and simple. Butanti –

Hindi Agitation started during his tenure, changed the history of Tamilnadu.

¾ English has been the official language of British India since 1835.

¾ National Leaders wanted “Hindi” to be the National Language of India during the Freedom Struggle.

¾ Another faction of Congress had a different of opinion on this.

¾ So they set up a committee to resolve this problem. The main person in the committee

� N. GopalasamyIyengar

� T.T.Krishnamachari

� Alladi Krishnaswamy

� K.M. Munshi

� B.R. Ambedkar

� Shyama Prasad Mukherjee

� Abdul Kalam Azad

� K. Santhanam.

¾ This commit tee proposed some recommendations called “Munshi – Iyengar Formula”.

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¾ As per the committee’s recommendation, the conclusion has not been reached between the members of the congress.

¾ Later Constituent Assembly (presided by Rajendra Prasad) adopted ‘Hindi’ as the official language of India on September 14, 1949.

¾ After the commencement of Indian Constitution (on January 26, 1950), English was used as the official language upto 15 years (i.e. 1965). Parliament may enact the legislation to make English as the official language after 1965.

¾ A c c o r d i n g t h e A r t i c l e 3 4 3 , Hindi in Devanagari script made as official language of India.

¾ September 14 is being celebrated as ‘Hindi Diwas’.

¾ In 1955, the Official Language Commission appointed under the leadership of B.G.Kher. The Committee submitted its report in 1956. The Parliamentary Committee was formed in 1957 under the leadership of Gobind Ballabh Pant to examine its recommendations.

� This recommendation spread Hindi Language across different platforms.

¾ C.N. Annadurai criticized the language policy of the union government and Hindi Imposition.

¾ Because of pressure given by Anna, Nehru made the assurance in the Parliament on August 7, 1959. They were:

� No Hindi imposition

� English will be Associate Additional Language.

¾ Bhaktavatsalam was the one who followed the “Official Language Act” of the Union Government. This incident

made Congress to face a lot of opposition (criticism) in Tamil Nadu.

¾ In 1963, the “Official Language Act” was enacted. Accordingly

� Hindi shall be the official language of India from 26th January 1965.

� English may be used as the additional language with Hindi.

� As per this act, the Question paper for all the Union Government Examination (UPSC, etc…) shall be in “Hindi” and the Question paper may or maynot be in English. (This was reason for “Anti – Hindi Agitation” started in Tamil Nadu).

� It revealed that English may not be used as the official language from the above points.

� Tamil Nadu leader Annadurai was already aware of the impact of Official Language Act.

� Nehru passed away in 1964.

� Anna requested to follow the assurance given by Nehru and he requested to continue English as the official language. This should be enacted before the Official Language Act came into force in 1965. But this was not accepted.

� Prior to January 26, 1965, only the DMK Party led by Anna struggled to address shortcomings of the “Official Language Act”. Later when the Act was enacted, this struggle spread among students who does not belongs to any political party.

� The students through out the state struggled. It continued and they showed their contempt by

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announcing General Strike and Rail Blockade. The struggle went to next stage and gained the public support.

� C. Subramaniyam and O.V. Alagesan in the Congress ministry (Union) announced their resignation over this issue.

� Bhaktavatchalam could not end the protest. The Paramilitary force came to Tamil Nadu to control the situation.

� The Union Government announced that it would consider the demands of students.

� Important demands of students in Tamil Nadu were

x Part XVII of Indian constitution should be repealed.

x The examinations for the Union Government post should be conducted in English and in the language of 8th Schedule of Constitution.

x Official language Policy before 1950 would be restored (English should be continued as the official language).

� On March 14, 1965 the students announced that they would end the protest.

� Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri announced that he will keep up the assurance made by Nehru in Official language issue.

� Benefits of Anti – Hindi Agitation

� Opportunities for writing Union Government exams (written exams) in their regional language.

� Official Language (Amendment) Act, 1967 to ensure the assurance made by Nehru.

¾ In 1967, Congress lost in the Assembly Election.

� After that Congress Party does not form the government in Tamil Nadu till date.

� Bhaktavatsalam was the last Chief Minister of the Congress party in Tamil Nadu.

¾ He died on February 13, 1987.

33. M.G. RAMACHANDRAN

Early Life ¾ Marudur Gopalan Ramachandran (MGR)

was born on January 17, 1917 in Kandi, Srilanka.

¾ His Parents: Gopala Menon – Satyabama.

¾ His parents came from India.

¾ His family moved to Kumbakonam in 1923.

¾ He started acting on various stage shows and drama when he was young. He made his debut in the film Sathileelavathi (1936). Later he starred in several films.

Political Life ¾ He joined DMK in 1953.

� In 1962, he became the Member of Legislative Council (MLC).

� He became the Member of Legislative Assembly in 1967 and 1971.

¾ In 1971, Best Actor Award (National Award) was given to Ramachandran for his film “Rickshawkaran”.

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¾ He formed a new party called “Anna Dravidar Munnetra Kazhagam” (ADMK) in October 17, 1972.

¾ H i s p a r t y wo n f r o m D i n d i g u l constistuency in Parliamentary by election in 1973

¾ In 1974, he declared that the basic principles of AIADMK party under the name of “Annaism”.

� The essence of Annaism is mainly the removal o f pover ty and untouchability.

� The other contents of the ideology are self respect, retionalism, socialism and social service.

¾ His party ‘ADMK’ won in the Puduchery Legislative Assembly election in 1974 and formed the Government.

� Chief Minister: S. Ramasamy.

¾ In 1976, he changed the name of the party from “Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam” to “All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam”.

Achievements ¾ His party won in the Tamil Nadu

Legislative Assembly elections in 1977 and formed the government. He sworn as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on June 30, 1977.

� 1977 – First term as the Chief Minister

� 1980 – Second term as the Chief Minister

� 1985 – Third term as the Chief Minister

¾ He was the first actor to became the Chief Minister in India.

¾ During his reign (1978), 10+2+3 pattern system of education was introduced.

� O n t h e r e c o m m e n d a t i o n o f L a k s h m a n a s a m y M u d a l i a r Committee the Pre – University course was abolished.

¾ He passed the Anna Technical University Act, 1978.

� He established Anna University on September 4, 1978.

¾ He made the “Telegu Ganga Project” agreement with the Andhra Pradesh Government. It came into effect in 1983.

� To bring the drinking water to Chennai from River Krishna.

¾ Periyar 100th Birth Anniversary was celebrated during his rule on 18 – 19 September 1978 in Erode.

� “Periyar District” was formed from Coimbatore district with Erode as its Capital.

� The reform in tamil letters given by periyar has been implemented.

� He removed the caste named in the Name of the streets across Tamil Nadu.

� In the major cities of Tamil Nadu, a “Pagutharivu Sudar” (Rational fire) was established in memory of Periyar.

¾ In 1978, he converted the Kamaraj house in Thirumalai Pillai Street, Thiyagaraya Nagar into a memorial.

¾ In 1979, he passed an order stating that, “Parents of the person belonging to the backward classes to make reservations only if their annual income was less than Rs. 9,000.

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� This caused controversy. So he withdrew the order and increased the reservation of the backward castes from 31% to 50%.

¾ He abolished the part time village officers post like Karnam and Maniyam.

� These position were abolished on basis of reports of the Varghese Committee and Ambross Committee.

� Instead of this post, new post called “Village Administrator Officer” was created in 1982.

� Then the eligible candidates for this post are selected by Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC)

¾ During his reign (1981), the Fifth World Tamil Conference was held in Madurai.

¾ He introduced the Goondas Act, 1982 in Tamil Nadu.

¾ When the district collector suspects someone may violate the law, the someone may violate the law, the person will be jailed for a year with out trail.

¾ He enhanced the lunch program on July 1, 1982 as the Nutritional plan. This program was called the “Chief Minister’s Nutrition Program”.

� This program was inaugurated in Papakurinchi, Thiruchirapalli.

� This project was expanded to urban areas on September 15, 1982 (Birth Anniversary of Anna).

Lunch Program1918 Kurichi Rangaswamy Aiyangar started as lunch program for students at Hindu

Theological school (Private Plan)1920 Thiyagaraya Chetty was the Mayor of Chennai, when the Free Lunch Program was

introduced by Sundar Rao belongs to Justice Party at Thousand Lights. Minicipal School. Government Scheme).

1956 Kamarajar Introduced a free lunch program in schools across Tamil Nadu.

¾ In 1982 M.G. Ramachandran appointed the Justice Maharajan Commission to look into the reforms to temple practices.

� This committee recommended appointment of priests from all castes after undergoing proper training.

¾ During his tenure (1984), the interview for admission to Engineering and Medical Courses were abolished and Entrance test was introduced.

¾ During his period, Mother Thersa was established in 1984.

� Mother Teresa laid the foundation for this University.

� It is the only women’s University in the state of Tamil Nadu.

� It is located in Attuvum, Kodaikonal.

� It was established under the ‘Tamil Nadu Government Act No. 15’.

¾ Universities established under his rule:

� Tamil University, Thanjavur(1981)

� Bharathiyar University, Coimbatore (1982)

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� Bharathidasan University, Thiru-chirapalli (1982)

� Alaggapa University, Karaikudi (1985)

¾ The scheme, first introduced by the AIADMK government led by the M.G. Ramachandran to distribute sarees and dhotis on the occasion of the ‘Pongal’ festival.

¾ During his tenure the “Legislative Council” was abolished.

� Last Chairman of Madras Legislative Council: Ma.Poo. Sivagnanam.

¾ He introduced the special bus for women.

¾ He was awarded with the “Honorary Doctorate by Madras University and World University in Arizona”.

¾ Magazine started by him:

� Thai (Weekly Magazine)

� Anna (Daily Newspaper)

¾ Special names given to him by other Leaders.

� Idhyakani (Anna)

� Makkal Thilagam (Lena Tamil vannan)

� Ponmana Semmal (Kirubanandha Variyar)

� Puratchi Nadigar (M. Karunanidhi)

� Puratchi Thalaivar (K.A. Krishna swamy)

¾ He wrote his autobiography in the name – Naan Yen Piradhen (Why I was born).

¾ He died on December 24, 1987.

¾ He was awarded with the “Bharat Ratna” (Posthumously) in 1988.

34. NEDUNCHEZHIYAN

Early Life ¾ He was born on July 11, 1920 in

Thirukkannapuram, Nagapattinam district.

¾ His early name is Narayanaswamy.

� His parents: Rajagopal – Meenakshi Ammal.

¾ He studied at Chidambaram Annamalai University and graduated with Master Degree (M.A) in Tamil Literature.

¾ He was inspired by ideas of Self Respect Movement organized by Periyar during his school days.

¾ He participated in Anti – Hindi Agitation in 1938.

¾ He was entrusted by Periyar and accompanied Periyar in all his world travel.

¾ He was also known as “Illanthadi” Nedunchezhian because he had a beard like Periyar at that time.

¾ He was multitalented

� Writer

� Journalist

� Political Expert

� Orator

¾ He was the one who changed the name of the ‘Justice Party’ to Dravidar Kazhagam as per the “Anna Durai Resolution” in 1944.

� Proposed by Anna Durai.

¾ His moral values, Wiseness, Speeches, Honesty, high school educat ion

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proficiency in language were inspired by Anna.

¾ H e w a s c a l l e d t h e ‘ N a v a l a r ’ Nedunchezhiyan for his unique stage speech.

¾ After the formation of the DMK by Anna in 1949, Nedunchezhiyan was elected as the Deputy General Secreatry of the DMK.

� General Secretary – Anna Durai.

¾ He is one of the “Great Leaders” of DMK. Five Great Leaders:

� Arignar Anna

� E.V.K. Sampath

� R. Nedunchezhiyan

� N.V. Natarajan

� Mathiyalagan

¾ Anna announced a “three point struggle” (Mummunai Poratam) on July 14, 1953. Prior to protest day, its leader were arrested. The case was called ‘Case of the Five’.

¾ He became the “General Secretary” in 1956.

� Proposal – E.V.K. Sampath.

� General Secreatary post is the highest office of the party.

¾ He was called “Kazhaga Kavalar ” (Guardian of Party) by Anna.

¾ At the DMK State Conference held in Tiruchirappalli in 1956. Anna said to Nedunchezhiyan, “Thambi Vaa! Thalamai Erka Vaa! Annaiyidu Kattupadukindrom” (Come on Brother Take the position! Swear, we are bound).

¾ One of DMK’s most prolific leader E.V.K. Sampath started a separate party called “Tamil Desiya Katchi” in 1961.

� Nedunchezhiyan wrote a short book, ‘DMK’ that critiqued the policies and ideas of the “Tamil Desiya Katchi”.

� Later the party given him a title “Avai Thalaivar” (1961).

¾ Anna described his as “Mobile University” (Nadamaddum Palkalaikalagam).

¾ In 1962, he became the “Leader of the Opposition” in the Madras Legislative Assembly.

� Deputy Leaders of the Opposition – M. Karunanidhi.

¾ In 1965, Nedunchezhiyan who was involved in the Anti – Hindi Agitation was arrested in the Preventive Detention.

¾ Nedunchezhiyan and M. Karunanidhi went with Anna to meet and greet Periyar in Tiruchy when the DMK won the 1967 election.

¾ Anna planned to hold the Second World Tamil Conference in 1968.

� The committee was formed for this purpose.

� Leader of the Committee – Anna.

� Anna had chosen two people to carry out the conference.

x R. Nedunchezhiyan

x M. Karunanidhi

¾ He was existed in Cabinet of the following Chief Ministers.

¾ 1967 – Annadurai (Education and Industry)

� 1971 – Karunanidhi (Education)

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� 1980 – M.G. Ramachandran (Finance)

� 1985 – M.G. Ramachandran (Finance)

� 1991 – J. Jayalalithaa (Finance)

¾ He was served as the Interim Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu three times.

� 1969 – When Anna passed away.

� 1 9 8 4 – 1 9 8 5 – W h e n M . G . Ramachandran was sick

� 1987 – When M.G. Ramachandran passed away.

¾ He started the new party called “Makkal Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam” in 1977. He later joined in AIADMK and served as its chairman and General Secretary.

¾ He was also a member of the High Level Committee formed under the Leadership of Ramachandran for supervising the activities “Free Nutrition Lunch Programme” started in July 1, 1982.

¾ When J. Jayalalitha became Chief Minister (1995), the Eighth World Tamil Conference was held in Tanjavur.

� 15 Groups was formed including the Concern Reception Committee and Organizing Committee which was led by R. Nedunchezhiyan and S.D. Somasundram.

¾ Important works of him are:

� Thirukkural Review/Thirukkural Pozhippurai.

x In his work, he explained that Thirukkural doesnot propogate any religious sect and considered Thirukkural as a non – religious book.

� Vazhvil Nan Kandathum Kettathum (Auto biography).

� Mozhiporattam.

� Madhamum Muda Nambikaiyum

� Ezhuchi Murasu.

� Kannerum Sennerum Valartha Kazhagam.

� A n n a O d a Va z h t h a A n d h a Siraivassam

� Pandaya Greekkam

¾ Magazines he worked for:

� Malaimani (Chief Editor)

� Mandram (Founder of the Magazine –1953)

� Nam Naadu (Editor)

¾ He died on January 12, 2000.

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