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 FOREWORD

This small volume is the result of my commitment made last year on the 49th Memorial Day of my grand-
father, Thamizhavel Thiru Ponnambala Thiaga Rajan, known as P. T. Rajan or PTR, that I would bring out
a collection of his speeches and writings as a way of honouring his memory on the 50th anniversary of
his passing.

The practice of Ancestor Worship ( ) has remained an integral part of our Tamil culture
throughout the millennia of Tamil civilisation, even as other forms of worship such as Saivism, Vaish-
navism, and Jainism have had varying adherence over different periods. It is our way of acknowledging
that we would not exist without our forefathers – without them, there would be no us – and expressing
our gratitude for their role in our creation. And whatever heights we achieve, we stand on the foundations
they painstakingly built.

I regularly refer to my forefathers in my public comments, not to use antecedents as credentials, nor even
as a measure of pride, but rather as a token of perpetual gratitude for their vital roles in enabling my cur-
rent position. Such repeated invocation, across my transition from Candidate, to MLA, to Minister of the
Government of Tamil Nadu, is the embodiment of ancestor worship in the domain of electoral politics.

Though every ancestor is an existential link for all future descendants, some have an outsized impact on
the direction and shape of that future. Their lives serve as inflection points which alter the trajectory – in
names, in profession or trade, in habits, practices, and priorities.

PTR had such an impact due to the sheer breadth and length of his career, among other unique achieve-
ments. For example, until his time, our last name used to be our caste name, Mudaliar. After him, all of
us have the last name Rajan. Though he was born to high privilege, he had an extraordinarily difficult
childhood in many ways. He lost both his father and his mother at a very young age and was in the care
of his father’s younger brother () Thiru M. T. Subramania Mudaliar (known as MTS). Though the
result of being orphaned at a young age, the guardianship of MTS proved pivotal. MTS’s decisions, based
on his exceptional foresight, shaped PTR’s life, and career to the greatest extent.

Therefore, any memorial tribute to PTR would be incomplete without an accompanying encomium to
MTS. One could detail at length the many contributions of MTS to the Dravidian Movement from its in-
ception and through its early decades. But the obituary that Thanthai Periyar himself wrote as an editorial
in the Kudiarasu newspaper upon the passing of MTS in March 1928 is hard to improve upon in terms
of both scope and detail, and hence that editorial is included in part of the appendix to this volume as a
mark of homage.

PTR had a stellar educational career -- he studied at The Leys School, Cambridge; graduated in history
from Jesus College, Oxford; studied the law at the Inner Temple and was called to the Bar in 1917. Having
joined the South Indian Liberal Federation (Justice Party) in 1920 after giving up his career as a barrister,
PT Rajan emerged as one of the leaders of the Justice Party. He served as Chief Whip of the ruling party
from 1921, the Minister for Public Works, Co-operation and Religious Endowments in multiple Justice
Party governments (1930-1937), and for a brief while, he held the portfolio of Chief Minister of the Ma-
dras Presidency in 1936.

Extraordinary transformations characterize his personal development through the course of his life. Take
language, for example. As a boy, when he went to England, he was unable to speak English—he suffered
for it and had to take special tuition before he was admitted to the boarding school. By the time he came

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back many years later, he had almost forgotten the use of everyday Tamil, and the family had to send
somebody who was fluent in English to receive him when the ship docked on his return. It is worth noting
that by the time of his demise several decades later he had become, like his father before him, an erudite
scholar of the Tamil language and was bestowed the title Thamizhavel for his contributions to Tamil.

Two aspects of his long life are remarkable. The first is the sheer range of his career — in the political
space (the Dravidian Movement and the Justice Party); in the Legislature and Administration of the Ma-
dras Presidency; in support of the growth and advancement of our language and culture, including the
founding of the Thiruvalluvar Kazhagam in Madurai, support and leadership for the Tamil Sangam and
its Tamil Conference; and over the decades, his unstinting support for the preservation and restoration
of temples including the Vadapalani Murugan temple, Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple, Sabarimalai
Ayyappan temple, Tenkasi Kasi Viswanathar temple, among several others.

The second distinguishing feature was his clarity of thought and his pivotal contributions to the political
discourse in the early days of the Justice Party which came from his education as a lawyer, his command of
the English language, his reading of classic Latin texts besides other scriptures, and most of all, his ability
to put in context what the social justice revolution really was for, what it meant, and why it inspired him.

Defining the aim and objective of the Self Respect Movement, he declared (in 1929) that it sought to
“annihilate that social construct which discriminates between two human beings; creates divisions
between different sections of society; indoctrinates the concept of superiority and inferiority on the basis
of birth; paves way for the majority of people to be treated worse than cattle; prevents the majority of
believers from even entering temples and allows for women to be treated as household utensils.”
The alternative world envisioned by the Self Respect Movement, in the words of PTR was, “to ensure every-
body is given equal rights, to create equality between the sexes on the principles of natural justice and man-
made laws; to create all requisite facilities for every single person to attain complete and wholesome develop-
ment; to make all the people realise their duties towards the nation and learn of the rights which they enjoy in
the nation; and to cultivate the feeling of unity and solidarity among all the people through nationalist goals
and beliefs which will enable them to experience joy and sorrow with equanimity.” These early aspirations
of the Justice Party and the Self Respect represent the core ideology of the Dravidian Movement till this day.

I must also point out that his devotion and worship co-existed alongside his own vociferous campaign
against hereditary priesthood; he regularly called for the annihilation of a system of “brokers to God”.
The reimagination of the Hindu religion, veering away from its centrality to birth-ascribed hierarchy was
foundational to the project of social justice — and in this regard, PTR and Thanthai Periyar, his some-time
colleague in the Justice Party, were united in their ultimate goal although their relationship with God was
diametrically opposite. Today, as we inhabit an increasingly sectarian atmosphere, my grandfather’s words
(from 1935) are a powerful reminder that it is possible to combine individual faith with religious reform.
“Many people forget that religion and God are distinct entities. Many atrocities take place in the name of
religion--to link such religion to God is to reduce God to a merciless being.”

He was also a steadfast feminist, vociferously supportive of women’s rights much like Thanthai Periyar.

But, what most people remember about PTR personally was his extremely forgiving nature and the ex-
traordinary range of people he helped on an individual basis, no matter who they were, no matter what
they asked for. Even candidates who had contested against him in elections (and disparaged him during
the campaign), called on him for help later in life, and he happily did his best without any ill-will or ran-
cour.

For me, the compilation of this anthology has been an occasion to remind myself why I returned India
after a long expatriate professional career and decided to enter public life. In an era where politics has
become a full-time profession and even a career for many, it is important to bear in mind that the full

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value of the profound philosophy of social justice can only be realized through the executive action of
committed people who are focused on the greater good and the achievement of their goals, rather than
personal benefits or ambitions.

Such steely resolve and selfless dedication shine from all of PTR’s words. For instance, hoisting the flag of
the Self Respect Movement at the inaugural Self Respect Conference in Chengalpattu in 1929 (aged ~37),
he makes an emotional appeal to the members of a fledging organisation: “What is the use of living after a
movement has died? But, if a movement is alive and it spreads everywhere, you live forever.”

At the Justice Party Golden Jubilee Celebrations in 1968 (aged ~76), he said, “Men may come, men may
go — Parties may appear and disappear — Empires rose and fell — Civilisations flourish and disappear.
The Justice Party as an organisation may disappear, but the principles for which the Party stands are of
eternal value and will never perish.”

Bookended by these two powerful utterances which came almost forty years apart, we realise that PT
Rajan, in dedicating himself to public service in the pursuit of social justice was incredibly self-aware
that while power, political parties and even life were fleeting and transient in the context of the long arc
of human history, the radical struggle towards a just society is eternal — a permanent revolution for the
betterment of the human condition.

In closing, I’m very grateful for the many people who have supported this effort under the leadership of
Thiru Subbiah Sivaprakasam. As PTR’s birthday rolls around next April, we hope to publish a more com-
prehensive volume in physical form as opposed to this e-book. It will be a happy coincidence that it would
mark his 133rd birth anniversary, which is very apt considering his adherence and devotion to being a
propagator of Thiruvalluvar’s work, the Thirukkural which has 133 chapters.

It is fitting that our Hon’ble Chief Minister Thiru. M.K. Stalin, the leader of our party and a social re-
former who tirelessly champions the cause of Equality and Social Justice, is releasing the book on
Thiru. P.T. Rajan, another towering figure who dedicated his life to the same ideals. I would like to express
my deep gratitude to our Chief Minister for his generosity, the faith he has placed in me, and the enduring
affection he holds for my family.

Dr.Palanivel Thiaga Rajan

Minister For Information Technology & Digital Services
Government of Tamil Nadu

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 

   

  .
( - 216)

"     ,     ,
    '    
,     -    
   ,   -  
        
.

 ,      ,  ,

, ,      
       
  , ,    
,     ,   
      .

  "' ... . 1916  

 , 1920        
 ,   ,   ,
   .    
 , ,     
,     
.

,   ,   

  .      
       
   ..   .

    ,    ,

        
 ,        

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 ,       
    ,   
   ,   ,    
       
    .

, ,     ,  

    ... .
  ,     
   .

       , 

     ,    
         
  .

      

  ,   
    ,  50
      , , 
         , 
   ,      
    "  50'  
  .

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 
 ..  
 .. 
K. .................................................................................................................................................20

 ..     

     .....................................31

 ‌  ....................................................................................37

    ........................................................................................39

Address on Communal Representation, Recruitment Policies, and

Departmental Reforms in the Madras Presidency..........................................................................41

The Madras Co-operative Societies Bill ......................................................................................45

A Bill to Facilitate the Working of Co-operative Land Mortgage Banks

in the Presidency of Madras..............................................................................................................48

Amendment to Madras Cooperative Societies Act..................................................................53

What the Justice Party has done for the Depressed Classes..................................................56

‌  ‌.......................................................................................62

Justice Party and Rural Reconstruction.......................................................................................70

     ......................................................................73

We want Government based on the Will of the Indian People............................................76

‌‌‌‌...................................................................................................87

Address on the Role of the Speaker and the Vision for Tamil Nadu’s
First Legislative Assembly.................................................................................................................89

................................................................................................................................................92

Speech at the Golden Jubilee of Tamil Sangam, Madurai......................................................97

   " '  .................................................102

An Excerpt from his maiden speech at Madras Legislative Council, 1958.....................103

    ?............................................................................................112

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     ! ..................................114

Welcome Speech at The Justice Party Golden Jubilee Celebration ........................................120

 ...............................................................................................................................................148

The Tamils....................................................................................................................................................153

   ..   !.........................................................179

 :  !............................................................................................................181

 -  , 

  
 ...........................................................................................................................187

 ..    

 ..........................................................................................................................................189

 ........................................................................................................................................193

,    ..............................................................................................................197

  .............................................................................................................................................201

  ....................................................................................................................205

   .. 

A leader respected by All
M.Bhakthavatchalam.................................................................................................................................224

  - 1
 .............................................................................................................................................226

‌  ‌

 . ...................................................................................................................................233

‌‌‌‌
 . ................................................................................................................................240

""  ''

 ...........................................................................................................................244

  - ..

 . .........................................................................................................................................250

    

 .. . ............................................................................................................253

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P.T.R. at the Council
C.D Natarajan................................................................................................................................................257

 .........................................................................................................................................268

 
  ...............................................................................................................277

    ..............................................................................................................284

   ...................................................................................................................................285

. M.T.  

   
 .................................................................................................................................................287


The Non-Brahmin Manifesto ................................................................................................................290

The Significance of the Justice Party

Eugene F. Irschick........................................................................................................................................298

The Justice Party and The Tamil Renaissance

Robert L.Hardgrave.....................................................................................................................................303

 



15
 ..
-  

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  .. 
- K. 

(1972-   ..   82 

 ,    
. K.   )
 ()   .
    
.  ,  
,  , ,
   
.
  
   .
   
    .
  
   
 .
     
.   
 ,  
    
,   
   .
  
   
   
   
   
   
    
 . ,
. , , ,
, ,  
,   
   
  .
   ,
  , 
 ,  
, " 
.  
   '
 ""''  .
   
   

20
  .    
       ,
      
    .  .  
   .    
  1892-      . 
22-      
 .      
..  , ""''   .   
     ,   ‌
.    ,  
       
   , ""!    
        ''
  .    .
      
   ,  .  
        
.      
      
""''       .
 .
  
.   .
    
. .   
  . ,
   
   
.    
  .  
   
  
,  
 .  
  
  .
    
 .   
.     
, "" 

21
.   ''     ,
  .   .   
  .
  
,   
    
   . 
     
   .
   
6,000    
   
    
 .  
   .

   

    
 .   
    
  ,       
      
.       .
 ,         
   . .  
        
  1909-      
    .   1912-
. ,    ""'' (Jesus College)
    .
.. , 
       I. C. S. 
       
    .  
  .      
 . .   .   
   .  . "" ''  
    
    ""''     .
 .     "" 30 
  ,   .  20  

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30      .  
   ;     
        
  ''   .   .
   
""''       ,
 .       . 
.        
    .  -
 .     1920 
  .   .  
        
.       .
 .      
    .  .  
      ,   
  '' ''.     ,
  --  .   .
1914-,       
     ""!
 .      !
  .    ''
     . (
  .  ,  
      ). 
.   ,  
 (Armistice)  1918-
     
.  .  
   
  .   
       ,
,   
   
1945-  
     . 
  .    
,   
  .
   
     !
   
    

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. "". . ''       .
  
    :
"". . ''   
     1952-    
. , ,     .
      
.   ,  ,    
    . 
 ""   . , 
""       
,   .   
  ?   ,  
      
  .      .
        
 .        
  .    
        
       
.    . 
1957-    
 : (M.L.C.)  .

 ,      

1920-    ,   
. 1926   .    
   1930  .  
 .   1930   , 1945-
   .    .
  ! .    
 ,        !
  , 
      
.  ,    . , ,
   .  , , 
  .    
   .  
. 1937-       
 M.A.     , 
. 1937-      
,         .

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    
    ,  
        
.
.  
     
   .   "'  .
    1947-  
 "'  . 1947-   
   
   "'    "' 
 .  .
  ,    
      
        
.    . , 
.       
 .  .. .  , ,
   ,     ,
  .  .
    
    1939   .
        .
.  ,  ,
   
1923-    .  
.       
     , 
  .    . 
        
     .
  .
   1946   
      
   . .  . T.C. 
,  , ,   ""
 ,   .   
,       '' 
  .  .  
  , ,   .
   

25
 ;   ""   
 .    
     '' 
 .    . ""
  ,   
    .  
  .      
      ''  
. , ,   .  
   .     
      .
   
.  - 
   
1953   .  
,       
     .
.   
 ,  1949   
        .
       
.     .  
.        
  . .   
       . 
  ,     
     , 
      
    . .   
   .  
       
     
  . .    
      
 , ""      
''   .      
      , 
 ""     . 
      
 ,  ""?    . 
  .     

26
 .     ‌ .
    ""   
       ''
    .   .   
    
. , 
‌     
 .
‌ ‌ 1928‌ 
 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 1959
‌.    ‌  .
  ‌.     
     
  .  .  
    . ‌   . 1963 ‌
‌        
. 30,000/-   ‌ . ‌ 
‌  .    
         
      .  
  .    
 (1972)   ,     
‌       .
   .    , ‌
    
‌  ‌    
 ‌  .  
 .       
       11-12-72  
.         
. 1955     .
  ‌ 
    .     
1959        . 
 .       
         
.  ""‌    
‌  .      
 ‌   .  1960 
  ,     ‌ 
 ''     . 
  .  

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  
        ,
       
   .
  .    ,   
 ,    
 ,     
  ,     
   
   
  
    .
.   
      
    . 
       ‌
 .        
          
     .  
.       
    ,   
       1966
  .     .
         
        
       .
 .
1966  
1966        
         
 ‌  . . ,  
      
 ,       
     
   . 1968  
.         
 .C.R. ‌, M.P.    . . 
,         
   .
 .   
    
   

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     ,
   , 
   
  
   
  
.   
    
  !

1968    

   
.   
  , 
    
.  
   
  
   
.

  .. 

29
  .. 
 
 

30
 ""  
 
''
( 1928-   9, 10    
     . . 
  .
17.6.1928 , "'   )

      

      ,  
    ,  
  .    
 . . . . 
       
      
      
 .    .
  
      ,  
. .    . .   
  .    
   .   
  .       

31
     
      
      .
  .
  
       .
.      
        
,    
    , 
   ,  , 
      
 .   ;  
    .     
      
 . .    .
 , 
      
.     
 . ,   .   ,
       
,    .  
      
.        
 . ,  
       
  ,   
      
    
,   . , 
      
.      
     
      . 
, ,      
        
. .

    , 

  .   . 
,  .    

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       
 .   .   
 .      
      
    .
  . 
   
  .
 
   
    
  
   
 . 
  
   
  ,  
  
 ,  
  
,  ,  ,
  
   
  
 ,  
  .    
.   
     .
,  , 
       
        
     ,  
  .     
   .
    
  
   
   .
  ,
,    
      
.     
   ,  
 .   
     
    
 .
  
    .
  .  

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   .  
     
   .   
   .
.  
  
       
 .  .
  
     
      .
 
 
   .  
 . ,   
   
 
   . , 
  .     
   .    
, ,      
    . 
  .    
   .    . 
       
  .   ,
     
   .  
   ,   
 ,      
       
   ,  .
 .  
!  !
     
   
  
   .
 , 
   
   
  
  
.
    
  
  
,  
  
   
   .
  .
   

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 
 
   
   
  
      
   .   
   
    
  , 
  .  . !
     !
   
   
.   .
       
     
. ,  
  .
       
 .     
 .      .
  .      
      
  .    , 
      
  .    
      
  . .   
     
    .
  
.      
    , 
      
.    . ,
     , 
      
  .  .
  
        
   , 
       
  

35
 .      
  ,      
 .      
       
    .  ,   
       

,      

  ,     
 .

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  ‌ 


1929-  

   , . . . ‌ 
  

!

  ‌, 

  ‌ 
‌ ‌
‌ ‌, ‌
  ‌
‌. ‌ 
 ‌ ‌,
‌, ‌ ‌ ‌
‌  ‌,  
‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
 ‌‌.    
‌‌.
  ‌ ‌,
 ‌,   ‌ ‌,
‌ ‌  ‌.  ‌,  ‌
 ‌,  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
‌,   ‌  ‌ 
‌     ‌
‌ ; ‌   ‌, ‌
 ‌  , ‌ ‌; ‌ 
 ‌‌ ‌ ‌
  ; ‌,  ‌
‌ ‌ ‌ ,  ‌
‌  ‌ ‌ 
 ,   ‌
‌       
‌‌.

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 ‌   ‌  ‌ 
‌. ‌ ‌    ‌.
.    ‌  ‌ ‌‌
   ‌‌ ‌? ‌,
‌ ‌ ‌.  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌
‌ ‌ ‌   ‌   
,     ‌   ‌
‌. ‌.  ‌
 ‌, ‌ ‌‌.
 ‌,
‌‌  ‌. ‌
  ‌   ‌
‌ . , ‌, 
‌, ‌,   ‌,  ‌
‌,  ‌, ‌‌
, ‌, ‌, ‌, 
 ‌ ‌ ‌
‌‌
 .  ‌‌   ‌
‌  ‌ ‌  
‌    ‌
   .  
! ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌, ‌
‌ ‌  ‌  ‌;
‌.  ‌   ‌
‌ ‌ ‌
‌  ‌
‌
‌. ‌
‌, 
‌ ‌  ‌  ‌, 
‌ ‌, ‌ ‌
. ‌ ‌
‌
, ‌‌  ‌
‌  ‌ ‌
‌   . ‌ 
   
 ‌ ‌  ‌
‌‌. ‌    
‌  ‌  ‌
‌ ‌  . ‌ 
‌ ‌  ‌. 
‌.
‌,  ‌  ‌. 

38
  
  

(29.6.1931 ,  . .     

    . 5.7.1935 ,
"'   )

, ,   

     
   .   
     . 
       
     
 .   .
  
  
    .
:    
  .
        
     
  ,    
.    
   
   .
   
 .     
 .   .    
       . 
 .   .  .
       
.     
  
  
  .
.

39
      :
 .      
       
.   .    
 . ? 
      
  ?   
      .
     .
 .      
   
  
   ,  
    
    
   .
  
        
  .    .  
      
     
 .     
 .    .
   
  .
   
 .  
  
.

   

   .
  
   
 
 
  
 .

40
 ADDRESS ON COMMUNAL REPRESENTATION,
RECRUITMENT POLICIES, AND
DEPARTMENTAL REFORMS IN THE MADRAS
PRESIDENCY

(This excerpt is from a speech delivered by the Hon. P.T. Rajan in March 1932
during a Madras Presidency’s Legislative Assembly session. As Minister, he
addressed critical issues surrounding communal representation in government
services, the challenges of equitable recruitment, and the complexities of
departmental reforms)

initial recruitment, on communal ba-

DEMAND V-REGISTRATION sis, to the various heads of departments
TRANSFERRED. who confine their appointments to these
persons. My hon.Friend, Mr Sriramulu,
The hon. Mr. P. T. RAJAN:- observed that his community does not
have any representation in the Govern-
“On the recommendation of His ment service. As my hon. Friend, Mr.
Excellency the Governor, I beg to move- Arasu, pointed out, the Hindu commu-
nity is divided into two main communi-
‘That Government be granted a sum not ties, the Brahmans and non-Brahmans.
exceeding Rs. 26,80,400 under Demand If every community is further divided
V –Registration– Transferred’.” into various sections, it may land us in
greater difficulties. I shall communicate
“Mr. President, Sir, the main point in the the speeches of hon. Members to the
remarks of the very many hon. Mem- head of the department so that due con-
bers is with regard to appointments in sideration may be given to the claims of
this department and the desire of the the various communities especially the
different communities to have their due backward communities if candidates of
share of these appointments. My own those communities are available and if
desire is that every community, espe- they are duly qualified. Mr. Arasu also
cially backward communities should pointed out that Muhammadans are
have its own share. But the powers of unrepresented in the department. I shall
the heads of the departments with re- give the House the following figures that
gard to appointments are hemmed in by I have. There are 26 District Registrars
the Public Services Commission. That and out of these 26, 5 are Muhammad-
Commission recommends persons for ans. In the selection grade, there are 31

41
officers, one of them is a Muhammad- effect to these promotions in the sense
an. In the upper-grade Sub-Registrars, that back pay will have to be given, I am
there are 83 out of these, there is one afraid, I cannot make any promise at all.
Muhammadan. As soon as the Govern- It is not possible for the Government to
ment pass orders with regard to promo- give retrospective effect to these promo-
tions from the lower grade to the upper tions and to give back pay which will
grade, the proportion of Muhammad- run to thousands. The Government will
ans will be greater in the latter grade. not be able to find the money required
There are 507 officers in the lower grade, in these days of financial stringency.
of whom 37 are Muhammadans. There
are 77 reserve Sub-Registrars, of whom “My hon. Friend, Mr. Sreshta, elabo-
11 are Muhammadans. Out of the total rated to us the virtues of competitive
number of 2,189 clerks, there are 140 examination. I agree with him in theo-
Muhammadans. ry. But when there is the claim of each
community to get its due proportion of
As I said last year at the time of the bud- representation in the public services, it
get discussion, it is not possible all of a is not possible to apply the principle of
sudden to rectify communal inequali- competitive examination. If the differ-
ties. The Government Order regarding ent communities give up their claims
communal rotation was passed with and agree to the principle of selection
a view to rectify these communal in- by competitive examination, the Gov-
equalities, and it will take some time. In ernment will consider the question. But
the course of ten years or so, different
communities will be represented in the
services in due proportion. As I said last year at the time of
the budget discussion, it is not
“The hon. Member Mr. Pocker observed possible all of a sudden to rectify
that there was unnecessary delay with communal inequalities.
regard to promotions from the lower
The Government Order
grade to the upper grade. It is true that
promotions from the lower grade to the regarding communal rotation
upper grade have been held up from was passed with a view to
the year 1927 onwards. There was some rectify these communal
difficulty in deciding how promotions inequalities, and it will take
should be made in these cases and what some time. In the course of ten
principles should apply. After great deal years or so, different
of thought and deliberation, the Gov-
communities will be represented
ernment has come to certain conclu-
sions and in the course of a fortnight,
in the services
orders will be passed. With reference in due proportion.
to the question of giving retrospective

42
 that a certain percentage should be
It is only on the reserved for promotion from the low-
recommendation of this er grades. As far as the recruitment for
the posts of reserve Sub-Registrars are
House that the Madras
concerned, they are mainly recruited
Services Commission was directly. Deserving clerks of the depart-
appointed, and all appointments ment have been promoted. The Inspec-
from the various heads of tor-General of Registration has recently
departments were gone to the extent of reserving 25 per
transferred cent of the vacancies for promotion
to the Commission. from the grade of clerks to the grade of
Sub-Registrars. I think that percentage
is enough. If we still increase that per-
in as much as the different communities centage I do not think it will be condu-
insist that their claims should be rec- cive to the efficiency of the department.
ognized, the principle of selection by No doubt the Retrenchment Commit-
competitive examination cannot be ac- tee has recommended that 50 per cent
cepted. Though I say that the principle of the appointments should be made
of selection by competitive examination by promotion of clerks to the grade of
cannot be accepted, in practice the prin- Sub-Registrars. The matter is still un-
ciple underlying competitive examina- der the consideration of the Govern-
tion’ is being given effect to by Madras ment. I am afraid it is not possible or
Services Commission at the time of se- even advisable to recruit men to this
lecting candidates. As far as the clerks department from other departments.
are concerned, they are selected by the
Services Commission as a result of ex- “Sir, Swami Sahajananda complained
aminations held by that body. In other that members of his community have
cases, though written examinations are not got adequate representation in the
not held, selections are made after services, and he even went to the extent
viva voce examination. Till the commu- of saying that the Minister should take
nities agree to the principle of competi- upon himself the duty of making such
tive examination, this modified form of appointments. I am afraid it is too tall
competitive examination alone can be an order.
followed.”
It is only on the recommendation of this
“Then my hon. Friend went on to say House that the Madras Services Com-
that a certain percentage of the posts mission was appointed, and all appoint-
of Sub-Registrars should be reserved ments from the various heads of
for direct recruitment, that a certain departments were transferred to the
percentage should be reserved for Commission.
people of the other departments, and

43
Unless the Act of this House is amended, it is not possible for Ministers or even
heads of departments to take up that duty. But I may sау this, that community has
not suffered on this account. As a matter of fact, in recent years, the hon. Member’s
community people have been recruited to some of the grades in this department.
I may say, for his information, that among the Registrars, there is a member of the
depressed classes. Among the Sub-Registrars, there are two members of that com-
munity and there are 13 clerks in the department. Only recently, when the Gov-
ernment were considering the question of promotion from the lower to the upper
grade, two vacancies which should have gone to the members of the depressed class
community could not be filled up because no candidates were available at that time.
I asked the head of the department to find out whether there were any members of
the depressed class community who were fit for promotion. I am glad to say that two
members of the community are now available, and when the time comes for filling
up vacancies next time, their case would be considered, and there is every possibility
of their being promoted.

There is only one other point, Sir, raised by Mr. Gopalaswami Mudaliyar to be dealt
with, that is, about some clerk in the department who is carrying on propaganda
against the Government. The Inspector-General will be informed of this and will be
asked to make enquiries. If the facts are as alleged on the floor of this House, I shall
ask the head of the department to take necessary action.”

44
 THE MADRAS CO-OPERATIVE
SOCIETIES BILL

(The following is an excerpt from a speech delivered by Mr. P. T. Rajan on the floor
of the Madras Legislative Council in March 1932, during the third reading of the
Madras Co-operative Societies Bill. This excerpt offers a glimpse into the legislative
efforts to strengthen the co-operative framework in the Madras Presidency
back then.)
The hon. the PRESIDENT: Act X of 1904 laid down merely the gen-
eral outlines leaving details to be filled
“The House will now take up the third in gradually as experience is gained in
reading of the Co-operative Societies each Province. The experience gained
Bill. It will be convenient if the Hon. in the working of the movement during
Minister moves the amendments first. the last two decades in this Presidency
After the amendments are disposed of, has indicated that certain changes were
he may move the motion standing in his necessary in the existing law in order to
name on the agenda.” facilitate the consolidation of the move-
ment and to ensure its further prog-
The hon. Mr. P. T. RAJAN:- ress. The necessity for such changes was
pointed out by several committees like
“Before I proceed to move that the Bill the Townsend Committee on Co-op-
be passed into law, I should like to touch eration, the Banking Inquiry Commit-
on some of its salient features. The tee and the Royal Commission on Ag-
co-operative movement has been in ex- riculture. Recommendations of these
istence for the last 28 years and has made bodies were considered by Govern-
rapid progress during the period. There ment and such changes as were found
are now 15,000 societies and the work- necessary in this Bill were introduced.
ing capital employed in the movement The Bill was originally drafted by Mr.
is over 18 crores. The financing and su- Hood –the present Finance Secretary–
pervision of this vast credit organization and he brought to bear on the Bill his
presented problems of great magnitude wide experience gained in his capacity
and it became necessary to take stock of as Registrar, his intimate knowledge of
the results achieved so far and to con- the details of the movement and his zeal
vert measures for future development. for the cause of the movement. Though
The present law relating to co-operative the Bill has undergone several modifi-
societies is embodied in the India Act cations, especially at the hands of the
II of 1912 which like its predecessor the Select Committee appointed by this

45
Council, the main structure of the Bill members or of the financing bank;
remains the same.”
(10) to avoid any possible miscarriage
“I shall refer to some of the important of justice the Registrar is invested with
changes: – power of revision in arbitration cases
and also with power to attach proper-
(1) the precise nature of the liability ty before decision when there is fear of
in unlimited liability societies and the alienation of property;
mode of enforcing such liability has
been defined; (11) provision is made to enable Gov-
ernment to grant loans to, take shares
(2) freedom is given to societies to in, or give financial assistance in any
change their liability from limited to un- other form to any society;
limited and from unlimited to limited;
(12) provision is made to take notice of
(3) provision is made for division and the failure of societies to comply with
amalgamation of societies; certain provisions of the Bill. Wilful
submission of false returns and the wil-
(4) power to inspect societies is given to ful disobedience of summons are made
financing banks; offences under the Bill. The offences are
made non-cognizable and triable only
(5) powers are given to the Registrar to by a first-class Magistrate, while an ad-
execute decrees speedily; equate safeguard against irresponsible
prosecutions is provided by requiring
(6) power is given to supersede commit- the permission of the Registrar before
tees of societies with a view to give op- launching a prosecution. The existence
portunities for societies to avoid, if pos- of the penal sections will stimulate busi-
sible, the extreme step of liquidation; ness methods in the minds of co-oper-
ators and the provisions are based upon
(7) greater facilities are given to the liq- the English Industrial and Provident
uidators to wind up the affairs of societ- Societies Act.”
ies speedily;
“These are the chief changes incorporat-
(8) provision is made for the recovery of ed in the Bill and I hope that these new
moneys misappropriated or fraudulent- provisions will be of great help in deal-
ly retained by means of a surcharge: ing with the defects in the existing orga-
nizations. The Bill has also provided for
(9) provision is made to give power greater measure of control by non-of-
to the Registrar to call a general body ficial bodies like financing banks over
meeting of a society in case the commit- the co-operative societies with a view to
tee refuses to do so, at the request of the secure their co-operation in the expan-

46
sion and progress of the movement.”

“Now, Sir, the Bill had secured an easy passage through the House and it was due to
the labours of the Select Committee which sat consecutively for four days and sub-
jected the provisions of the Bill to a detailed and careful scrutiny. I must thank the
Members of the Legislative Council for their help and valuable suggestions and in
particular my Friend from Coimbatore, Rao Bahadur T. A. Ramalingam Chettiyar,
for having placed at the disposal of the Committee his wide experience and knowl-
edge as also Rao Sahib Badeti Venkataramayya, the Chairman of the Committee,
for having conducted the proceedings of the Committee ably to the satisfaction of
all concerned. I must also thank the Advocate-General and Mr. R. V. Krishna Ayyar,
Secretary, Legislative Council (Hear, hear) for their valuable help. My thanks and of
the House are also due to Mr. Strathie, Mr. Slater, Mr. Ramamurti and Rao Bahadur
Daivasikhamani Mudaliyar for their arduous labours in connexion with this Bill.
Lastly, I convey my sincere thanks to the hon. Members of this House for having
helped me in getting the Bill through so quickly.

“Now, I move, Sir-

‘that the Bill be passed into law’.

“Mr. President, Sir, I thank once again my hon. Friends who had helped this Bill
through this House. I may assure my hon. Friend, Mr. Ramalingam Chettiyar, that all
the valuable suggestions he has made in the direction of securing the co-operation of
non-officials will be carefully considered by the Government.”

The hon. the PRESIDENT: “ The question is –

‘that the Madras Co-operative Societies Bill (Bill No. 4 of 1931) be passed into law’.”

The motion was carried and the Bill was passed into law.

47
 A BILL TO FACILITATE THE WORKING OF
CO-OPERATIVE LAND MORTGAGE BANKS IN
THE PRESIDENCY OF MADRAS

(When Hon’ble P.T. Rajan served as the Minister of Co-operatives in the Madras
Presidency from 1931-1936, several important reforms were initiated under his
leadership. The following is an excerpt from a speech delivered by
Hon. Mr. P. T. Rajan on the floor of the Madras Legislative Council in 1934 during
the passage of the Land Mortgage Banks Bill.)

the Government guaranteed the interest

falling due thereon during the first five
The Hon. Mr. P. T. RAJAN:- years up to an extent of 50 lakhs, while
with a view to safeguard its own inter-
“Sir, before I move that the Bill be passed ests, the Registrar of Co-operative Soci-
into law, I wish to make a few observa- eties was to be a trustee of the Bank and
tions. Hon. Members are aware how, with also have a seat on the directorate in ad-
a view to relieve agricultural indebtedness, dition to another nominee of the Gov-
particularly of the small landholder, land ernment to that directorate. The Bank
mortgage banks were organized so far had so far issued debentures to a value
back as 1925 and these banks had to find of Rs. 30 lakhs. While the Madras Co-o
their funds from the share-capital, depos- pertive Societies Act of 1932,
its and debentures, mainly from the last designed to implement the recommen-
source, viz., the debentures. It was how- dations of the Committee on Co-op-
ever soon experienced that the debentures eration, satisfactorily deals with the
of these primary banks were not attractive affair of Co-operative Credit Societies, a
enough to draw the necessary capital and supplementary Act dealing specifically
it was felt that debentures issued by a larg- with Land Mortgage Banks was found
er and central organization would prove necessary; hence this Bill.”
more popular and accordingly with the
sanction of the Government a Provincial “The main objects of the Bill are two-
Central Land Mortgage Bank was started fold in character, viz., the securing of
in 1929, the shareholders of the same be- easy credit for land mortgage banks and
ing the primary banks and to a certain ex- effective powers for the prompt recov-
tent, private individuals. To ensure public ery of the loans due to them from their
confidence in the debentures of this Bank, constituents.”

48
 any part thereof. The Select Committee
“To achieve the former object, the origi- however was of opinion that the mov-
nal Bill intended the Government guar- able property to be distrained should
antee to apply to the interest payable on be only the produce of the mortgaged
debentures, but the Select Committee property and not any other movable
was of opinion that this Government property of the defaulter. While this re-
should stand guarantee for both princi- striction is retained in the Bill, the power
pal and interest, so that the debentures of distraint and sale whether of movable
may be made trustee securities and con- or of immovable property was, during
sequently more easily negotiable, and the course of the second reading, trans-
altered the Bill accordingly. This does ferred from the Bank to the Registrar or
still form part of the Bill, but subject to a person to be appointed by him. This
the qualification that the Government procedure will, on the one hand, have
could prescribe a maximum limit up to all the advantages of a summary proce-
which alone its guarantee would apply, dure without resort to a civil court and,
and also that the Government could, at on the other, avoid the possible dangers
any time after sufficient notice, with- which certain hon. Members, not per-
draw its guarantee to any debenture to haps without justification, apprehend-
be issued thereafter. The safety of the ed of the misuse of powers on the part
Government as regards the guarantees of the governing bodies of the primary
will be in the fact that the trustee, with banks. In effect, the Registrar will con-
whose previous sanction alone deben- stitute an impartial Tribunal duly safe-
tures can be issued, is to be the Regis- guarding the interests of the bank while,
trar or a nominee of the Government. at the same time protecting the debtor
This arrangement, it is hoped, while not against any harassment. Provision is
jeopardizing the interest of the Govern- also made for proper notice being given
ment in any way, will enable the land to all interested parties in respect of any
mortgage banks to raise the funds nec- proposed action. While all proceedings
essary for this purpose.” right up to the confirmation of sale of
immovable property will be taken by
“Now as regards the procedure to be the Registrar or under his authority, the
adopted for the prompt recovery of the actual delivery of the land to the pur-
loans advanced by the banks, it was in- chaser is to be made through the civ-
tended to obviate the need to resort to il court and then the provisions of the
civil court and therefore according to Civil Procedure Code, Order XXI, Rules
the original Bill the bank was to be em- 97-103 are made applicable. This is done
powered to distrain and bring to sale any to protect the right to possession, if any,
movable property of the debtor for the of a person who might be a stranger to
recovery of a mere instalment and to at- all preceding transactions.”
tach and sell the mortgaged property for
the recovery of the mortgage amount or “The only other provision which needs

49
special mention is that relating to mi-
nors and limited owners. The original “Before I conclude my remarks, Sir, I
Bill provided that mortgages executed should like to take the opportunity to
on behalf of minors or by limited own- express my sincere thanks to the Leaders
ers shall not be liable to be questioned of the various Groups for having agreed
on the ground that the debt was not to set apart a day for the discussion of
binding on the minor or the reversioner. this Bill and also to the leading Members
The Select Committee revoked this pro- of the various Groups who have helped
vision but altered this ordinary law to me to arrive at a satisfactory solution of
the extent of placing the onus of proof the difficulties pointed out on the floor
on the person questioning the binding of the House, by attending the confer-
character of the debt. Even this has now ences convened by me for this purpose.
been altered and the ordinary law will Though I won’t like to make invidious
hold good except in cases where the distinctions, I should like to express
mortgage is executed by the managing my thanks to my Friends, Mr. Ramal-
member of a joint Hindu family.” ingam Chettiyar, Mr. Ramunni Menon,
Sir A. P. Patro and Mr. Pannirselvam
“It will be seen from the above that the for having constantly met me whenev-
Bill has, at its various stages, undergone er I wanted them, as the last moment
material alterations and, as it stands at changes required constant consultations
present, represents the maximum mea- and modifications. While thanking the
sure of agreement among the various non-official Members, I should also like
sections of the House. This being a mea- to thank the Expert Member who has
sure conceived not merely in the inter- been appointed for this purpose, for the
ests of the land mortgage banks, but also great help he has rendered. I must also
to advance the welfare of the poor agri- thank Mr. Hood, the present Finance
culturists of this Province, I thought it Secretary, who was good enough to
necessary to enlist on its behalf the sym- place at my disposal all his experience.
pathy and co-operation of every school He was Registrar of Co-operative So-
of thought, and though it has had what cieties and it was during his period of
might be termed a chequered career, I office that the Central Land Mortgage
must confess to a feeling of considerable Bank was organized. I also take this
satisfaction that thanks to the helpful opportunity, Sir, to thank my Registrar
and constructive criticism and sugges- for his help; and to express my sincere
tions offered by several hon. Members thanks to Diwan Bahadur R. V. Krishna
of the Honse, whether on the floor of Ayyar for the great help he has rendered
the House or outside, it has been possi- in drafting the various amendments
ble for me to ultimately present the Bill which have been necessitated as a result
in a form which may not be perfect but of the disenssions. I should not forget to
which, I hope, would be acceptable to thank the Development Secretary and
everyone.” the staff of the department, which deals

50
with this matter, for the readiness with gage bank is going to be a semi-public
which they coped with the work, seeing institution and it is going to be worked
that this is the Budget season. Before I without any profit and in the interests
close, Sir, I should also like to publicly of the agriculturists. Secondly, Govern-
acknowledge the keen interest exhibit- ment guarantee not only the interest but
ed by the representatives of the Madras also the principal. As suggested already,
Presidency in the Assembly in con- you will have to give some sort of power
nexion with making the debentures of to the bank to realize their money which
the central land mortgage Bank trustee has been lent to people. If it is agreed
securities.” that some summary powers should be
given to the bank, all that one can see
“With these words, Sir, I have great plea- is whether necessary safeguards can be
sure in moving ‘that the Bill, as amend- introduced so that these powers are not
ed, be passed into law’.” abused.”

After the Motion was put to the vote: “As I’pointed out this morning, the Bill,
as it emerged from the Select Commit-
The Hon. Mr. P. T. RAJAN:- tee, has undergone a great deal of change,
so far as distraint of movable and sale
“ Sir, whatever may be the opinions on of immovable property is concerned. I
some sections of this Bill, there is this may say that the power of distraint will
fact which I have noted: the House has not be unnecessarily exercised. I hope
accepted that there is a necessity for a the bank will manage their affairs in
Bill of this type and that it is in the inter- such a way that there may not be any
ests of the agriculturists. I listened with necessity to resort to power of distraint
great attention to the speech of my hon. or sale. Mr. Muniswami Nayudu wanted
Friend, Mr. Muniswami Nayudu, and, to see that the officers who are going to
as far as I could gather, all his objections distrain property or conduct the sale of
centred round the clauses which deal immovable property are men of certain
with distraint and sale of properties. Of status, so that they may not commit mis-
course as a lawyer –there are a number takes or misuse the powers. I can assure
of leading lawyers in this House– he my hon. Friend that officers of the sta-
wants to safeguard personal and prop- tus of Sub-Deputy Registrars and above
erty rights, and where these rights are will be deputed to conduct the sale, etc.,
involved, he wants to stand as a zeal- and that the Registrar will keep a strict
ous guardian of individual liberty. If it watch over these men.”
is purely an academic question, I would
certainly agree with my hon. Friend, “Some of the points raised by hon. Mem-
Mr. Muniswami Nayudu, and those of bers have already been answered by my
his way of thinking. But one has to take hon. Friends, Mr. Ramalingam Chetti-
into consideration that the land mort- yar and Mr. Ramachandra Rao, and I do

51
not think I need to detain the House in making any further remarks. I may say, Sir,
that this central bank is the first of its kind in India and I believe other provinces are
looking forward to this Province to copy our system. I am quite sure that the direc-
tors and those who have anything to do with the bank will conduct the affairs of the
bank in such a way that they will justify the existence of the bank and make it a very
useful institution to the people. I am indeed thankful to my hon. Friend, Diwan Ba-
hadur Muniswami Nayudu, for his good wishes, and I am only sorry that on account
of his ill-health he was not able to give that amount of help which he is certainly in a
position to give as he is connected fairly intimately with the co-operative movement.
I will once more assure my hon. Friends that so far as the Government are con-
cerned, they will see that the summary powers given to the bank are used not merely
in the interests of the bank but more in the interests of the agriculturists. I do hope
that hon. Members here and the people outside will take a greater interest in the
working of this bank and make the bank a greater success and make it move useful
to the agriculturists. I am sure that when this Bill is passed into law, it will to a great
extent serve the interests of the public. I may also add that, if in the course of time, as
a result of our experience it is found that the Act requires any change, I am quite sure
that either myself or those who follow me will introduce the necessary amendments.”

“I once more thank the House for their readiness and willingness to spare time for
considering this Bill and for all the help they gave to facilitate the passage of the Bill.”

The question that the Bill be passed into law was put and carried.

52
 AMENDMENT TO MADRAS CO-OPERATIVE
SOCIETIES ACT

(This article discusses a legislative amendment introduced by the Hon. P.T. Rajan,
Minister for Development, to the Madras Co-operative Societies Act of 1932. Pub-
lished in ‘Justice’ magazine on 27.11.1936, the proposed changes reflect the gov-
ernment’s efforts to enhance the efficiency and accountability of co-operative soci-
eties back in the Madras Presidency, highlighting Hon. P.T. Rajan’s role in fostering
institutional reforms during a crucial period of development.)

istrars who are not Gazetted Officers

MADRAS, Nov-27. have to be appointed by Government
and this causes delay. The object of the
The Hon. Mr. P. T. Rajan, Minister for amendment is to delegate to the Regis-
Development will shortly introduce a trar the power to appoint Sub-Deputy
bill to amend the Madras Co-operative Registrars.
Societies Act of 1932. The bill has been
published for general information and 3. Clause 4. The India Central Banking
the following is the statement of objects Enquiry Committee recommended that
and reasons appended to the bill: if the committee of a Co-operative Soci-
ety advanced loans in excess of the lim-
The object of this Bill is to make cer- its prescribed by the laws of the society
tain amendments of an urgent charac- or otherwise, the members of the com-
ter in the Madras Co-operative Societ- mittee should be held personally liable
ies Act of 1932 (Madras Act VI of 1932). as guarantors of the loan. In order to en-
The necessity for the amendments is force this liability it is necessary to bring
explained below. such cases also under Section 51 of the
Act and to treat them as disputes between
2. Clause 3. –Section 3 of the Act as it a registered society and the committee
stands makes it necessary for the Gov- which sanctioned the loan. Acts of care-
ernment to appoint all persons who are lessness or mismanagement of society’s
to assist the Registrar of Co-operative affairs by a committee seldom come to
Societies. Thus, even Sub-Deputy Reg- light until that committee vacates office.

53
The amendment is intended to amplify It was returned unexecuted by that de-
Section 51 and to make it applicable to partment, and subsequently, an applica-
disputes between a society and its past tion was filed in a civil court for execut-
committee or any past officer, agent or ing the decision. If the time taken in the
servant, or the nominee, heirs or legal proceedings before the Revenue depart-
representatives of any deceased officer, ment had been excluded the execution
agent or servant of the society. application presented to the civil court
would have been in time under Arti-
4. Clause 5.- Section 57A of the Act em- cle 182 of the First Schedule to the In-
powers the Registrar or any person sub- dian Limitation Act, 1908. The Madras
ordinate to and empowered by him, to High Court has, however, held (I.L.R.
execute certain decrees, orders etc., by 59 Mad. 257) that the time could not be
the attachment and sale of the property excluded as there was nothing in the Act
of the person against whom the decree, or rules to indicate that the officer of the
order etc. was obtained or passed. The Revenue department concerned should
section thus requires that an attach- be deemed to be a civil court. The exe-
ment should precede a sale in all cases, cution application was thus held to be
including those where the property is barred by limitation.
already mortgaged to the decree-hold-
er. It is considered unnecessary to pro- The Madras Co-operative Societies Act,
vide for the attachment of the property 1932 (Madras Act VI of 1932), autho-
where it has already been mortgaged to rises the Registrar or any person sub-
the decree-holder. The amendment pro- ordinate to and empowered by him, to
posed is intended to achieve this object execute the awards and decisions afore-
by taking power to dispense with attach- said, as well as decrees etc., obtained by
ment in suitable cases. It will bring the Co-operative Societies by the sale of the
law into conformity with the procedure defaulter’s property-Section 57 A. After
provided in Section 51 (b) of the Code this Act came into force, the Co-opera-
of Civil Procedure, 1908. tive department has taken up the work
of executing these awards, decisions etc.
5. Clauses 2 and 6.- Under the Co- op- and several cases which were pending
erative Societies Act, 1912 (India Act 1 with the Revenue department have been
1 of 1912), and the rules framed there withdrawn and filed with the Registrar
under, the awards of arbitrators and the of the District for execution proceedings
decisions of the officers of the Co-oper- taken by the Co-operative department.
ative department could be executed ei- The time taken in such proceedings can-
ther through the Revenue department not be excluded when reckoning the pe-
or through Civil Courts. In a recent case, riod of limitation for the presentation of
a decision of an Assistant Registrar giv- an execution application to a civil court
en under that Act was first sent for en- subsequently. There may be some cases
forcement to the Revenue department. in which the Co-operative department

54
may not be able to execute the award, etc. successfully. There may also be cases in
which the arrest of the judgment-Debtor may have to be resorted to. In such cases,
the execution applications will have to be continued in Civil Courts. If Civil Courts
throw out such application on the ground of limitation, much loss and hardship
would be caused to societies. It is accordingly proposed to amend the Act by insert-
ing there in a new Section (Section 57-B-see Clause 6 of the Bill) making it clear that
the Registrar or other person empowered by the Registrar should, when executing
a decree, order, etc., under Section 57-A, be deemed to be a Civil Court for the pur-
pose of Article 182 of the First Schedule to the Limitation Act, 1908.

As the Co-operative department took up execution work under the Madras Co-op-
erative Societies Act, 1932, from the 1st of August. 1933, it is necessary to give retro-
spective operation to Clause 6 from that date. Clause 2 of the Bill makes the neces-
sary provision in that behalf.

55
 WHAT THE JUSTICE PARTY HAS DONE FOR
THE DEPRESSED CLASSES

(This speech, delivered on August 6, 1936, at the Thevaram Depressed Classes Con-
ference by Hon. P.T. Rajan, highlights his unwavering commitment to social justice
and the upliftment of marginalized communities. Published in ‘Justice’ magazine,
Thiru P.T. Rajan’s address reflects the pioneering role of the Justice Party in improv-
ing the lives of disadvantaged groups during a transformative period in Tamil Na-
du’s history.)

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me in the would be good enough to give me de-
first instance convey my thanks to the tails, I will have it carefully examined in
citizens of Thevaram for their very cor- the Secretariate. With reference to cases
dial and warm welcome to me and my being withdrawn from the court I say
friends this evening. Then let me thank that law and order is not under my con-
the organisers for the honour they have trol. However, if both the communities
done me in asking me to open this Con- come to an understanding and in pursu-
ference. Conferences of this sort, it is ance of that understanding they should
needless for me to say, indicate a de- address the District Magistrate and the
sire on the part of the people to elevate Government, I am prepared to ask my
themselves. Hon’ble Colleagues to consider that pe-
tition carefully.
Gentlemen, in the address of Welcome
presented to me you have mentioned As regards the third item, I might point
three points. One is reference to the site out to you Gentleman, that you should
where you are living and you desire to get at the gentleman sitting there, I mean
be shifted to the better locality. The sec- my worthy friend Mr. W. P. A. Sound-
ond is about the cases that have been arapandia Nadar, Member of the Madu-
filed in the court as the result of con- ra District Board. I am sorry to say that
flicts between your community and the I forgot to mention the names of two
Kallar community and that they should other worthy gentlemen, Mr. Ponni-
be withdrawn. The third is to give great- ah Gowder and Mr. Abdul Rahim who
er facilities for educating your children are also Members of the District Board.
in this place Incidentally, you may also address the
Commissioner of Labour.
With reference to item No. 1 if you

56
Coming to the Conference itself I should Classes and assignment or lease of land
like to recall to your mind that the Mon- for cultivation. To carry out these items
tagu-Chelmsford Reforms were intro- the post of a Labour Commissioner was
duced with the intention of training created, and he, with the help of the Rev-
Indians in the art of Governing them- enue Department, has been carrying on
selves. It was but a preliminary step to this good work.
handing over the full administration
to Indians. While that was introduced, Gentlemen, referring to item No. 1.
the Government took care to improve waste or poramboke lands at the dis-
the condition of different communities posal of Government are assigned free
and specially the Depressed Classes so of cost to needy persons of your com-
that the community also might take its munity. Thus, the total number of sites
rightful place in the society and contrib- assigned up to the 31st March 1935,
ute its humble mite to the well-being of comes to 35,069. Acquisition of private
this Presidency. In the case of depressed lands is made and allotted to the De-
classes, the Government took greater pressed Classes where lands at the dis-
interest than in the case of others for the posal of Government are not available.
simple reason that they practically form The cost of acquisition is recoverable
the backbone of the agricultural popu- in instalments spread over a number
lation. of years, and in the case of streets and
other sites required for public purpose,
WHAT GOVERNMENT DID the Government met the cost and in the
case of house sites actually occupied,
Gentlemen, I shall briefly refer to the these people had to pay the cost. The
work that has been done by Government total number of house sites provided by
to uplift the condition of your commu- this method since the commencement
nity. They are (1) Relief of congestion in of operation of the scheme up to 31st
areas occupied collectively by the De- March, 1935, is 35,540. Gentlemen, as
pressed Class by reservation of site (2) it was found that the Depressed Class-
Organising and supervising of co-oper- es could not meet the entire cost of the
ative societies and the grant of loans. (3) house site, the Government after a care-
Opening of schools for the Depressed ful consideration decided on a scheme
Classes, granting of scholarships, sti- by which they will bear half the cost of
pends, boarding grants etc., and giving acquisition and the people have to pay
grants to private educational institutions the other half in easy instalments. It is
for the benefit of the Depressed Classes. hoped that this measure of assistance
(4) Provision for sanitary amenities such given by the Government will go a long
as wells, tanks, pathways, burial and way towards relieving the Depressed
burning grounds. (5) Giving grants to Classes.
private agencies employed in the social
and economic uplift of the Depressed

57
CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES bodies thousand and odd were separate-
ly maintained by the Labour Depart-
Coming to the co-operative societies, ment. They did not ignore the education
societies have been organised for the of girls, either. Coming to the schools
benefit of the Depressed Classes by the maintained by the agencies other than
Labour Department. For the following the Labour Department their number
purpose, those societies were registered: comes up to 9,614.
(1) for obtaining loans for the acquisi-
tion of house sites etc., (2) for obtaining Gentlemen, I may also point out that
loans for agricultural purposes such as in cases where schools maintained ei-
cattle, plough etc., (3) for general cred- ther by private agencies or local boards,
it purposes (4) for obtaining a lease of grants were refused to them so long as
Government lands and (5) for flood they refused admission to the mem-
relief purposes. Gentlemen, there were bers of the Depressed Classes. By these
as many as 2,776 societies registered methods they have persuaded higher
for this purpose. In the beginning, they caste Hindus to treat the children of the
were under the care of the Labour De- Depressed Classes on the same footing
partment. Their management was later as the rest.
on transferred to Co-operative Depart-
ment. The Government had also given Gentlemen, I refer to the concession
loans to individual members of the De- and now I should like to say how these
pressed Classes, for the purposes men- concessions were given. Poor pupils be-
tioned above. From the commencement longing to the Depressed Classes pay in
of the operation of this movement, Gov- all secondary schools and colleges only
ernment has given advances to the sum one-half of the fees levied in such insti-
of 23 lakhs and odd by way of loans to tutions and no fee is levied in elemen-
the members of the Depressed Classes tary schools under public management.
either by credit or through the co-oper- Grants are also given by the Labour
ative societies. Of this a sum of Rs. 22 Department for the poor pupils for the
lakhs and odd was for the purchase of purchase of books and clothes. Recently
house sites and the balance for other District Boards and Municipalities have
purposes specifically mentioned above. been empowered to sanction full fee re-
The Government will continue to carry mission for poor pupils belonging to the
on this work till they have given suffi- Depressed Classes; they are accepted as
cient help to the Depressed Classes to candidates for the S.S.L.C. Public exam-
better their lot. inations without examination fees. Be-
sides these concessions, there are schol-
SCHOOLS arships which are given to these classes.
There were 18 scholarships in colleges,
Gentlemen, as regards schools, apart 16 scholarships and 16 fee remissions
from the schools maintained by local in each of forms 1 to 6, 81 scholarships

58
in standards 6 to 8, 51 scholarships and
51 fee remissions in classes 4 and 5 of Gentlemen, I may also point out
secondary schools. In addition to this, that in cases where schools
the Labour Commissioner grants schol- maintained either by private
arships, stipends etc., to the depressed agencies or local boards, grants
Classes. Gentlemen, stipends are also were refused to them so long as
given to teachers for undergoing train- they refused admission to the
ing. Then the Labour Department main-
members of the Depressed
tained 5 hostels for the Presidency for
the benefit of Depressed Classes besides
Classes. By these methods they
making grants to 8 hostels maintained have persuaded higher caste
by other agencies. Boarding grants are Hindus to treat the children of
all sanctioned by the Commissioner for the Depressed Classes on the
Labour to the Depressed Class students same footing as the rest.
in other institutions.
ment of lands for cultivation in 1918, the
Grants to private institutions (other Government ordered that wasteland in
than hostels) maintained for the benefit every ryotwari village in the Presidency
of the Depressed Classes are also sanc- should be assigned and the fair propor-
tioned by the Labour Department. The tion of this be reserved for the assign-
total expenditure so far incurred on the ment of Depressed Classes. The scheme
education of Depressed Classes alone made possible the assignment of a very
comes to 52 lakhs and odd. And thus considerable area of land throughout
all these items have been done for the the country. As much as 7 lakhs and
last 15 years towards giving educational 36,000 acres of land are reserved for
facilities. the Depressed Classes of which 4 lakhs
4,000 and odd acres have been assigned
PUBLIC WELLS AND STREETS up to the 31st March 1935.

I now refer to the wells, pathways and GOVERNMENT SERVICES

burial grounds. Owing to prejudice
of higher classes, Depressed Classes Coming to the Government Services,
had been denied access to wells, right for every 12 appointments one is re-
of pathway and so on. Wells to the ex- served for the member of the Depressed
tent of 3,405 have been sunk. Facilities Classes. In their case as they do not have
for latrine, pathways burial and burn- sufficient men with necessary qualifi-
ing grounds also have been given. They cations certain concessions have been
have spent in this direction as much as given till 1936. The minimum general
20 laklıs and odd. educational qualification for appoint-
ment to subordinate services has been
Coming to the reservation and assign- appreciably lowered and the age limit

59
has been increased to 27 in the case of Ministerial services and to 26 in the case of
certain other services. Gentlemen, the Labour Department has secured during the
last 15 years an amount of Rs. 72 lakhs on education and provision of other ameni-
ties, the necessities of civic life etc.

JUSTICE PARTY’S SERVICE

Now Ladies and Gentlemen, I should, say a word or two as to what my Party has done
to your community. Our item of programme has been the elevation of your commu-
nity. It was through the help of my party, your members have been nominated to the
Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, Municipalities, Local Boards etc. We have
been responsible for the appointments to posts in public services of all grades. Your
social disabilities were removed to a great extent. If you kindly read the speeches of
Dewan Bahadur R. Srinivasan and Mr. V. I. Munisamy Pillai, they will give you an
idea of the help given by our Party in all directions. There are perhaps some amongst
you specially younger men who might feel that enough has not been achieved by
you. Even the ardent reformer amongst you, if he would only think coolly and calm-
ly, will admit that a great deal has been achieved in a short time. More, no doubt,
remains to be done. I would request you to be patient, as those who are patient are
bound to succeed in the long run. I would also request you to get the co-operation
of other communities in improving your conditions. As far as my Party and myself
are concerned we shall continue to give all the help and improve your lot. One word

60
more, some of your leaders being impatient are advocating a change of religion. I
should have no objection to joining any other religion. If by mass conversion you
expect to achieve your object, you will be disappointed, because of a mere change of
religion, it will not give you all that you want. While saying this to you I should like
to warn the caste Hindus that they will be making the biggest mistake in their life,
if they persist in their prejudice and superstition and drive these communities out
of the Hindu fold by their folly and intolerant behaviour they will lose their Hindu
brethren. So I would appeal to the caste Hindus to consider the members of the De-
pressed Community as your own brethren and treat them as human beings. You are
fighting for Swaraj and if you achieve it, it will be as good as nothing. I am glad to
say that you have secured the services of my esteemed friend, Mr. E. V. Ramaswamy
Naicker to preside over your Conference and guide you in your deliberations. Now,
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have great pleasure in declaring this Conference open and
wish you every success.

61
 ""‌  ‌
''

(   12.7.36 ‌ ‌ 

 .. ‌   )

   ‌ 

‌  , ‌‌
 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌
   ‌ 
 ‌ ‌. ‌
 .
 ‌     
‌ .   
 ‌  ‌
‌.  ‌  
! ‌!
‌. ‌  ‌ 
‌  . ‌   ‌  
   ‌  ‌ .
‌.
‌ ‌ ‌‌
‌    ‌ 
‌     ;  
 ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌‌ .
‌.  ; ‌ ‌  
‌. ‌ ‌ ‌ 
‌  ‌ 
‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ 
. ‌ ‌ ‌. ‌   ‌.
  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
 . ‌‌ . 
     ‌‌.
‌ ‌  
‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
    . 

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  
! ‌! ‌‌
 ‌
‌   ‌ ‌
‌ ‌ ‌
.  ‌ , ‌‌
‌  ‌; ‌ ‌‌.
.
‌‌
‌ . ‌ ‌
 
    ‌  ‌ 
  ‌  ‌ 
‌ ‌  ‌  ‌.
‌ ‌  ‌ 
  :   ‌ 
  . ‌
     ‌   
‌ ‌‌ ‌.  
 ‌ . ‌  ‌ 
‌.    .
 ‌  .
 ‌      
‌ ‌   . ‌
‌     ‌   
 . ‌ ‌. ‌ ‌ 
 ‌ . ‌ ‌  ‌
   ‌.   ‌ ‌
‌ ‌  ‌ ‌‌.
  ‌‌
‌ ‌ ‌ 
‌     ‌  
‌     ‌ ‌ ‌
‌ ‌ ‌ .   
 ‌. ‌ ‌  .
‌ ‌ ‌   ‌
‌ ‌  ‌  ‌ .
  .
‌ ‌   ‌‌‌. .  
‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   
  

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‌   
‌   ‌. ‌‌
"'‌ . .   ‌ 
  :
 ‌ .  
? ‌‌
‌‌‌
 ? ‌ ‌
?  ‌ ‌‌
‌.  ...
‌‌
‌  
‌
‌  ‌
‌      ‌‌
‌  .  ;
‌  ‌ .
‌   
‌ ‌‌.
 ‌ . ‌
   
  ‌
.
. ‌ ‌ ‌
(  ) :
‌  
‌  ‌
‌ 
‌ ‌  . 
 ‌ ‌
 ‌ .
‌  ‌
‌ 
 , ‌
‌ 
  ‌ ‌
. 
 ‌ ‌
.

   

‌ ‌  
. ‌ 
  ‌
 ‌ .
, ‌
‌ ‌  
‌  ‌ 
. ‌ ‌

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 ‌  ‌
 . ‌
 ‌    ‌ ‌ ‌
  .  ‌  ‌ 
‌    ‌ ‌ 
‌ . ‌    ‌.
‌.
‌‌ ‌‌
‌  ‌ ‌ .
   , , ‌  ‌ 
‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  . 
   ‌ ‌ ‌‌
12 ‌    ‌ ‌
. ‍ ‌‌‌‌
.
‌ ‌ 
‌ ‌ ‌   , 
‌     
‌ ‌   . ‌ ‌
.     
‌  ? 
, ,   ‌‌ ‌
‌, ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌.
‌  ‌ 
 ‌      ‌ 
.   ‌ ‌  .
‌  ‌  ‌   ‌
‌   .  ‌‌  ‌
‌ ‌  ‌ .   .
‌  ‌ ‌  ‌
.    ‌ ‌
‌  . ‌
‌ ‌  ‌ .
 ‌  ,   ‌
 ‌‌; . ‌ 
. ‌.
   ‌
 ‌  
‌ ‌‌
 ‌  ‌
‌ ‌. ‌

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 ‌‌    .
 .
   
     ; 
        
   .    
       
.   .  
        
   .
  .
   
      .
 
      .
     
  .    
      
       
   .     
       
      
       
.    
 .
     
   .     
   .    .
      , 
      .
.      
        
      
.      . 
  ,     
       
       
 .      . 
  .       
         
  . .  

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      
      . 
         
   .      
    .
  ,
       
 .  ?  ? 
      
      
  . ,  . 
      , 
      . 
.  
  
     
  
    . 
 :-      
      
 ,  .
  
     
      
  .   
      .  
   , ,     
   ,     
   .
   .
        
  .  . . 
,   
     ,   
  .    
   ,   
      
     .   
      
  () .
.

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      ,  
   . ,   ,
     ,  
    ,   , 
 .   ,  ,
     ,   
     , 
 .   ,
  
   
    
        
     
     .
.      
  .      .
      
     .
.
 
  
       
.     
    .     
.       . 
        
.        
 ;.  .
  . 
    .   
   .     
.   
      
  ?     .
  . 
   -   
.     
   .
  ,
, , ,      
,   ,  ,  

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   . ,
   
  . 
       ,
     
 .   
, ,
    . ,  ,
1926-        ,
.    
    .
  ,
       ,
   .   ,
    .

    ,  
 .     ,  
    .
    
,  
. , 
, 
,  
  
, 
 
,
 

 

  
 
  
 

.

69
 JUSTICE PARTY AND RURAL
RECONSTRUCTION

(This address was given at the Taluk Conference of the Justice Party, held in
Tiruturaipundi on August 5, 1936. It was originally published in the magazine
‘Justice’ on August 7, 1936. In this speech, Mr. P.T. Rajan emphasises key aspects of
rural reconstruction, the formation of District Economic Councils, and the
importance of harnessing administrative experience and non-official cooperation.)

“Gentlemen, I am glad to have been most encouraging. In evidence of

been asked by the organisers of this that, you would have read in the papers
Conference to be here and open the that numerous Conferences have been
Conference and thank them for the held in various Taluks in this Presiden-
same. Since May, our friends, Messrs. cy. Our Friends, the Congressmen now
E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker, realise that our Party is very much alive
W. P. A. Soundarapandia Nadar, and kicking. They the Congressmen,
V. V. Ramaswamy, C. D. Nayagam, who have been saying that the Congress
Alagiriswamy and Ponnambalam have is the only Party in this country and in
been carrying on a campaign on behalf this province have declared that there is
of the Justice Party. The response has a second party, namely, the Justice Par-

70
ty. If our friends were to continue their outside that there has not been enough
propaganda in the same manner and co-operation between the various de-
if were to get the same response as in partments of Government and there
the past, our opponents will soon real- has not been sufficient co-ordination of
ise that there will be only one party in their activities. In order to co-ordinate
this county, namely, the Justice Party. the work of the various departments at
the headquarters of the Government
My friends, I would request you to carry and the people benefit more and more
your propaganda work into every nook that the Provincial Council has been
and corner of this Presidency. If you do constituted. Gentlemen, in this view
that, you need not have any doubt about we are also going to constitute District
the results in the next general elections. Economic Councils for rural recon-
Our opponents have been asking us struction. In the first place, the District
what the work of the Party has been in Economic Council will be presided over
the last 15 years and what has been the by the Collector of the District. Collec-
work of Ministry for the last 6 years. In tors, I may say, after the introduction of
meetings I have addressed, I have men- Montagu-Chelmford reforms have been
tioned what the Party and the Ministry kept aloof from the activities of the na-
have done. Only recently I had the work tion-building departments. We want not
of the Party in various departments only to make them take a greater interest
published in the newspapers, and they in these things but want to utilise their
will be issued in the shape of bulletins to administrative experience and training
the people of the province in course of to the full. Gentlemen, if we are going to
time. Of late our opponents have come nominate only two non-officials in ad-
to realise that this Party has done some- dition to the ex-officio membership of
thing for this province. the District Boards, it is not with a view
to belittle the attempts and the help ren-
ECONOMIC COUNCIL dered by the non-officials. In the first
instance, we want to have only a limited
Gentlemen, I do not propose to address number of non-officials and to see how
you on politics any more for the reason the experiment works. If non-officials
that I have gone through the address of want to give their co-operation and get
the President of this Conference and the co-operation in return from this
he has dealt with everything in detail. officials body it is open to the District
However, there are one or two things Board Presidents to invite the Council
which I should like to talk to you. One as a body to attend their Board meet-
thing is the formation of Provincial ings. Similarly, it is open to the Chair-
Economic Council and the second is man of the District Council to invite
the constitution of District Economic more non-officials to be present at any
Councils. There has been complaint on of the meetings of this Council when
the floor of the Legislative Council and any important subject is under discus-

71
sion. If necessary “ad-hoc” sub-commit- 3. This Conference urges that a revision
tees could be formed with officials and of the land revenue policy of the Gov-
non-officials for any specific purpose. ernment is imperative and that early
If the DISTRICT ECONOMIC COUN- steps should be taken to place it on a
CILS prove a success, Taluk and even permanent statutory basis, and that the
Village Councils will be constituted lat- present land revenue be reduced by at
er on. This Council will be only an ad- least 33⅓ per cent to afford immediate
visory body and not an executive body relief to the overburdened landowners.
and execution of different works will be
done by District Boards and other bod- 4. This Conference places on record its
ies as hitherto. It will be open to the Gov- protest against the recent reclassifica-
ernment to modify or enlarge the func- tion of tharams and enhancement of
tions of these Councils on the strength water rates which has resulted in adding
of experience gained previously. So you a heavy burden to the tax-payer.
will see that there is no finality about ei-
ther the functions or the strength of the 5. This Conference urges on the
Council. With these words, Gentlemen, Government to provide easy and
I should like to say that you are lucky in convenient marketing facilities to
having secured the services of my friend sell their produce and with a view to
Mr. V. V. Ramaswamy to preside over implement the same, bring about a
this Conference and guide you in your substantial reduction in railway freights.
deliberations. Let me once again thank
you for the honour you have done me 6. This Conference requests the
and I have great pleasure in declaring Government to improve the drainage
the Conference open and wishing it ev- facilities in this Taluk and draw up a
ery success.” scheme of such improvements and give
effect to the same at an early date.
RESOLUTIONS
7. This Conference requests that the
The following resolutions were passed: Government may be pleased to reduce
the rate of interest on loans advanced
1. This Conference respectfully congrat- from Land Mortgage Banks.
ulates His Majesty the King Emperor on
his miraculous escape from the dastard- 8. This Conference requests the
ly outrage on his life. leaders of the Party to arrange to hold the
Tamil Nadu Justice Party Conference at
2. This Conference heartily congratu- Tanjore in September next.
lates His Excellency Sir Kurma Venka-
ta Reddy Nayudu Garu on his appoint-
ment as the Governor of the Province.

72
   
  

(  , 22-8-1936    .

     
. ..       ,
...      
    )

    

      .
   ,     
   .
 .  ,
       
  .   .    
      . 
   .   ; 
   ,   ; 
          
.     .   
       .
  .
        
  .     
       
    .    
   15-    
 .   
  
        
    . .   15-
        -
     
   .  . 

73
   
    .   
    
   
 
   .  
.
   
    
     .
  .
  
   
   
    
    
 .
    
.
  
    .
  
   
    
   
   
.    
  
   
 .
  .
  
  
     
  . 
.    
    
  . 
.  
  
.  
  
 .  
   .
   .
   
   
   
    
  .
 . 
  " '
   
   
  .  
.
   , 
   
    
     
   
.  
 . 
   .
   

74
      
  .    
      
       
   . .  
       
         
.     
    .
   
     
.      
       
 . .   
  .
   
  
. ,  
    
  .

    

.

   

  
   .
  
   
  .  
 .

   1920- 

   
.   
  . 
   
.    
  
.

75
 “WE WANT GOVERNMENT BASED ON
THE WILL OF THE INDIAN PEOPLE”

(This speech by Hon. Mr. P. T. Rajan was delivered on August 19, 1936, at the
Freemasons’ Hall in Egmore, Madras addressing the members of the European
Association (South India Branch). This significant address was published in the
‘Justice’ magazine on August 19, 1936)

“I deem it a great honour done to me ficial Englishmen were also included

and an act of courtesy extended to my in the experiment as an important mi-
Party to have been asked to address the nority community. Today you have your
Members of the European Association representatives in all the local bodies
this evening, for which I am grateful to and the legislatures in this country.
them.
With the advent of the new reforms, you
As a politician, I feel it not an easy task are to have increased representation in
to address a gathering of Britishers, the legislatures and you are expected to
whose main interest has hitherto been play a greater and more responsible part
trade and commerce, but who are ex- than your numbers would warrant, but
pected hereafter to take an active part in which would be in this country. I am
the public affairs of this country. sure with your training and experience
both in business and politics your con-
I do not mean by this to suggest that tribution will be of immense value and
you had little or nothing to do with the help to the ordered progress, and reali-
administration of this country. In fact, sation of India’s goal.
the East India Company, a body of com-
mercial men, had actually governed the FULL OF VITALITY AND VIGOUR
country till the British Crown took over
the administration into its hands. There- The various parties in the political field
after, the servants of the Crown leaving differ, not only in regard to their goal
the businessmen to pursue their trade but also as to the methods to be em-
unhampered. When however, in pursu- ployed for its achievement. The one par-
ance of their demand the Indians came ty that knows its mind and can act up to
to be increasingly associated with the its convictions is the Justice Party.
Government of the country, the non-of-

76
Being the youngest in the field of poli- happenings in Ireland and Russia, they
tics, it is full of vitality and vigour and pursued revolutionary and radical
has got all the enthusiasm and ideal- methods to achieve their goal. But for
ism so characteristic of youth, while at Mr. Gandhi’s intervention, one cannot
the same time, it has the political wis- say to what lengths they would have
dom inherited from its Founders - Nair, gone. Mr. Gandhi with his deal of ahim-
Theagaraya Chetti and Panagal. sa, and creed of non-violence, acted as a
check on their wild activities. It looked
When it accepted the Constitution in at one stage that he might even succeed
1920, it was quite aware of its limita- in his attempt to reach the goal by this
tions. It is not generally understood that method. It cannot be denied that, for
dyarchy was meant to give the neces- the first time in their history, the peo-
sary training to Indians before full re- ple of India responded to his call and
sponsibility for the administration was suffering which evoked the admiration
entrusted to them. In addition, it paid and sympathy of Englishmen both in
equal attention to the solution of long- England and in India. It was felt that In-
standing social problems dia should be treated in a more liberal
manner. Round Table Conferences were
Its chief plank is the elevation of the therefore convened.
depressed and backward communities,
and it has helped them to realise not If India did not get what she hoped for
only their rights but also their respon- and what England was inclined to give,
sibilities. That it has achieved success in it was due mainly to the uncompromis-
this direction to an appreciable extent, ing attitude and the spirit of bravado ex-
no one can dispute.

As I have said elsewhere the Simon

Commission was so much struck with Being the youngest in the
the sense of responsibility exhibited by field of politics, it is full of
the Justice Party, even in matters which vitality and vigour and has
did not pertain to their portfolios, that it
was prepared to recommend the trans-
got all the enthusiasm and
fer of even Law and Order to the Indi- idealism so characteristic
ans in the Provinces. of youth, while at the same
time, it has the political
CONGRESSMEN RESPONSIBLE
FOR SAFEGUARDS
wisdom inherited from its
Founders - Nair, Theagaraya
The Congress from 1919 onwards em- Chetti and Panagal.
barked on a new programme and ad-
opted new methods. Encouraged by

77
hibited by the Congressmen. This lack ing their lot with the only constitution-
of practical statesmanship brought in its alist party in the country – the Justice
train “safeguards.” Party.

Mr. Gandhi retired from the political In strange contrast to all these organi-
field. There was practically a cessation of sations, stands the Justice Party with its
all activities on the part of the Congress goal of Dominion Status, expressed or
in the absence of competent political implied. If it has not taken its due share
leaders. It was then that the sober-mind- in All-India Politics, it is because its
ed amongst the Congressmen came to hands have been full over its activities in
feel that it might be worthwhile to ac- this Province, though individual mem-
cept the Reforms and work them to the bers of the Justice Party have played a
benefit of the country. Before however conspicuous part in All-India Politics.
they could come to a final decision the
appearance of Pandit Jawarharlal Nehru Our Congress friends in this Province
on the stage threw everything into con- do not hesitate to apply all the epithets
fusion, so much so the Congress does they can think of when they refer to the
not know where it stands today. Justice Party. My party has been called
“Communal” and “Reactionary” and its
You cannot say whether it stands for members have been styled “Reactionar-
opposition for opposition’s sake, or for ies and Betrayers” of the country’s inter-
Parliamentary Democracy, or for Com- ests.
munism on the Soviet model, or Dicta-
torship of the Hitlerian or Mussolinian If our attempt to do justice to all the com-
type. This is indeed confusion worse munities and make them take a keen in-
confounded. terest in public affairs can be dubbed as
communal, I plead guilty. If our attempt
THE HOPE FOR LIBERALS to co-operate with other communities,
especially your community, to work the
Now to our friends, the Liberals among Reforms in co-operation with the Re-
whom are found some of the highest served Half, to the best advantage of the
intellectuals of the country. In the early country can be styled as “betraying the
days of the Congress, these formed its country’s interests,” here again I plead
backbone. Due to their lack of contact guilty.
with the masses, they lost the country’s
confidence in recent years to such an ex- Time and again, we have been charged
tent that they have ceased to be a politi- with not having achieved any thing
cal factor to be reckoned with. But all is substantial to better the lot of the peo-
not over with them. ple during these 15 years and more.
This period has been one of strife and
They can yet play a useful part in throw- strain, thanks to Non-cooperation and

78
 and their administration of those bodies
If it has not taken its due have by now become a byword.
share in All-India Politics, It amply proves how unfit they are even
it is because its hands have to run such small bodies and how easy
been full over its activities in it is to criticise others. The elections to
this Province, though the Presidentship and Chairmanship of
these bodies show how those who ac-
individual members of the cuse us of communalism are themselves
Justice Party have played a perpetuating communalism. Look at
conspicuous part in Trichinopoly:
All-India Politics.
Our critics have always reminded us of
the ‘Safeguards’ in the New Constitution
Civil disobedience, not to mention the which they assume will effectively block
worldwide economic depression, and us from working the Constitution.
in spite of these, the Justice Party has
achieved enough to its credit. We have We have only to thank them for those
repeatedly replied to our critics by cate- ‘Safeguards’. But whatever that might
gorically stating the items of work done be, we desire to appeal to the country to
to improve the rural conditions in this return us in such an overwhelming ma-
Province. I do not wish to enumerate jority that in our hands the ‘Safeguards’
those once again as you might all be well will only be a dead letter and not cur-
aware of these from my recent speeches rent coin.
elsewhere.
With a definite majority behind, it is
It is easy to criticise others from a safe possible to work the Constitution suc-
distance. But Congressmen, when they cessfully so as not to give room for any
had an opportunity of running the ad- of the ‘Safeguards to be put into opera-
ministration in 1926 shirked their re- tion. Our past experience in the work-
sponsibility, realising perhaps that it ing of Dyarchy leaves us in no doubt
was too much for them. that we would be equally successful in
the working of the new Reforms, safe-
LOOK AT TRICHINOPOLY guards or no safeguards.

I might in passing bring to your notice

that flushed with their success in the As-
sembly Elections, they set out to capture THE “LOYALIST” EUROPEANS!
all the local bodies and the Municipal
Councils whenever opportunity oc- Ladies and Gentlemen! In fact, our par-
curred. Their conduct in those elections ty has so conducted itself in the past as

79
to command the confidence of the mi- to means of communications, we desire
nority communities without the neces- to develop village roads with a view to
sity for Governors to interfere in their give increased marketing facilities. In
behalf. matters of agriculture and industry, the
betterment of the lot of the villager will
I am, however, constrained to remark be our constant concern. Modern ame-
that the attitude of your representatives nities such as Electricity and Broadcast-
in the Corporation has been rather dis- ing would be made available to every
appointing. They have been coquetting village.
with the Congressmen, probably in the
belief that they would be equally suc- In short it is our aim to so reconstruct
cessful in the future elections as in the the village as to prevent migration of vil-
past. On occasions when they should lagers to towns and attract the absentee
have voted with the moderate elements, landlords to it for some time at least in
your representatives have voted with the each year. The lack or contact between
Congressmen, or refrained from vot- the landed and educated classes and
ing at all. Talking about ‘Safeguards’, I masses has widened the gulf between
am glad to see Mr. Walker addressing a them and by removing that we hope to
Branch Association of yours at Yercaud bring them nearer to the mutual benefit
said that there would be no necessity for of both.
the Governor to have recourse to ‘Safe-
guards’. I think no greater compliment To achieve all this, a contented and effi-
can be paid either to my Party or to the cient Civil Service is essential. Politicians
people of my Province. are apt to ignore that the Services form
an important factor in the body-politic.
I dare say you expect me to say few
words about the future programme of It has always been our privilege and
our Party. As I said our efforts have in pleasure to have commanded their loy-
the past been mainly in the direction of alty and willing co-operation in our ef-
rural reconstruction, and we propose to forts to carry out our programmes. It
carry on this work on an intensive and will therefore be our great endeavour to
extensive scale, when we get the control see that the interests of the members of
of the finances of the Province. the services are perfectly safe and sure
in the hands of my party, to whatever
We wish to make Elementary Education caste, creed or race they may belong.
free and compulsory and see that the
amount spent produces the best results, THE FUTURE
avoiding wastage wherever possible.
We wish to see every village provided I have briefly indicated the objects and
with proper sanitation, medical relief ideals of the Justice Party. I have also
and protected water-supply. In regard traced the aims of the Congress. We are

80
on the eve of the new elections and it in him, the practical wisdom of an ad-
behoves us therefore to know where we ministrator and the vision of an idealist,
all stand. inaugrates the Federation in the near fu-
ture he will be helping Indians to realise
There can be only two parties in the New their long-cherished ambition, dating
Government. Those who are prepared back from the time of Asoka, of making
to give the New Act a fair trial and those ‘India a Nation’.
who are out to wreck the Constitution at
all costs. The Justice Party stands for the TODAY, THE KING’S WRIT RUNS
former whilst the Congress stands for FROM THE HIMALAYAS TO CAPE
the latter. In the circumstances, would it COMORIN; BUT WE WANT THAT
be too much if I were to ask you to come WRIT TO BE BASED ON THE POPU-
out openly with a declaration of your LAR WILL OF THIS COUNTRY, AND
policy regarding the New Constitution? NOT ON THE DICTATION FROM
FAR-OFF WHITE HALL. In short we
Are you for the ordered progress of the want that we should be masters in our
country from stage to stage to secure for own house. By saying this, I do not mean
India her rightful place in the comity of to suggest that we want to break away
the British Commonwealth? If so, you from you. WE SHALL BE ONLY TOO
should be in a position to say, as soon GLAD TO REMAIN AS PARTNERS
as the programmes of the various par- IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE
ties are issued in the near future. Which BRITISH EMPIRE, PROVIDED WE
party you are prepared to co-operate ARE GIVEN AN HONOURED PLACE
with to fight the ensuing elections? I THEREIN. WE WANT THAT INDIA
say this because on the stability of the SHOULD BE FREE IN ORDER THAT
Government of the future depends the SHE MAY FULFIL HER MISSION IN
security of the minority communities, LIFE.
especially yours.
INDIA AND THE COMMON-
Now Ladies and Gentlemen, British WEALTH
connection with India dates back to
1600. The Portuguese, the Dutch and Today Nations which claim superiority
the French preceeded you. Prior to that, of civilisation and organisation, and of
other nations had conquered India and great achievements in the realm of sci-
held a sway at different periods of her ence, are striving one against the oth-
history. Vestiges of their rule are still to er, to obtain material prosperity and
be found in varying degrees. But it was martial glory, at the expense of other
left to you and your country to make the nations, particularly the less organised
biggest contribution which India can and the weaker ones. The already tor-
never and will never forget. When His tured humanity is thirsting for peace
Excellency the Viceroy who combines and concord, but instead there is a con-

81
 what he and his party are going to do
TODAY, THE KING’S with regard to providing modern ame-
WRIT RUNS FROM THE nities, such as electricity, broadcasting
HIMALAYAS TO CAPE etc. But I should like to ask him what he
COMORIN; BUT WE WANT is going to do about the Cooum?”
THAT WRIT TO BE BASED
ON THE POPULAR WILL OF The Hon’ble Mr. P. T. Rajan said that he
would look into the question.
THIS COUNTRY, AND NOT
ON THE Another member asked whether it was
DICTATION FROM not a fact that the Justice Party lost an
FAR-OFF WHITE HALL. excellent chance of improving the means
In short we want that we s of communications in refusing to accept
hould be masters in our the suggestion that a small tax should be
own house. levied on bullock-carts whereby funds
could be raised for the improvement of
stant fear of conflict between nations roads.
with its consequent disaster. I attribute
all this to the lack of spiritual basis for In reply, Mr. Rajan said: “I may say that
their civilisation. The weaker nations the funds realised by the tax suggested
have always been looking up to Britain will not be sufficient to meet or supply
for protecting their elementary rights, means of communications to all the vil-
and in many cases, I am glad to say, not lages in the Presidency.”
in vain. I foresee that similar calls will
be made on her in the future. The same member again repeated: “Did
the Justice Party lose an opportunity of
With India as a free and full partner in improving the means of communica-
the British Commonwealth of Nations, tions in this Presidency by refusing to
she will be in a position to help the accept a small tax on carts? If so, Why?”
Commonwealth of Nations to render
more effective assistance to them and Mr. Rajan: “Taxing the bullock cart is a
establish a true League of Nations on matter for local bodies. I think it is left
firmer and sounder basis. (Applause.) to local bodies themselves to levy this
tax. Even assuming that the Govern-
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ment will accept to levy the tax on these
bullock-carts, as I said, the funds so re-
After the speech, the alised will not be sufficient to provide
Hon. Mr. P. T. Rajan answered several village communications throughout the
questions. Presidency.

“Mr. Theobald: Mr. Rajan has told us Another member supplemented the

82
previous question by suggesting wheth- Mr. A. A. Haylles asked as to how the
er a small cess might not be levied on transfer to control of finance from one
petrol? set of hands to an other would help
those promises being carried into effect,
Mr. Rajan: “The right of levying tax on in view of the fact that all the finances of
petrol rests with the Central Govern- the provinces were already earmarked
ment and not with the local Govern- and that those promises could not be
ment.” carried out unless the revenues were in-
creased?
TAX ON BULLOCK-CARTS
SUGGESTED Mr. Rajan: “It is true that the finances
of the Provinces are not going to be any
Mr. F. Birley: “Would the speaker be the better, because of the introduction
surprised if I tell him that the amount of Provincial Autonomy. Nevertheless,
that would be realised by tax on bullock the fact remains that the Finance is a
carts in the Madras Presidency would Reserved Subject over which we have
not only be adequate to supplement the no control, and even the Finance Mem-
present tax on motor vehicles so as to ber who is in charge of the funds is not
make the funds available sufficient for by himself his own pay master. He is
all the roads required but would actual- answerable to the Secretary of State and
ly bring the total amount to something the House of Parliament. What we pro-
like 70 lakhs which has been lost to the pose when Provincial Autonomy comes
Madras, Government by the abolition of into being is to raise a loan for the pur-
toll?” pose of improving water supply, medi-
cal relief and village communications.”
Mr. Rajan: “It is quite true we abolished
the toll gates. Perhaps we were not lucky Mr. G.E. Walker: “May I know what
in getting funds which we otherwise ex- would be the extent of the loan?”
pected. As regards the amount to be re-
alised from the tax on bullock-carts, we Mr. Rajan: “It all depends upon the ex-
find we have not the necessary agency isting circumstances. We cannot be
for collecting them. Unless we get the asked to state it all of a sudden.”
Revenue Department to collect taxes on
these bullock carts, we will have to go in Questioned by another member as to
for a staff which might eat away at least how the loan was going to be financed
a good portion of the sum, so collected. and how the interest was going to be
(Hear, Hear.)” found and whether any tax would be
levied for medical relief and water sup-
FINANCE UNDER PROVINCIAL ply, Mr. Rajan said:
AUTONOMY
“If people want more services they must

83
be prepared to pay. Certainly, we will rulers that it has come to be considered
give them free services so long as the that whatever is done, has been done
finances will permit, and if they want by the Government themselves. People
more either they will have to pay or think that the Government has got un-
we will have to reduce our expenditure limited funds. But as we progress, peo-
in other directions. These are matters ple themselves can realise that if they
which are to be fully gone through by want more amenities they have to pay
the Ministry after it comes to power,” for them; if they are not willing to pay,
they shall not have them.”
Mr. Birley: “May I suggest to the speaker
that these promises of increased expen- Asked by another member as to who
diture on items, despite popular items, among the people, would be required
are mainly used in election address not to pay for those amenities Mr. Rajan
only in this country but in all other replied. “Only those who have got can
countries?” pay and those who have not got cannot
be expected to pay.” (Laughter and ap-
Mr. Rajan: “I quite agree that to some plause).
extent it is used not only in this country
but in all other countries. But I would
remind my friend of the words of Abra- POLICY OF THE EUROPEAN
ham Lincoln: “You can fool all people ASSOCIATION TO SUPPORT ANY
for some time and some people for all PARTY WHICH WORKS THE
time, but you cannot fool all people for REFORMS
all time.” If any party is going to make a
promise, certainly I take it that it would The Chairman in his concluding re-
have realised the full implication of the marks said that whatever he was going
promise. As I said, we are going to say to say was on his own behalf, as he had
these would be done by us subject to the no mandate from the European Associ-
“bona fides” of the case and subject also ation to speak on behalf of the Associa-
to the availability of the finances in this tion. He hoped that Mr. Rajan would be
Province.” filled with the impression that the Eu-
ropean Association was real live body
Mr. Rayles asked as to what the Justice well-organised and and disciplined. It
Party was going to say to the electorate was political party, not prepared to be-
before the election. come camp followers of any political
party in this Présidency.
Mr. Rajan: “We are going to tell the elec-
torate this. That if they want more ame- They shall, in the Councils and in the
nities in everyday life, they must pay for Chambers, look after their interests and
them. Unfortunately, this country had rise to active, honest and constructive
been in the hands of so many foreign co-operation with any political party

84
which is prepared to honestly and sincerely work
the new Reforms in the best interests of the people We wish to make
of the Province as a whole. To his mind, he said,
Elementary
that was the policy of the European Association of
Madras. (Applause). Education free and
Concluding, the Chairman said that they had compulsory and see
heard that night a political speech. His definition that the amount spent
of a political speech was the expression of opinion produces the best
of the political mind. The speech they had heard
results, avoiding
was very interesting, and he therefore said, that
they should all take it seriously and with respect. wastage wherever
If what had been expressed that night was in the possible. We wish to
considered opinion of the Justice party, to be in see every village
the best interests of the people of this Province, provided with proper
they should read the papers the next day, mark
sanitation, medical
and inwardly digest what had been said and as-
sured by Mr. Rajan. relief and protected
water-supply. In regard
TRIBUTE TO JUSTICE PARTY to means of
communications, we
Mr. R. Birley proposed a vote of thanks. In doing
desire to develop
so, he said, “The subtle differentiation between
the two great parties in the Madras Presidency, village roads with a
the Justice Party and the Congress Party is, or has view to give increased
been, that the Justice Party are, what are known as marketing facilities.
co-operators. In matters of
agriculture and
In the very difficult times during the last 10 or 15
years, the Justice Party have really made an attempt industry, the
to take things as they found them and to work the betterment of the lot
Dyarchic form of Government, and it is generally of the villager will be
acknowledged that this form of Government has our constant concern.
been worked in the Madras Presidency with more
Modern amenities
success than in any other Presidency in India. For
that, we have to give the Justice Party every credit. such as Electricity
(Applause) Continuing the speaker said that there and Broadcasting
was another party in the Presidency which as op- would be made
posed to the previous one, had declared openly available to every
their intention to wreck the New Constitution.
village.
So far as they were concerned at present, he felt

85
that other things being equal, in the coming elections, it was up to the Europeans
in the Presidency, whenever they can, and whenever they feel that a good man was
being put up, they should, if possible give their votes to the Justice Party. (Loud Ap-
plause.). He said so because, notwithstanding what Mr. Rajan had told them that
night, that was his firm conviction which was gathered as a result of his working in
the Madras Legislative Council for the last ten years. (Cheers.).

He finally thanked Mr. Rajan for his very interesting and instructive address.

The meeting then terminated.

86
 ‌‌‌‌

(31.7.38‌ ‌‌ 

. . ‌. "'  7.9.1938   )

  ‌ 

.  
‌ .  ‌
  ‌ ‌
 ‌  
.   
‌. 
   ‌
  ‌ 
. ‌  ‌
, ‌
 ‌   
 ‌ ‌  . 
  
   
    
. ,  ,
 ‌ ‌
    ‌‌
. ‌‌.
,
? ,
    !  ‌
‌
   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
.   ‌‌  .

87
   ?
 ‌ ‌  ,  
‌ ‌   ‌    
. (‌, ‌)
‌    ‌ 
‌,  ‌,  ‌
‌ ‌   ‌ .
‌ . ‌
 ‌  ‌ 
‌     ‌ ‌ ? ‌
    .  ‌  ‌
( )   ‌  .
 ‌ ‌
‌. ‌ ( )  ‌
‌ ‌ 
‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌  ‌
 ‌‌  . ()
 .   ‌   ‌ ‌
  ‌‌.  .
 ‌‌‌‌.
  ‌ ‌ , ,
‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌
 . ‌ ‌   ‌  .
‌‌   
.  ‌ "‌  ‌  
 '    ‌ 
‌‌‌‌  .
‌ 
‌‌‌. ‌
   . ‌
‌ ‌   
‌?

 ,  

    ‌
  ‌, 
‌‌ .

‌   

‌ ,   
‌ ‌   

88
 ADDRESS ON THE ROLE OF THE SPEAKER AND
THE VISION FOR TAMIL NADU’S FIRST
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

(This speech by Thiru. P. T. Rajan was delivered on May 7, 1952, during the first
session of the newly constituted House under the new Constitution of India. As the
House’s temporary presiding officer, Mr. Rajan played a key role in installing the
newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Reflecting on his long political career
and the evolution of parliamentary democracy in Tamil Nadu, Mr. Rajan
emphasized the importance of cordiality, mentorship, and the Speaker’s dual
responsibilities.)

proverbial period of fourteen years, I

SRI P. T. RAJAN: - have re-entered this House. I find my-
self amongst strangers and in a new
“Mr. Speaker, Sir, it was indeed a great place. Looking around I can see only a
privilege to me to have been asked to set few familiar faces, familiar in the sense
the new House constituted under the that they have been connected with this
new Constitution of India on its legs in Assembly proceedings. I see my hon.
its new habitation. It was also my rare Friend Mr. Shetty, Mr. Manickavelu Na-
privilege to have installed the Speaker icker, Mr. Ari Gowder and the Raja of
duly elected by this House. I am thank- Chettinad. Incidentally, I am happy to
ful to His Excellency the Governor and see on the Treasury Bench a Member
his Government for the opportunity who is a representative of the Sethupathi
given and the courtesy shown me in this family. I refer to the Raja of Ramnad. His
matter. During the last three days when father was a Member in those days. He
I acted as a high priest and in the dis- was a great and astute parliamentarian.
charge of my duties connected with that I am happy to see the son here.
office, the hon. Members of the House
have been very good in giving me their Sir, events here take me back to the year
help and co-operation. I am equally 1920, when I became a legislator for the
thankful to them. first time. The then Council was consti-
tuted under the Montagu-Chelmsford
Sir, after having been in exile for the Reforms. In those days, I was an young-

89
ster. In that House, the different walks
of life of this Presidency were represent- Incidentally I may say, Sir, that when I
ed by their best and able men. Ere long, occupied the Chair during the last three
I found myself, Sir, youngster though days, I was a little bit nervous because I
I was, in a very cordial, homely atmo- was occupying a Chair which had been
sphere. Friendship prevailed throughout consecrated by him. He had a great
the House whatever our political differ- sense of humour. He could transfer a
ences had been. If I could compare the lively House into a very serious one and
Legislature of that day with anything, I a dull House into a lively one. I remem-
could compare it –to use an English ex- ber, Sir, the several occasions when Mr.
pression– to a club. If I have got to find Rajagopalachari would call
an equivalent, an Indian equivalent for Mr. Somasundaram Pillai (who was usu-
that, it was an ideal joint family. Cor- ally known as Thadikambu Somasunda-
diality, friendship and good cheer pre- ram Pillai) to speak whenever the pro-
vailed throughout. The patriarchal head ceedings of the House became dull and
of that family was the late-lamented Sir dreary, and his speech would send the
P. Rajagopalachari. He was our ‘Speaker’, Members into roars of laughter. Thus
the first non-official ‘Speaker’. He was an the House would be made cheerful and
eminent administrator and a great stu- ready for work. Sir, I referred to Mr. Ra-
dent of men and affairs. Though he was jagopalachari as a bureaucrat. As a mat-
a bureaucrat, a sun-dried bureaucrat, a ter of fact, it was he who laid the foun-
brown bureaucrat, he became the first dations of Parliamentary democracy in
parliamentarian in this State. this State.

The House which he presided over at-

The House which he tracted the notice of people from dif-
presided over attracted the ferent parts of India and drew the ad-
notice of people from miration of the Speaker of the Central
different parts of India and Legislature, who paid a visit to Madras
to see how he conducted the proceed-
drew the admiration of the ings of the House. He was very much
Speaker of the Central impressed with the proceedings of the
Legislature, who paid a visit House.
to Madras to see how he One thing more I would like to mention
conducted the proceedings is that there were a number of young-
of the House. He was very sters then. The Speaker or the President
much impressed with the as he was known then, used to give them
encouragement by giving them oppor-
proceedings of the tunities to make speeches. Thanks to
House. him, Sir, a number of young men have

90
made their mark not only in this Assembly and the other Assemblies in this country
but also throughout the world. Such is the greatness of the illustrious figure who
started the democratic career of this State. I am equally happy to find a number of
young men in this House. Fortunately for us the Leader of the House is a young man
and the Leader of the Opposition is also a young man, and I am so happy to see them
in their places, and it augurs well for the future. If they would only take the trouble
to understand each other’s point of view, they will make a very good Leader of the
House and a Leader of the Opposition. Sir, I appeal to you to give encouragement to
young men so that they too can make their mark.

“Sir, I do not wish to take up more of your time. I would only like to say this that

the Speaker has got a dual role. He has got to assist the Government and make its
legislative work easy, efficient and smooth. His other role is, as the custodian of the
rights and privileges of the House, he has got to see they are protected. Sir, it is also
the duty of Members of the House to whatever Party they may belong to maintain
the dignity of the Chair because the Chair represents the authority of the House.

Finally, Sir, let me add my humble felicitations on your election and may you have a
very successful term of office. Before I close my speech, I wish to convey to the Dep-
uty Speaker my congratulations. Under your leadership, I trust, he will make a mark
for himself also.”

91
 

(1956    "  ' ,

 ..   )

      

 .     
      
:    
  .
"       (Con-
  .' versation) , 
  (Conversation-
    alist)   .
 ?  .  , 
,  ,   
 , ,  .    
   ,   
   .   
, , , ,    
   ,  
.      
,      . 
. ,     (Salon) 
    .
 .
   
 :-  ,  (Art)
1.    .  , 
2. . (Fine Arts)  .  
   , 
1.        
    ,   

92
 .   ,   
      
.      . 
.    (Cicero).
   
       (Mark
 ,  (fine Art) Antony)  .
 ,  
,  (Refinement)   (Caesar)  
.   ,
    
2.  :      
  .     
,   . .    ,
        
.     
  .   
   (Oratry)    
.      . 
   (Orator)    
.     ( )
   .   
(Demosthenes)  .  .

      

  
 . 
      
.  
      
 . .    
    . 
  
   .
  
  .    
  
        
     .   
  .    
 ,  

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   
.     
  ,
       
  , 
   
(Matter of fact Speeches)
(Matter of fact Speeches)
;   ; 
       
 .     .
   ,    
   
 ,  
.
  
    
.  
     . . . . .  
; .   .
   
       
      
     . 
    .   
       .
     
,      
        
      ,   .
   
        .
.    ,
,  (clear, con-
     cise and to the point) . 
      
 :   .  
,  ,    
, .  .   
,   ,   .
  . . .     
 , , . . ,    
,   ,  , ;  

94
     .  ,
   .     .
     .  
         
     . ,
    .    
      .
      ;
       .
    . 
      , 
 .    (Radio)   
 .     15
   . ,    
     .  
  ;    .   
      .  
       .  
      .

       

.        
  .      .
   (Fast moving world)    
    ,    
        
  .     
   .

        . 
        
.          
.

95
96
 SPEECH AT THE GOLDEN JUBILEE OF TAMIL
SANGAM, MADURAI

(An account from the Hindu press report - May 31, 1956. The Golden Jubilee
Celebration of Tamil Sangam in Madurai, led by Thiru. P.T. Rajan was a testament
to the rich legacy of Tamil culture. His speech, as covered by The Hindu,
highlighted his dedication to the preservation and promotion of Tamil heritage.
The following is an excerpt from The Hindu’s report on this memorable address.)

WELCOME ADDRESS of the three Tamil Kings: Cheras, Cho-

las and Pandyas. The reason was that
Welcoming the gathering present on the Madurai was the life centre of Tam-
occasion, Mr. P. T. Rajan, M.L.A., Chair- il literature, civilization and culture.
man of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations After the kings, the chieftains and phil-
Committee, said that before the Mad- anthropic-minded literateurs patronised
urai Tamil Sangam was founded, there Tamil learning and scholarship.
had been in existence, according to an- Ever since the advent of Mutts, the
cient Tamil literature, three other San- Adheenams had been giving every
gams. Madurai occupied a pre-eminent encouragement to Tamil chieftains.
position in Tamil Nad during the reign During the British regime in India,
people considered it a matter of pride to
speak in an alien language. The fourth
the celebrations had been Sangam was founded in 1901 by the
arranged in order to remind the late Sri Pandithurai Thevar. Sri Bhas-
Tamilians of the greatness of their kara Setupathi, Raja of Ramnad at that
language and culture and to time, gave every support to the Sangam.
enthuse them to work for the Among the other benefactors were the
development of their language Raja of Pudukottai and Pethachi Chet-
and for regaining their past tiar, Zamindar of Andipatti. Not only
glory. He said he would were the old cudgeon leaves collected
welcome the move of the people and preserved, but great works in man-
to celebrate the anniversary of the uscripts were printed and published
Tamil Sangam in each district in through the efforts of the Sangam. The
the State every year. Sangam owned a printing press and

97
published a monthly journal, Sentham- common man. Swadesamitran, which
il, devoted to Tamil research. The jour- had grown in the direction of educating
nal also dealt with questions relating the layman, had been started by the late
to chronology and the literary value of Mr. G. Subramania Aiyar.
works of eminent authors and was quite
invaluable to any student of Tamil and There was a time, he said, when it was
to research scholars. considered infra dig to sing Tamil
songs. Among those who started the
RENAISSANCE IN TAMIL Tamil Isai movement were the late Raja
LITERATURE Sir Annamalai Chettiar, the late Mr. R.
K. Shanmugam Chettiar, T. K. C., and
Proceeding, Mr. Rajan said that after ‘Kalki’. Fortunately, Mr. C. Rajagopal-
the demise of Pandithurai Thevar, the achari and Mr. C. S. Ratnasabhapa-
greatness of the Sangam began to wane, thi Mudaliar, who participated in the
and due to change of circumstances, movement, were with them today. On
the work of the Sangam slackened. The account of the movement, Tamil songs
late Sri T. C. Srinivasa Iyengar in his last were being sung in all music perfor-
days entrusted the responsibility of the mances. Vibhulananda Adigal did great
institution to him (Mr. Rajan). The last research in music. As a result of his re-
50 years had been a period of renais- search, the shape and the tonal quality
sance and reformation as far as Tamil of the Tamil musical instrument Yazh
literature was concerned. In the sphere were explained. The late Mr. Lakshmana
of Tamil prose, Dr. U. V. Swaminatha Pillai did research in “Tamil Pann” and
Aiyar, Marai Malai Adigal, Subrama- composed numerous songs.
nia Bharathi, Vibhulananda Adigal,
Kathiresan Chettiar, Desika Vinayakam the celebrations had been arranged in
Pillai, and Manonmaniam Sundaram order to remind the Tamilians of the
Pillai had done great service by doing greatness of their language and culture
research. Thiru V. Ka stood foremost and to enthuse them to work for the
among the few who had introduced development of their language and for
a simple style in speech and writing regaining their past glory. He said he
which would be intelligible to the com- would welcome the move of the people
mon man. The style adopted by the late to celebrate the anniversary of the Tamil
T. K. C. in explaining the meaning of Sangam in each district in the State ev-
Tamil poems had kindled the enthusi- ery year.
asm of many to study Sangam literature.
“Kalki” (R. Krishnamurthy) introduced The late Mr. Suryanarayana Sastri and
a facile style in Tamil weekly journal- Mr. P. Sambanda Mudaliar had ren-
ism. Ananda Vikatan, Kalki, and Ka- dered yeoman service to Tamil dramatic
laimagal became popular by adopting art. Due to the efforts of Mr. Sambanda
a simple style easily understood by the Mudaliar, The Suguna Vilasa Sabha in

98
Madras was founded. Among the pro- of Tamil Nadu, to Mr. C. V. Raman for
fessionals was the late Mr. C. Canniah. his invaluable research in science, to the
He enacted puranic plays. Nawab Raja- late Mr. V. O. Chidambaram Pillai who
manickam followed his footsteps. Till first started a swadeshi shipping com-
recent years, the dramas enacted in this pany, and to Mr. Subramania Bharathi
part of the country could not be called who inspired the Tamils by his patriotic
dramas in the real sense. It should be songs. He said that the celebrations had
said to the credit of T.K.S. Brothers, that been arranged in order to remind the
by their persistent endeavours and nov- Tamilians of the greatness of their lan-
el ideas, they had effected progressive guage and culture and to enthuse them
changes and brought the Tamil dramat- to work for the development of their lan-
ic art on par with the Western Dramatic guage and for regaining their past glory.
art. The art of Bharatha Natya was ap- He said he would welcome the move of
preciated and held in high esteem in the people to celebrate the anniversary
countries of the West, and foreigners of the Tamil Sangam in each district in
came to this country to learn this noble the State every year.
art. The credit for resuscitating this an-
cient art should go to the late Pandanal- SANGAM’S PROGRAMME
lur Meenakshisundaram Pillai. The late
Madurai Ponnuswami Pillai enhanced Explaining the programme of future ac-
the glory of the Nathaswaram instru- tivities of the Sangam, Mr. Rajan said
ment by his dexterous handling. Mr. Ra- that the institution should undertake
jan paid tributes to the late Mr. L. K. Tul- intensive research in Sangam literature
siram of Madurai and Mr. G. D. Naidu and translate great works on arts and
of Coimbatore for the great service they science in other languages into Tamil.
had done in the industrial development He also stressed the importance of the

99
Sangam undertaking research in a comparative study of Dravidian philology. Mr.
Rajan felt that it would be good if the Sangam managed to sell at cost price its publi-
cations of important Tamil classics. Mr. Rajan said that a proposal was under consid-
eration to appoint a committee to advise the Sangam on the merits of various Tamil
works. Men, ripe with experience and well-versed in Tamil literature, would be taken
into the committee. Mr. Rajan thanked Mr. Rajagopalachari for having consented to
inaugurate this function.

100
101
   
" '  
(1956     
    ,   
,  ..  ,  4    
 ,    20.02.1956  .
  ,  . . .  ,
21.02.1956    )
     . , 
 "   '  , 
        
. ,      
    ,  
,     
,    .
. 
   1.    
,  .
,   2.     
      .
. 3.     
       .
  ,
       
 ;     
       
.     
    .  
  . ,     
  ..   
,        
 , .
,  , 
  

102
 AN EXCERPT FROM HIS MAIDEN SPEECH
AT MADRAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,
1958

P. T. RAJAN: the prevailing unfortunate situation. I

am no student of Indian history, but I
“Mr. Chairman, I should have thought, am told that Indian history repeats itself.
as befits a new-comer to this House, that To illustrate this, I will tell you what had
I should keep silent and learn things be- happened before this country earned its
fore I venture to open my mouth. But, freedom. There was foreign rule. Then,
I cannot disobey you, Mr. Chairman, the Congress Party and its members, in
when you have asked me to speak. I do order to bring down the foreigner on
say with a certain amount of fear that I his knees and in order to wrest freedom
may not fit in with: the new surround- from him, resorted to boycotts, hartals,
ings I find myself in. The hon. Member civil disobedience movement and so on.
Mr. Purushotham, while welcoming It may be that as a result of that, we got
new-comers to this Council, referred to our freedom. In the course of the strug-
me as a solitary member. gle, the Police paid a great deal of at-
tention and lathis were freely used. No
He referred to me as a solitary mem- doubt, the sacrifice of those people has
ber of a party that had ceased to exist. It brought them something. With the dis-
might be that the organization has disap- appearance of the foreign Government,
peared. But, its fundamental principles one should have thought that all those
of eternal value still remain. They do not methods medieval in character would
require an organization, nor do those have disappeared. Unfortunately, we see
principles require number. Such prin- those very methods being adopted by
ciples depend on their quality and not those who are opposed to the Govern-
on numbers. While I listened to the very ment. If you ask them, they say, “Well,
interesting and instructive speech of the we are merely following in the footsteps
hon. the Leader of the Opposition, I was of the Congressmen”. Whatever be the
moved by the very closing remark of his. Government, the Government in office
He said that there was turmoil through- have to maintain law and order mainly
out the world and more so in this coun- with the help of the Police.
try and he gave a warning to the think-
ing men of every country to deal with It might be that if some other Party oc-

103
cupies the Treasury Bench, the Congress ernment giving protection, these com-
Party resorts to its old devices. One re- munities believe that they should or-
deeming feature, if that can be called a ganize to defend themselves and carry
redeeming feature, is that the Police, in on a tribal warfare, if need be. We have
the use of their lathis, were very impar- been reduced to that unfortunate posi-
tial. (laughter) and they should be con- tion. As I said, in a civilized country, it
gratulated upon it. Theirs was to obey is public opinion that should count. It
and not to question. I was once told by is the action of the leaders that should
an officer of the Madras Regiment sta- count. Take, for instance, the incidents
tioned near Delhi in those troublous known as the Ramanathapuram inci-
days of 1947 that the Delhi Police would dents. These could have been quite eas-
not obey the command of their officers, ily given a quietus if the Chief Minis-
that Muhammadans would not shoot ter of the State, as the leader of public
Muhammadans, that the Hindus would opinion, had visited the place. He is no
not shoot the Hindus, and that, there- doubt a Congressman. That is purely an
fore, the Madras Regiment was eventu- accident. But so long as he is the lead-
ally called in to take charge of law and er of the people, in his capacity as Chief
order since the personnel of the Army Minister, it is his duty to get into touch
would obey the command of its offi- with the people, ask them and persuade
cers. Thanks to the sense of discipline them, to help him in maintaining law
of the Army, law and order was restored and order. Unfortunately, the Ministry
there. Likewise, thanks to the discipline depended a good deal on the effective-
of the Madras Police, law and order was ness of the Police force in handling the
maintained in Madras. But how long situation. The Chief Minister, I believe,
are we going to depend upon the Police during the devastation caused by floods
for maintenance of law and order? The a few years ago, went to the affected ar-
good sense of the people should prevail. eas, got into water, into the ditches and
The Police must be used only as a last into very many places which would nor-
resort. Unfortunately, we in this country mally have been avoided by people like
are playing political ‘hide and seek’. I do us, in order to take help to those peo-
hope that this kind of political game will ple who were marooned and thereby
disappear and make room for public came to command the confidence of the
opinion to assert itself. As a result of this people, the respect of the people. Simi-
political strife, communal differences larly, in this case, he might have taken
have raised their ugly heads. During the upon himself the responsibility to visit
last year or so, we saw different commu- Ramanathapuram, unaided by his Col-
nities - Thevars, Nadars, Harijans and leagues, unaided by other Party leaders
last but not least Brahmins trying to or- and unaided by the Police even. I am
ganize themselves. Brahmin friends feel quite sure he would have succeeded in
called upon to organize themselves to persuading the people to help him in
defend themselves; instead of the Gov- maintaining concord and harmony in

104
the State. It is not with a view to con- cord in the State, you should even stoop
demning anybody that I am referring to conquer. This is my humble opinion.
to this matter. Sometimes, it is felt by If the Chief Minister had done that, I am
some people that the Chief Minister is quite sure, the other Party leaders would
the property of the Congress Party. As have expressed their resentment at the
a leader of that party, he is the property words used by the Prime Minister of In-
of that Party. As Chief Minister of the dia and stopped there. But he did not do
State, he owes a duty to the people of the so. The Government left it to the Police
State and they also in their turn owe a and the Police refused to give permis-
duty to him. After all, the Government sion. In this connection, Sir, I would
are there to see that everybody in the like to know whether these refusals and
State gets a just deal. I believe it is not all other functions which pertain to the
too late for the Chief Minister to appeal Police are left to the Police themselves
to the people by going down to the dis- or dictated from the Government level.
tricts in the Tamil area for their coop- Are the Police responsible for them?
eration. If he asks for it, he will get it,
because I have faith in my people, in the THE HON.
Tamilians. They will do what is just and SRI R. VENKATARAMAN:
what is correct. After the Ramanatha-
puram incident, more ugly events took Government take the responsibility for
place. The Prime Minister paid a visit their actions.
to Tiruchirappalli. The Prime Minister SRI P. T. RAJAN: I know, Sir, the
occasionally uses a language which does Government are responsible for every
not really mean but which upsets the act of their subordinates. I do know
people. When he visited Madras shortly that. This is not a new thing to me. I
thereafter, there was a move by some Par- know this fully well for I have knowl-
ty to welcome him with black flags and edge of this. I had something to do with
to arrange for that welcome. That Party the administration of this State at a time
which happens to be in the Opposition when the foreigner was the Ruler and
in the Lower House decided to call for when all your leading and important
a public meeting. That public meeting men were opposed to it and carried on a
was not permitted to be held by the Po- crusade against the Government of the
lice. If here again the Chief Minister felt day. I know Government are normally
that the demonstration should not take responsible for acts of departments. But
place, he should have approached the each department is responsible for cer-
leaders of the Opposition Parties and tain functions. The Government do not
settled matters. This is not a question dictate to them. I understand, Sir, that
of approaching other parties and other in this connection, the Government
party leaders for a personal favour. If you said, “Don’t give permission”: This is
are going to approach them for the pur- what I am inclined to believe, subject to
pose of maintaining harmony and con- correction. If the Government are going

105
to direct the activities of the Police from
Fort St. George, there is no need for any SRI P. T. RAJAN:
superior Police officer. We can have a
number of well-trained sergeants to What I am saying is that the Govern-
carry out the orders of the Government. ment have given directions or instruc-
But if, on the other hand, the Police are tions to their subordinates.
made responsible for law and order, it is
their business to give permission for all THE HON. SRI R. VENKATARA-
parties, for all citizens to express their MAN:
views and if these citizens misbehave,
the Police have got the weapons to put The Government are responsible for all
them down. Simply because you antic- the actions of their subordinates.
ipated that your opponents were going
to do something, which the Govern- SRI P. T. RAJAN:
ment did not like, you asked the Police
to stop it. I don’t mind if my hon. Friend does not
wish to understand my statement. I am
THE HON. SRI R. VENKATARA- saying what I feel should be done. If I
MAN: am wrong, the public is there to judge.
The Constitution gives the right to the
As I already said, the Government are individual citizen to express his views. If
responsible for the action of their sub- one man misbehaves, nothing will hap-
ordinates. But the Government do not pen. The Police are there to deal with
give directions. Departmental Heads him. That is my point. If you think I am
are responsible to the Government. I wrong, if you do not accept my state-
do not think it is etiquette to disclose ment, the public is there to decide. If that
which particular authority took which particular meeting had been allowed to
particular action. be held that day and acts of rowdyism
occurred, you could have held the lead-
DR. V. K. JOHN: ers morally responsible for such acts.

The rules enunciated by the Leader of DR. V. K. JOHN

the House are different from those ob-
taining in Delhi in matters like this. Are you speaking on the adjournment
motion?
THE HON. SRI R. VENKATARA-
MAN: SRI P. T. RAJAN:

I may again say, Sir, that the Govern- I am only saying that whether the deci-
ment are responsible for all the acts of sion rested with the Police or with the
their servants and subordinates. Government, the situation that day was

106
so ugly that it spoilt the fair name of their own hands and prevented it and
Madras. Buses were burnt for the first not depended upon the Police or the
time in the City of Madras. Some of us Government.
-unfortunate persons- who took part
neither in the welcome nor otherwise On Language
had the taste of tear gas in the club. And
the Prime Minister, both on his way The language issue was referred to by
from the airport and also on his way to the hon. the Leader of the Opposition.
the Science Congress, was subjected not What should be the official language is
only to the waving of black flags but also a question that is agitating the minds
to missiles being thrown at him. It is an of the people throughout India. I quite
incident that nobody can be proud of, agree that it is not an easy question. It is
much less the Tamilians. After all, a very difficult question. But if any op-
position by a group of people, who feel,
this State has been known for its toler- that Hindi should not be the official lan-
ance and it is open to the Prime Min- guage, is going to be interpreted in the
ister -from the Prime Minister down sense that they are not for the unity of
to the lowest man- to express his views the country, that is a thing which cannot
freely. If you dislike his views, you can be tolerated. We cannot accept it lying
ignore them. But, I condemned resort down.
to violence thirty years ago and I con-
demn it today also. It is alien to the Language is one thing and the unity
democratic ideal. I condemn it in very of the country is another. First things
strong terms. should come first. Do these gentlemen
want the unity of the country or do
In the United States of America, they they want the language? If they want
had a hunt for the Communists and the unity of the country, every other
called Communist activities un-Amer- item must make room for the unity of
ican. Activities of such persons during the country. Simply because a set of
the Prime Minister’s visit to Madras people feel that there is opposition to
might be styled as un-Tamilian with Hindi, it is wrong to say that the op-
greater justification. I appeal from this position is due to the fact that they are
House, Sir, to the citizens of Tamil Nadu against the unity of the Indian Union.
to maintain that great reputation and It is they that put the idea of further
fair name which it has enjoyed for so division of the country. In the year of
many years. After all, occasionally po- grace 1947, it was the very same people
litical differences might flare up but if that divided India into two through the
those political differences are to bring pan-Hindi or Hindu Movement. It has
disgrace to the very culture and honour been the dream of many conquerors and
of Tamil Nadu, it is high time that the it has been the dream of Indians from
people of Tamil Nad took the law into time immemorial that there should be

107
one India, one United India. Who was
responsible for the division of India On Governor & Role of Governor
into two? Not those unfortunate people
from the South. At that time, the Drav- Lastly, Sir, I want to make a reference
ida Munnetra Kazhagam did not exist. to the new Governor. It looks as if there
These very same people were responsi- are some people who do not welcome
ble for the division of the country then him. Politically, perhaps there may be a
and the warning given by an eminent feeling that one of the citizens of Tam-
statesman was ignored. They are again il Nadu should be made Governor. If a
trying to create further trouble and fur- Tamilian is made Governor of Madras,
ther division of the country. A warning we will welcome him, but even if an In-
is given by that same statesman now and dian from another State is made Gover-
if they are not going to take note of that nor, we must welcome him. Tamilians
and if they persist in their own way, they have welcomed every outsider. (Dr. A.
must be held responsible for the conse- Sreenivasan: Even the British!) Yes, even
quences and not the Southerners. the British. Anyway, it is better to have
an outsider than a local man, for a local
They are obsessed with one idea of the man might have his own likes and dis-
supremacy of Hindi to indicate that likes, his own prejudices, affiliations, etc.
the people living in the North are the Therefore, it is far better that an outsider
masters of the country. That idea no is posted as Governor. Likewise, I should
man can accept, no Tamílian for that like Tamilians, eminent Tamilians, to be
matter can accept. We do not want to posted as Governors of other States. But
change from one slavery to another, if they are going to keep Tamilians out
from one master to another. We in this of this honour consistently and if they
State are willing to co-operate with the persist in doing that, I should object to
other States in maintaining the unity it. I was told, Sir, that the Dravida Mun-
of that portion which can be called netra Kazhagam did not, to indicate
India now. But if in the name of that their protest, take part in the joint sitting
unity these gentlemen are going to in- of the Assembly and the Council. Polit-
terfere with the normal activities and ically they have got a right, because in
lives of the people of other States, all this modern democratic set-up in India,
that I can say is that they cannot get absenting oneself and walk-outs from
away with that. the Legislature have become the fash-
ion of the day and they have followed it.
If the bogey, that Indian unity is in dan- This is the present-day practice and it is
ger, is raised by pro-Hindi people be- in vogue everywhere. But I am sorry to
cause Hindi is not accepted as official learn that they did not attend the party
language by the people in the South, it given by the Governor. That was purely
won’t be listened to by anybody in Tamil a social function and it should not have
Nadu. That is all I can say. been mixed up with political functions.

108
 My conception of a Governor is that he
Then in a democracy, is the Head of the State, that he receives
have no Governor; people from other States and that he acts
as host for us, officially. But nowadays,
there is no need whenever a Minister from the Centre or
for a Governor. other States comes, the Governor goes
to the airport to receive him. When the
Prime Minister comes, he goes there
I would request my friends in that Party with a garland. That is not a function for
to differentiate between politics and ev- which you have a Governor. If you want
eryday social activities and I hope they to change his functions or break away
will reconsider their decision and give from the traditions, you can change the
up boycotting Governor’s functions. (A nomenclature of the Governor. Call him
voice: Social functions), especially so- an Agent of the Government of Indía; I
cial functions. I hope they will not take have no objection. (A voice: He is no
this as an affront to them or gratuitous more ‘His Excellency’) Well, that does
advice to them, but I feel that all Par- not make muchdifference. Formerly, we
ties should rise above Party differences, used to style the Ministers as Honour-
political differences and in social func- able Ministers; now the hon. Members
tions we must all come together. It is the on the Treasury Benches do not want
lack of understanding of things in their that and they must tell us why. What I
proper perspective that has brought am saying is that it is not a question of
about trouble in this country. calling him His Excellency the Gover-
nor.
Sir, I mentioned about the Hon. the
Chief Minister and his lack of con- He is the Head of the State and he holds
stant touch with other Party leaders. If the respect, prestige and dignity of the
he had only such touch, people would State. If he is the Agent of the Govern-
understand each other better and I re- ment of India, let him dance attendance
quest him to do that, for such an asso- on anybody who comes from anywhere.
ciation of the Chief Minister will have
its own weight and effect. But one thing It will not matter and it will make no
to which I should like to take exception difference to me then. Sir, when Sir
is this. Sir, I am a man of the old gener- George Stanley was Governor, his broth-
ation, a generation that is past (A voice er, Lord Derby, a household name in
Living in the present) yes, living in the Britain, came here. As Governor, he did
present -partly dead and partly alive. not go and receive even his brother at
The hon. the Leader of the Opposition the railway station, because the Gover-
and I believe in traditions and conven- nor could only receive persons higher in
tions. status than himself officially. As I said,
being men of the past generation, we

109
have got certain ideas associated with head of the judiciary and the judiciary is
certain persons and certain persons supported to be above politics, especial-
with certain ideas and naturally when I ly controversial politics. That has been
think of the Governor, I expect him to the tradition, the British tradition. Now,
do certain things and not to do certain you have upset the apple cart. You make
other things. (Sri T. Purushotham: He is him Governor and you drag him into the
a democratic Governor!) political arena. If you do that once and
for all, well and good. But he is in pol-
Then in a democracy, have no Gover- itics today and again he is sent back to
nor; there is no need the judiciary. I am afraid this would not
for a Governor. be conducive to the efficient working of
the judiciary. If there is one department
Separation of Judiciary from which has escaped the influence of po-
Legislative litical parties, it is the judiciary. Why
should the Government take this way?
Lastly, Sir, when unexpectedly the This is a matter for the President of the
vacancy in Governorship had to be filled Indian Republic to consider. If a hum-
by the Government of India, in Bombay ble person like myself can convey in my
in the first instance and in Madras sec- own humble way, especially through
ondly, the Chief Justices of the respec- this House, I would like to request the
tive States were appointed as Governors. President to consider whether any Chief
Justice or any Judge of the High Court
(Sri T. Purushotham: That is the Consti- should be appointed as Governor. If
tutional provision.) they are appointing him as Governor, let
the appointment be made once and for
I don’t know and I am not bothered all. Because, as my friend, the Leader of
about it. the Opposition said, if we want democ-
Now, Sir, the Chief Justice is the supreme racy to flourish in this country, we will
have to maintain traditions. We have got
to call a halt if anybody does wrong. We
He is the Head of the State have got to criticise so that democracy
may be saved from those who are not fit
and he holds the respect, to run democracy. In my humble way,
prestige and dignity of the I would like to request the President of
State. If he is the Agent the Indian Republic to see that in filling
up vacancies, even though they are of a
of the Government of India, short period, he does not bring in Judg-
let him dance attendance es from any Court. It does not matter
on anybody who comes whether it is the Madras High Court or
the Bombay High Court or even the Su-
from anywhere. preme Court.

110
 In order to maintain the prestige of the judiciary, we should keep them away from
politics.

That is my humble request to the President of the Indian Republic. It may be that
the Constitution says something. But we have been accustomed to the working of
democracy here even from its inception in a particular way. Therefore, we would like
to see that these traditions are maintained, because those traditions have been held
as the right and correct traditions.

(In February 1958, Hon. P.T. Rajan was nominated to the panel of Vice-Chairman
of the 12th Madras Legislative Council)

PANEL OF VICE-CHAIRMEN

MR. CHAIRMAN:-

I have to announce to the House that under rule 14 of the Madras Council
Rules, I have nominated the following Members of the Council to be the panel of
Vice-Chairmen for the Twelfth Session of the Legislative Council under the
Constitution:-

(1) Sri P. T. Rajan;

(2) Sri T. P. Srinivasavaradan;

(3) Sri John Asirvatham; and

(4) Srimathi Saraswathy Pandurangam.

111
 "' ‌‌ ?

(...‌ ‌‌
 ..    )

‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌.  ‌

‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
   ‌ ‌ 
‌ ‌.
‌ ‌ ‌ 
‌  ‌ ‌.  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
‌ ‌ ? ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ 
 ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌.
 ‌   ? ‌  
‌  ‌  ‌    ‌.
‌?  ‌    ‌ ‌ ‌
‌?   ‌? ‌  .
   ‌ 
‌. ‌      
  ‌.   ‌ ‌
‌    ‌
‌ ‌   ‌;  ‌ ‌.
‌ . ‌ ‌   ‌
   ‌     ‌.
‌ ‌  ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌
‌ ‌. ‌,   ‌‌. ‌
‌  ‌ ‌ ,   ‌
‌ ‌, ‌    ‌‌.
  ‌  ‌ ‌ 
‌   ‌.  ‌ ‌, 
‌ ‌   ‌  ‌
‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ 

112
  ‌  
‌. ‌  ‌
‌  ‌.  ‌ ‌.
 ‌;
‌‌ ‌.
‌‌
‌   ‌
‌‌    ‌
  ‌‌.
- ‌
 ‌,   ‌
‌  ‌ ‌ ‌
 ‌ ‌. ‌
 ‌. ‌ ‌
 ‌;  ‌.
 ‌ ‌. ‌
‌ ‌ ‌
 ‌  ‌.
 ‌, ‌
 ? ‌ ‌ 
‌   ‌.
 ‌.  
 ‌‌‌
‌. ‌  
‌ ‌, ‌ ‌.
   ‌. ‌
‌  
‌‌,  ‌
‌  ‌.

‌, ‌ ‌

‌  ‌, ‌
‌ ‌   ‌
 ‌  ‌ 
 ‌. ‌‌‌
‌ .  ‌
  ‌ ‌.
   
‌.

 ‌‌ ‌

 ‌. , ,
  ‌‌‌;
‌.  
‌.  ‌
‌. 

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    
 !

      . . 

  (17.1.65)

 26-     . ,

  !   
 
"        .
   '
       
    .   
     . , 
     12,500  

114
        
 .     
      .
   .
       
       ,
  .   
   
,      
  .     
     .
,  
 ,      ,
   ,   
  .     
 -      
    .    
,    :  
       
,   .  , 
  .   
   
    ,     
    .
   
  . 
     
  .
 ,  
  ,   
   , 
  .
    ,   
    
 .  
      
      
.     
    
    .  .

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    
  
 .  
  
     
   .  
     
   ,
  .
      
    
  
.   
 ,
     
  ,  . 
    
  .
.

 
  
  
   
  
   .  
 
   
  
  
  .
  
  
 .
  
  
   
 ,
,  
   
    
  .
.
,  
 . 
  
  .
   
 ,
   
  
  ,
,  
  
 . 
   .
 
,  
  
  
  
    
 . 
.
 .
 .   
  

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    ,
       
.    . 
    
   .  
     
      
 ,  .   
      .
     ,
  ,    
   .   
      .
 .    
   .  ,
     
.    
.  
      .
 ;   
     .
           
    . 
      
 .    , 
   
       
 .    
     .  
      
.    .  
    
   . 
,  , 
       
      
.    .  
 .    
 .
,   
       

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       
       
.     
 ,  ,   
  ?   
.      . 
       
      .
  .
     
     , 
      , 
 .    ,
     .
   
 
  
,  
  .
  . 
  
.  
  
 , 
. , 
 .
 
  .
   
  ,   
,    
    
  .
 .
  
   
  
  
  
.
. 
  , 
    
  .  
!       ? 
 , 
   .
   
. 
     
  
  .    
   .
  .

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    
 .    .

, ,     

    
  
      
  .  
 ,   
.
    .  ,
       
     
   . 

,  
 ,  

    . 
      . 
!
 , 
 ,   ,  ,   
   .   
  .  
  
     
.     
   .
     .
  .   ,  
   ,
     , 
 
      
     
 .  
   . 

  , 

  

119
 WELCOME SPEECH AT THE JUSTICE PARTY
GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION

Welcome Speech by P. T. Rajan

At Children’s Theatre Madras, 30-12-1968

It gives me great pleasure to welcome know that the party has been subjected
you when we are celebrating the Golden to gross misrepresentation and virulent
Jubilee of the Justice Party today. Some vilification. It is indeed fortunate that
old partymen asked me what provo- in spite of all the violent propaganda
cation there was for this celebration as against the party, it has been able to keep
the party is not functioning meaning its head above water. Those who follow
thereby that it had not contested the my speech may be inclined to feel that
elections for the last 10 years. My reply there is enough justification for this
was that the present generation does not celebration.

120
ORIGIN OF THE PARTY dyarchic form of government was
introduced. The government consisted
The manifesto issued in 1916 which is of two halves, the Reserved and the
printed elsewhere in the Souvenir was Transferred. The Reserved half was
the basis on which the South Indian styled Executive Council and its
Liberal Federation was founded. Its members were mainly drawn from the
joint sponsors were Dr. T. M. Nair and Indian Civil Service and held office for
Sir P. Theagaroya Chettiar. One was an a period of five years. They were known
intellectual giant and the other was a as the Executive Council and owed no
practical politician with a large heart responsibility for any act of theirs to
and wide human sympathies. the legislature. The Transferred hall
As there was a talk of democratic came to be known as the Ministry and
institutions being introduced in India consisted of elected representatives. They
after the First World War, the sponsors and their portfolios were subject to the
of the manifesto wanted that the cross scrutiny and control of the Council. In
section of society should be equally this election the Federation won the
prepared to share the responsibility of majority of seats. The reservation of
running the administration. To that end seats for Non-Brahmin Hindus which
they wanted to provide representation had been conceded as a result of great
to the several communities, especially agitation, was found unnecessary and it
the backward ones in the governance became a dead letter in the first election
of the country. To begin with, represen- itself. The members of the Federation
tation was to be given to them both in formed a single majority party and this
the local bodies and educational institu- enabled them to form a stable ministry
tions. Likewise, in government services without depending on the official block
adequate and just representation was or the nominated members. The legisla-
to be provided for them. It was not the tive wing of the Federation came to be
desire of the sponsors, much less of their known as the Justice Party.
successors, to exclude Brahmins from
government and public life. In short, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
it was mainly to push up the backward
communities and not to pull down any Madras was lucky then to have had Lord
forward community. The constitution of Willingdon as the Governor and
the party contemplated the inclusion of Sir P. Rajagopalachariar as the first
the Southern States in the Federation. nominated President of the Legis-
lative Council. The Governor could
DYARCHY have selected any three men of the
party as ministers but he did not do
Under the Government of India Act, so. Being well-versed in parliamentary
1919, the first general elections took
practice, he called upon Sir P. Theagaroya
place in 1920. It was in this Council that
Chettiar to form the ministry.

121
He declined the honour. al responsibility to the legislature and
This convention of calling upon the leader collective responsibility in the Cabi-
of the majority party to form the ministry net. Throughout the period of dyarchy
has been followed since then. Then Mr. in Madras, meetings of the legislature
A. Subbarayalu Reddiar formed the first were carried on in an orderly manner.
ministry with Raja Ramarayaningar, who Unparliamentary behavior by members
later became the Raja of Panagal and was almost unknown and dispersal of
Mr. K. V. Reddi as his colleagues. I may the council in pandemonium or distur-
say that Mr. Reddiar was a dark horse bance of meeting by walk-out was un-
in politics then. He was however an emi- heard of. Visitors to India who attended
nent lawyer in Cuddalore and the Chair- the meetings of the Imperial Legislative
man of its Municipal Council. He was the Council at New Delhi used to pay a visit
first non-official President nominated to Madras, as Madras was reputed for its
to the District Board of South Arcot. observance of parliamentary procedure
I may say that he was one of the three and conventions. They used to go back
non-officials nominated as Presidents with a word of praise for the Madras
of District Boards. Due to his indiffer- Legislature. A great deal of credit for all
ent health, he resigned his office in July these must go to Sir P. Rajagopalachari-
1921. He died in November of the same ar, the first President, a born bureau-
year. He was succeeded by Raja Ra- crat who became a fine parliamentari-
marayaningar who chose Messrs. K. V. an overnight, so to speak. It used to be
Reddi and A. P. Patro as his colleagues. said of the British House of Commons
that it was the best club in the world be-
In spite of the Brahmin-Non-Brahmin cause to an Englishman, club life came
controversy, about sixteen Brahmins next to home life in importance. I may
were elected to the Legislative Council, say that the Madras Legislative Council
all of them eminent lawyers from the was in those days a miniature House of
city and the mofussil. Fortunately for all Commons. I consider the days I spent
concerned, very cordial relations exist- in the first Council as the best period of
ed among the members of the House, my public life.
irrespective of party, caste or creed. I re-
member some of us, younger members, In passing I may mention that in the
used to meet these eminent gentlemen mother of Parliaments, the members
in the luncheon room and have very owe their allegiance and loyalty to the
pleasant conversations with them. House irrespective of their party affilia-
tions. Its presiding officer is styled as the
PARLIAMENTARY CONVENTIONS speaker and he maintains and upholds
its dignity, prestige and traditions. The
In the first Council itself, parliamentary members in their turn pay their hom-
conventions and traditions were creat- age to the personality of the speaker and
ed and followed. There was ministeri- uphold his authority. Under his guid-

122
 the link between the ministry and the
party. It was agreed amongst the mem-
Madras was lucky then to have bers that no one should absent himself
had Lord Willingdon as the without giving reason for it or leave the
Governor and Council without permission, to avoid
Sir P. Rajagopalachariar as the being taken unawares at the time of
first nominated President of the voting.
Legislative Council. The Governor
could have selected any three As whip, I maintained strict discipline
men of the party as ministers but on the members and they accepted it
he did not do so. Being well-versed cheerfully, though many of them are
in parliamentary elders occupying important positions in
practice, he called upon Sir P. Municipal Councils and Local Bodies.
One exception to the rule was the lead-
Theagaroya Chettiar to form the
er, Sir P. Theagaroya Chettiar, because
ministry. He declined the
of his age. He would come to the Coun-
honour. This convention cil in the morning (the Council used to
of calling upon the leader of the meet at 11 A. M. and last till 5 P. M.) and
majority party to form the remain there for an hour or so and then
ministry has been followed go to the Cosmopolitan Club for after-
since then. noon siesta. In the afternoons, he would
attend the Council.

ance democracy functions successfully POLITICS AND STUDENTS

in England.
Even then the party disapproved of stu-
PARTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE dents taking part in Non-Co-operation
movement and condemned indiscipline
Before referring to the next Council, amongst them. From the very begin-
I wish to say that I was the ning, the party wanted that law and or-
self-appointed whip of the party. der should be maintained at any cost as
The ministers and the party accepted tranquility and peace was necessary for
this for the reason that at the time of progress. Hence, it supported the police
division (voting) members have to be in the maintenance of law and order
present lest there should be any snap or though this was a reserved subject. The
adverse voting. I prepared a draft for the party did not hesitate to condemn po-
constitution of an Executive Committee lice excesses. We co-operated with the
of the party and it was accepted. When Reserved half and did not want to earn
the Committee started functioning, I cheap kudos by adverse criticism of the
was elected its Chairman in my capacity police. The party was actuated by strong
as whip. The Chairman’s office was to be sense of duty and did not seek cheap

123
notoriety, by use of slogans and catch- Rao Bahadur A. P. Patro, Education
phrases. As the partymen had a status Minister. In 1926 the Hindu Religious
and a stake in the country they gave a Endowments Bill was passed. There was
lead to the electorate and did not say or fierce controversy over this Bill. Earlier
do anything merely to please the voters. attempts to introduce a Bill for the re-
form of Hindu Religious Endowments
In the 1923 elections also, the party was did not materialise somehow or other.
returned to the legislature with a ma- Englishmen themselves felt that any at-
jority. The old ministry continued with tempt in that direction by them might
one change, Diwan Bahadur T. N. Siva- be construed as interference with Hindu
gnanam Pillai replacing Sir K. V. Reddi Religion. It was then left to the Raja of
Naidu. The change was due to the gen- Panagal in the face of violent opposition
eral feeling that the Tamilians were al- from all sides, especially the vested in-
together neglected in the first ministry. terests as well as the Press, to introduce
There were members especially from the Bill. The cry of religion in danger
the city who felt that they were better was raised and fully exploited. Never-
entitled to a place in the ministry than theless, he piloted the Bill through the
Diwan Bahadur T. N. Sivagnanam Pil- Council successfully. Fortunately, he
lai, a retired official. These disappoint- had the loyal support of an able civilian
ed members supported a no-confidence official (Provincial Civil Service) in the
motion against the ministry and it was person of Mr. N. Gopalaswami Iyengar
rejected. who later became a minister of the Cen-
tral Government. He was nominated as
IMPORTANT ACTS an ‘expert member’ in the Bill through.

It was in this Council a comprehensive My uncle, late Mr. M. T. Subramania

Madras University Bill was passed. In Mudaliar was so much interested in the
1924 the Andhra University Bill was Bill that he did not give any respite to
passed. Both the Bills were piloted by the younger members of the Council till
it was passed.

As whip, I maintained strict I myself had a tough time of it and I had

to persuade other members to give an
discipline on the members assurance to my uncle that they would
and they accepted it cheerfully, support the Bill. The Raja of Panagal
though many of them are himself was so much impressed with the
elders occupying important earnestness of my uncle that he also gave
positions in Municipal him his assurance for the passing of the
Bill. The Bill was ultimately passed and
Councils and Local Bodies. became an Act in 1926. Sir T. Sadasiva
Iyer, a retired Judge of the Madras High

124
Court, was appointed the first President
of the Hindu Religious Endowments My uncle, late
Board. This appointment was meant to Mr. M. T. Subramania
assure the orthodox section of the Hin- Mudaliar was so much
du public that no radical changes would interested in the Bill that
take place in the mode of worship, etc.
he did not give any respite
After the Andhra University Bill was to the younger members
passed, Tamilian members felt that there of the Council till it
must be a University for the southern was passed.
districts. One section of the members
felt that the University should be only
for the promotion of Tamil; the oth- pated in the elections. The first Council
er section wanted that the University got on smoothly and the second Council
should serve the interest of Tamilnadu. followed suit. This appeared to have up-
set Congressmen. They started a violent
A Committee was appointed with the propaganda against the party. They were
Raja of Ramnad as Chairman and the forerunners of Dr. Goebbels (Nazi
myself as Secretary to go into the minister for propaganda) and they ex-
question of founding a University in pected that if they went on repeating a
the south. The recommendations of lie it would be believed by the people,
this Committee were considered by ultimately. I wonder whether this kind
Dr. Subbaroyan, the then Chief Minis- of propaganda came to Goebbels as nat-
ter, and subsequently, the Annamalai urally as it came to our opponents here.
University Bill was passed during his re- Mr. Satyamurti had utter contempt for
gime and became an Act. Non-Brahmins because he felt that they
were not clever. This contempt turned
into hatred when he found that the par-
ENTRY OF CONGRESSMEN INTO ty was running the administration suc-
COUNCIL cessfully. This hatred was more against
Non-Brahmins in general for their sup-
In 1923, Mr. S. Satyamurti Was Elected to port to the party in the elections.
this Council as representative of Madras I was reminded of an incident men-
University. I have already mentioned tioned to me some years ago that a
that members of the first Council got on member of the racing fraternity in Bom-
very happily as members of a joint fam- bay who disliked someone else in that
ily. With the advent of Mr. Satyamurti fraternity, purchased a horse of a sort
into the Council, controversy replaced and named it after his opponent. Under
harmony. Though the non-cooperation the guise of abusing the horse for bad
movement was at its height, the general running, he really abused his opponent
public, the voters of Tamilnadu, partici- to get even with him. Likewise Mr. Sa-

125
tyamurti poured out all his venom on
the Non-Brahmins in the guise of at- A Committee was appointed
tacking the Justice Party. The party was with the Raja of Ramnad as
condemned as being communal and the Chairman and
partymen were called job hunters, lack- myself as Secretary to go into
eys of British Imperialism, boot-lickers,
traitors and toadies. They were also ac-
the question of founding a
cused of being Brahmin haters. I cannot University in the south.
recall just now all the epithets hurled at The recommendations of this
us at that time. Mr. Satyamurti had stock Committee were considered by
phrases to fling at us - “The Bourbons Dr. Subbaroyan, the then Chief
can never unlearn old things and learn Minister, and subsequently, the
new ones’; ‘They do not see the writing
on the wall’; ‘You can cheat some people
Annamalai University Bill was
for all time, all people for some time but passed during his regime
not all people for all time’. He did not re- and became an Act.
alise that these words would sometime
later recoil on his own party, the Con-
gress. vocation and undertook the undertak-
er’s job. He did succeed in digging the
At the time of 1937 elections, when the grave but did not realise that the grave
Congress was at the height of its propa- was big enough to bury his own party
ganda, one of the leaders told the vot- later on. The crowning point of his par-
ers “If the Justice Party were to offer you liamentary wisdom was his boast that
money take it; if they offer you food eat the Congress would put up donkeys
it; if they offer you conveyance get into against the Justice Party and would win
it, but vote for the Congress”. At this hands down. These slogans were repeat-
distance of time I cannot lay my finger ed by the lesser fry. In spite of his loose
on the gentleman who gave this despi- tongue, Mr. Satyamurti did not dare al-
cable advice. This cry was taken up by lege corruption against the Justice Min-
both educated and uneducated among istry or any member thereof. All these
them. These worthies did not realise criticisms were ignored as their authors
that this reflected adversely on the mor- lacked in breeding. However, I have dealt
al character of the people. I knew that with these items at length lest some un-
these gentlemen were innocent of moral suspecting ones of the future generation
values. They were hoist with their own should in their innocence believe all
petard in 1967 general elections. Mr. this trash about our party. We knew the
Satyamurti did not bother himself with patriotism of our critics was skin deep
the language he used. He said that he and their high-sounding principles
would bury the Justice Party so many were more professed than practised. No
fathoms deep. It is a pity he missed his doubt there were some real patriots and

126
we raised our hats off to them, though of the political game in all the legisla-
we differed from them. tures.

Dr. SUBBAROYAN MINISTRY I should have followed the British con-

vention that the dead should be left alone
While I am at this, I wish to refer to by avoiding reference to Mr. Satyamur-
one other matter. When in 1926 general ti’s antics. I have nothing against him
elections, the Justice Party lost its major- and he has done me no harm. I could
ity, the question arose as to who should not however ignore his role as a politi-
form the ministry. No one party had the cal critic. It should also be remembered
requisite majority to form the minis- here that he was virtually the leader of
try by itself. The Swarajya Party whose the Madras Congress Party from 1923
avowed object in entering the Council till Rajaji formed his ministry in 1937.
was to wreck the dyarchy within the When considering the political role of
Council and without, took the initiative any person and assessing his worth, his-
in the formation of a ministry head- tory does not care whether such a per-
ed by Dr. Subbaroyan. Dr. Subbaroyan son is alive or dead.
was weaned away from the Justice Par-
ty overnight and was chosen as Chief Dr. Subbaroyan chose Messrs. A.Ran-
Minister. The Congressmen congratu- ganatha Mudaliar and R. N. Arogyasa-
lated themselves on their clever move. mi Mudaliar as his colleagues. These
They did not know that cleverness with- two gentlemen were the nominees of
out character is worse than useless and the Swarajya Party. When the Simon
often proves dangerous. It is my expe- Commission visited India, the Congress
rience that such clever people come to boycotted it. When it came to Madras,
grief more often than not. This move on the Swarajists who expected Dr. Sub-
the part of the Swarajists received sup- baroyan to boycott the Commission
port from Englishmen who were upset found him receiving the Commission
by the Indianisation of the Medical De- with open arms, much to their chagrin.
partment by the Raja of Panagal. Politics There was an additional reason for Dr.
brings together strange bed fellows! The Subbaroyan to receive the Commission
Swarajists did not realise that they had as Sir John Simon and he belonged to
caught a tartar in Dr. Subbaroyan. They the same college at Oxford-Wadham.
expected him to dance to their tune, but It was only then that the Swarajists re-
they were sorely disappointed soon. The alised that they had overreached them-
duplicity played by the Congressmen selves. Cleverness has become the curse
and their allies in this nefarious act was of this country as clever people cannot
not made known to all-India politicians. see beyond their nose. Messrs. Ranga-
This was the beginning of the crossing natha Mudaliar and Arogyasami Muda-
of the floor in a legislature. Today the liar resigned from the ministry.
crossing of the floor has become a part

127
It was at this juncture that Dr. Sub- ministry, I agreed to full support being
baroyan turned to the Raja of Panagal given to Dr. Subbaroyan. At my sug-
and asked him for his support. If he had gestion, Mr. W. P. A. Soundara Pandi-
not received this support, he would have an agreed to be Dr. Subbaroyan’s Whip.
had to resign his Chief Ministership.
The Raja of Panagal agreed to support In his place, Diwan Bahadur M. Krish-
him and even went to the length of ac- nan Nair was appointed Law Member
cepting Dr. Subbaroyan’s suggestion that without the police portfolio which was
I should be one of his colleagues. I was assigned to Sir Mohamed Usman. Inci-
upset with Raja Saheb for having given dentally, I may mention that a no-con-
his consent even without consulting me. fidence motion moved by the Swarajists
Though I did not want to join the min- against Dr. Subbaroyan ministry was
istry, I agreed to full support being giv- thrown out by the Council. By extend-
en to Dr. Subbaroyan. At my suggestion, ing our support to the Subbaroyan min-
Mr. W. P. A. Soundara Pandian agreed istry, we enjoyed influence without the
to be Dr. Subbaroyan’s Whip. responsibilities of office. More than that
we were anxious that the Governor’s
We suggested to Dr. Subbaroyan the rule should not be imposed on Madras
names of Messrs. S. Muthiah Mudaliar on the score of the failure of the consti-
and M. R. Sethurathinam Iyer as his col- tutional machinery.
leagues. The latter name was suggested
as there was no Brahmin in the Cabinet COMMUNAL G. O.
at that time. I may add that Mr. Sethu-
rathinam Iyer was popular with our It was during Dr. Subbaroyan’s minis-
partymen. Mr. T. R. Venkatrama Sastri try that the Communal G. O. was in-
who had been appointed as a member troduced by Mr. S. Muthiah Mudaliar
of the Executive Council in the vacancy giving adequate representation to the
caused by the retirement of Sir C. P. Ra- several communities in government
maswamy Iyer, had resigned his office in service. In working out this G. O. it was
a huff because the police portfolio which found that it caused hardship in the case
was with Sir C. P. Ramaswamy Iyer was of promotions from one cadre to anoth-
not assigned to him. Some of Mr. Sastri’s er. If I remember right when this was
friends tried to persuade him not to re- later brought to my notice as minister,
sign but he ignored their advice. I suggested to the government that the
The Raja of Panagal agreed to support application of this rule in the case of
him and even went to the length of ac- promotion might be dispensed with and
cepting Dr. Subbaroyan’s suggestion that any imbalance in the next cadre might
I should be one of his colleagues. I was be rectified by direct recruitment. This
upset with Raja Saheb for having giv- suggestion was accepted.
en his consent even without consulting Dr. Subbaroyan piloted the Annamalai
me. Though I did not want to join the University Bill which became an Act in

128
 The Raja of Panagal agreed to spective of caste or creed. His services to
support him and even went the public cost him his fortune. Till the
end of his life, he served the people. May
to the length of accepting Dr. his soul rest in peace.
Subbaroyan’s suggestion that I
should be one of his colleagues. The Raja of Panagal was the scion of an
I was upset with Raja Saheb for aristocratic family in Kalahasti in Chit-
having given his consent even toor District, Andhra Pradesh. He had
no connection with local bodies which
without consulting me. Though I constituted the training ground and
did not want to join the stepping-stone into the legislature in
ministry, I agreed to full support those days, but he had practical expe-
being given to Dr. Subbaroyan. rience gained in the hard school of re-
At my suggestion, alities in life. Being an astute person he
utilised the opportunities given him as
Mr. W. P. A. Soundara Pandian a minister and made his mark. He be-
agreed to be Dr. Subbaroyan’s came a mature politician and an able ad-
Whip. ministrator. He was a good chess player.
These qualities helped him to attain a
mental equilibrium which stood him in
good stead at times of strain and stress.
1929. It will be interesting to know that His unique headgear –the blue silk cap–
the Annamalai University has provid- gave him stature and a distinguished
ed two ministers to the Government of appearance. The sum total of his mental
Madras and one to the Malaysian Gov- and moral qualities gave him a poise in
ernment in the persons of Messrs. V. R. life. He devoted his whole time for the
Nedunchezhian and K. A. Mathiazha- party and lived for it. His innate sense of
gan and Datto V. T. Sambandan. Mr. K. loyalty drew around him loyal men. In
Anbazhagan, another alumnus, is the fine he came to be known as a statesman
leader of the D. M. K. in Parliament. and a gentleman. As Chief Minister, he
was unique. Apart from chess, racing
LOSS OF THE PARTY LEADERS was another recreation of his. He used
to bet but he was not a gambler. He sel-
In the course of four years the party sus- dom won in the races. I have followed
tained great loss by the passing away of him in racing and my luck has been no
Sir P. Theagaroya Chettiar on 29-6-1925 better.
and the Raja of Panagal on 15-12-1928.
Sir P. Theagaroya Chettiar was the grand It was a disadvantage for Dr. Subbaroy-
old man of Madras and the Nestor of the an to have succeeded such an eminent
Justice Party. His family was an old and Chief Minister as the Raja of Panagal.
respected one and it kept an open house. Being a poor speaker, he cultivated a
Its hospitality was extended to all irre-

129
mannerism - pulling out his handker- in the legislature. Despite his claim be-
chief from his pocket every alternate ing a novel one, I was prepared to step
minute, twisting it in his finger and put- down to avoid contest. But the dele-
ting it back. In course of time He turned gates, especially those coming from the
out to be a fine parliamentary speaker. southern districts, did not want Dr. Sub-
He got on well in the Council. baroyan’s leadership. As a compromise,
Mr. B. Muniswami Naidu of Chittoor
He had the saving grace of not having was elected as leader and it was decided
harmed any of his opponents. Dr. Sub- that he should continue as such till the
baroyan was an interesting conversa- next Confederation met. If I had insisted
tionalist. He could be entertaining in upon the election of a leader, immedi-
any company, if he wished to be. Though ately after the death of the Raja of Pana-
we parted company in politics, we re- gal, the chances were that Dr. Subbaroy-
mained friends to the very last. an might not have contested and Mr. B.
Muniswami Naidu would not have been
Sometime after the death of the Raja elected leader. There would have been
of Panagal, I suggested in my capacity no necessity for a Confederation either
as Chairman of the Party’s Executive at Nellore or Tanjore.
Committee that a Confederation be
convened for the purpose of electing a MUNISWAMI NAIDU MINISTRY
new leader. Members suggested that I
could carry on as I did till then. Being The fourth general election did not
the chief whip of the party, I said I could take place in 1929 as the Round Table
not act as the Floor Leader of the House. Conference was expected to take place
It was then suggested that Sir A. P. Patro in 1930. When elections took place in
should be the Floor Leader. This tem- 1930, the Justice Party was returned
porary arrangement was made to avoid in large numbers. The ministry was
competition for leadership by some per- formed with Mr. B. Muniswami Naidu
sons who were not in the good grace of as Chief Minister and Mr. S. Kumaras-
the party. This arrangement had unfor- wamy Reddiar and myself as his col-
tunately its repercussions on subsequent leagues. Immediately after the forma-
events. tion of the ministry, those who expected
to be included in it were greatly disap-
PARTY CONFEDERATION pointed with Mr. B. Muniswami Naidu
The Nellore Confederation met in 1929 at their omission. As the Conference was
and my name was proposed for the lead- not held at the end of the year as decid-
ership. Unexpectedly Dr. Subbaroyan ed at Nellore and as there was delay in
wanted to contest the leadership on the convening it, Mr. Muniswami Naidu be-
score that he was practically a Justicite came unpopular with certain sections of
in view of the then existing relationship the party. When the Confederation met
between his group and the Justice Party at Tanjore there were wranglings, bick-

130
erings and quarrels about the choice of officials. There was some trouble about
the leader. Because of these, it was not his continuance as President. At the in-
possible to have a unanimous choice. stance of local officials, the Governor
Only after great deal of troubles, Raja of wanted me to interfere in this matter. I
Bobbili was elected leader. did not relish the Governor’s interfer-
ence in local politics and so wanted to
RAJA OF BOBBILI MINISTRY resign after giving him a bit of my mind.
As there was no need for my interfer-
After the conference was over, the Gov- ence, I did not resign.
ernor called upon the new leader, the
Raja of Bobbili, to form the ministry. ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PARTY
Accordingly, a new ministry was formed
with the Raja of Bobbili as the Chief From 1920 onward, the Transferred half
Minister and myself and Mr. Kumaras- was entrusted with the administration
wamy Reddiar as his colleagues. The of vital departments like Education,
following important portfolios assigned Agriculture, Co-operation, Industries,
to us. Local Boards, Religious Endow- Medicine and Public Health. These de-
ments, Medical and Public Health were partments required funds for effecting
assigned to Raja of Bobbili; Education, improvements. As the Finance portfo-
Industries and Fisheries to Mr. S. Ku- lio was in the Reserved half, it was very
maraswamy Reddiar; difficult for the ministers to obtain ade-
quate funds for the expanding needs of
Co-operation, Agriculture, Veterinary, these departments. We had to be con-
Registration and Public Works were as- tent with what was given by the Finance
signed to me. member.

The Tanjore Confederation was the University and secondary education

most unfortunate episode in the history produced efficient subordinates and not
of the party. As it left a bitter taste in my leaders. As radical changes in the edu-
mouth, I did not wish to continue as a cational policy were likely to meet with
minister but had to yield to the pressure opposition from vested interests and as
of partymen from the south. there were not sufficient funds, we fol-
lowed the policy of laissez-faire. Fortu-
Even before the Tanjore Confederation, nately, the Justice Party did not tinker
I wanted to leave the ministry on ac- with education but left to its succes-
count of an incident that took place at sors the task of introducing necessary
Madurai. In the District Board, there changes. Today neither the Centre nor
was a contest for Presidentship. Later the State has any settled policy and pro-
Mr. Foulkes was elected with the ma- gramme about education. It has merely
jority of one vote as President, and that become a question of hand to mouth ex-
too with the active assistance of local istence.

131
 himself had been once a Registrar of
As regards industries, we could not go Co-operative Societies. He told me that
in for a comprehensive planned pro- the liquidation of the department was
gramme, due to want of funds. As re- unthinkable. Then I decided on the pol-
gards agriculture, we did effect changes icy of rectification and consolidation.
to help the ryots for adopting new and In passing, I may mention that the dis-
profitable methods of cultivation. As re- trict officers of the co-operative depart-
gards the veterinary department, we ar- ment were borrowed from the Revenue
ranged for the preparation of serum and department and by the time they had
other medicines ourselves to meet Our learned the work they were sent back to
livestock’s requirements and took steps their parent department. I put an end to
to improve the livestock. Special atten- this unsatisfactory procedure by having
tion was devoted to the development of a cadre of officers permanently for the
fisheries, both inland and marine. department. The new recruits proved
Great attention was devoted to foster- themselves worthy of the task entrust-
ing and developing indigenous systems ed to them. Registrars were generally
of medicine. A school of Indian Medi- recruited from the Indian or Provincial
cine was started by the Raja of Panagal. Civil Service. Three of the recruits from
Research work was done in Ayurveda, the new cadre constituted for the co-op-
Siddha and Unani Systems of medicine. erative department became permanent
Within the limitation of Finance inher- Registrars. Punjab and Madras were not-
ent in the system of dyarchy, the minis- ed for their excellence in the co-opera-
try strove hard to make available to the tive field. Madras is now the only State
people at large the benefits arising from where the co-operative department is
the development departments. functioning effectively. People from
other States and also from outside In-
There remains the Co-operative depart- dia come to Madras to see the working
ment. In the early stage, societies were of the co-operative movement here.
registered in large numbers. Every Reg-
istrar added to the number. It was more
the quantity than quality that counted 1937 ELECTIONS
then. I had to face the very serious prob-
lem of either mending or ending the As I said, violent propaganda had been
department. It was a question of rectifi- carried on against the Justice Party and
cation and consolidation or liquidation it reached its height in 1937. The con-
of the movement. Certainly, I did not stituencies instead of being on the dis-
want to take the odium of liquidating trict basis were reduced to smaller units.
the department though the then Reg- I contested the election from the Peri-
istar was indifferent about it. I moot- yakulam Constituency. Voters there told
ed the subject with Mr. H.M. Hood, I. me not to contest then for the reason
C. S., the then Finance Secretary as he that the Congress Party had promised

132
to abolish land tax and allow people to other, and it took 30 years for that retri-
enter the forest area and carry fuel and bution to come. It was well worth
manure as much as they needed, free of waiting.
charge and that if the Justice Party was
again returned, they would not have 1967 ELECTIONS
these benefits. They further told me that
if I still persisted in standing for election In the 1967 elections, the electorate which
I might seek election as an independent believed all the allegations made by the
candidate. I told them that the promises Congressmen in 1937 against the Jus-
held out to them by Congress were ab- tice Party, treated the tall claims of Con-
solutely false and that Congress wanted gressmen with contempt and dismissed
to get elected by cheating the voters. I them without any compunction. Their
also told them that I was standing on defeat was even more miserable than the
the Justice Party ticket and that I would defeat of the Justice Party in 1937. The
not desert my party for the sake of a seat final blow came to them in the by-elec-
in the Legislative Council. I told them tion to Parliament from South Madras
that they should vote for me on my own Constituency. All the big Congressmen
terms or else they could please them- mustered in large numbers and turned
selves. In this election itself, coloured their guns on young Murasoli Maran to
boxes were allotted to the parties. Yel- defeat him. Contrary to their hopes and
low was assigned to the Congress and expectations, Maran won hands down.
red to the Justice party. The Congress His majority was even greater than Mr.
had the slogan: Annadurai’s in the previous election.
   ;  This signal victory avenged the defeat of
  .   Mr. Annadurai at Conjeevaram in 1962.
 ;   . In South Madras, the Congressmen met
their Waterloo. With a chastened frame
Till this day the promises made by them of mind brought about by the many de-
to the electorate have not been fulfilled. feats, the Congressmen may perhaps
And yet the Congressmen today accuse turn a new leaf. If they do so, they may
the D.M.K. as having given false prom- serve the country better by talking less
ises in the last general elections. The and doing more.
Congressmen have a convenient mem-
ory and so forget their promises. As a
result of the false propaganda of the
Congress, only a few of the candidates
were returned on the Justice Party ticket ENTRY OF PERIYAR INTO THE
in the 1937 elections. I was one of the PARTY
many that were defeated. It was indeed
a debacle for the party. I knew then that After the elections of 1937, Raja of Bob-
there would be retribution some time or bili thinking that want of mass contact

133
was responsible for the rout of the party, These partymen met at a Conference in
requested Mr. E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker 1945 at Madras and elected me as leader
to undertake the work. To enable him of the Party. I accepted the responsibil-
to carry out this programme, the Raja ity as no one came forward to shoulder
Saheb entrusted the Tamil Daily “Dra- the leadership.
vidan” and the Press to him. An interim
ministry was formed under the leader- From 1937, I had not been actively asso-
ship of Sir K.V. Reddi, as the Congress ciating myself with the party and when
had not made up its mind to accept the the war was declared, I did work as lead-
responsibility of running the govern- er of National War Front in Tamilnadu.
ment. When the Congress decided to In 1946, when elections took place, the
accept office, Rajaji formed the minis- Justice party did not take part in them.
try. He introduced compulsory Hindi in The Congress contested and came out
schools. This, the Justice Party opposed successful and Mr. T. Prakasam formed
tooth and nail. As a result of their op- the ministry.
position about 1000 people including
women were sent to imprisonment. Mr. 1952 ELECTIONS
E.V.R. himself was sent to jail.
In 1938, a party Confederation met at In 1952, general elections took place.
Madras. Mr. E.V.R. was to have presid- After 14 years in the wilderness, the par-
ed. As he was in jail, his presidential ad- ty decided to set up candidates then. In
dress was read by Sir A.T.Panneerselvam that election, I contested and came out
and Mr. K.A.P. Viswanathan. When the successful. Our propaganda had some
Second World War commenced, the effect in North Arcot and Salem Dis-
Rajaji ministry resigned and the Ad- tricts only. It had no effect in Andhra,
visers regime succeeded the Congress Malabar or South Canara Districts. Of
Ministry. It was during this regime that the contestants in North Arcot and Sa-
compulsory Hindi was withdrawn. At lem, about ten came out successful.
the Confederation held at Tiruvarur in Contrary to my expectation and sur-
1940, Mr. E.V.R. was elected leader of prise they had declared themselves as
the party. Independents even at the time of nom-
ination. When I pleaded with them lat-
At the Conference held at Salem in er on and persuaded them to declare
1944, a resolution changing the name themselves as partymen at least then,
of the party as “Dravida Kazhagam” was they did not respond to my request. So
passed. Partymen who were dissatisfied I declared myself as the sole represen-
with the change of name of the Party tative of the party in the House. I was
walked out of the Conference. happy I did not succeed in persuading
them to declare themselves as Justicites
1945 CONFERENCE as weak partymen and doubtful friends
would not have enhanced the prestige of

134
 RAJAJI
These partymen met at a
From the beginning Rajaji’s presence
Conference in 1945 at was felt in the House. He prefaced his re-
Madras and elected me as ply on the motion of thanks to the Gov-
leader of the Party. I accepted ernor, with the remark that he was the
the responsibility as no enemy of the communists and that they
were his enemy No. 1. There was pin-
one came forward to drop silence. I expected the communists
shoulder the leadership. to protest against this statement. But the
communist party remained silent. It was
a victory for Rajaji. Rajaji was in office
the party. for about a year when the Congress Par-
ty opposed his education scheme. When
The 1952 assembly was a unique one. It I pointed out in a speech elsewhere that
was elected on the basis of adult fran- Rajaji was not fit to be a Chief Minister,
chise under the new Constitution. The he was very much upset. When he men-
Congress was in the minority and the tioned it to me, I told him that I said
Opposition groups in the majority. The what I felt and that it was not meant to
Congress could not find any one to lead be a condemnation. I said that he could
the party in the Assembly and form the be a chief adviser or a minister to King
ministry. The Chief Minister’s post went Dasaratha of old and not to be a Chief
abegging. As there was no outstanding Minister as he had not the necessary pa-
leader among the Opposition groups, tience for dealing with party members. I
there was no unity among them. Each welcomed his retirement from the Chief
group tried for the Chief Minister’s Minister’s place. I felt that for him the
place and failed. Seeing that the Con- Chief Minister’s office was like a bird in
gress thought it could form the ministry. a cage and that he had not the neces-
They had the good sense to go and ask sary freedom he most desired. I had a
Rajaji to come out of his retirement and shrewd suspicion that he was destined
form the ministry though they were in to be something greater than what he
a minority. Rajaji was appointed Chief had been and that his real contribution
Minister. When the Governor came to would come only thereafter.
address the joint session of the legisla-
ture, Mr. T. Prakasam stood up to pre- Rajaji, though not an orator, is an effec-
vent the Governor from addressing the tive speaker, the likes of whom I am yet
meeting. Being seated next to him I was to come across. If anyone other than Ra-
tempted to pull him up. But I did not jaji had formed the ministry, he and his
do so as I feared that the situation might colleagues would have been driven from
become worse. Any how, things passed pillar to post by the opposition groups.
off without further trouble

135
When the Andhras got a separate State, In the 1957 election, I contested but was
they wanted to remain in Madras as a defeated. It was in this election that the
temporary measure till they got their D. M. K. put up candidates. I helped
own capital. In reply to this, Rajaji said them as much as I could and I was in
that they should remain with us per- close touch with them. In this election I
manently or get out of Madras bag and made no attempt whatsoever to put up
baggage. They left Madras and went to candidates as the generation which con-
Kurnool. stituted the Justice Party had practically
disappeared.
I would not be surprised if the failure
of the opposition groups in the Madras I regret to have to state that even the
Assembly to function effectively as an sons of old partymen did not adopt Jus-
opposition party had something to do tice Party label because being young-
with his resolve to create an effective men they did not know the worth of the
single-party opposition in the Centre as party. As such, I could not have possibly
well as in the States. He took some time expected others to come forward and
to organise the Swatantra Party and it contest on the party ticket.
contested the 1962 elections. It then got
a footing in the legislature and in 1967 It was during this time (1958) I was
elections, it came out in large numbers. elected to the Legislative Council from
This enabled the party to play an effec- the Assembly as both the D. M. K. and
tive role in the Centre as well as in dif- Congress supported my candidature. I
ferent States. thanked them profusely for the signal
courtesy.
He was solely responsible for the cre-
ation of the Swatantra Party thus mak- REPLY TO ALLEGATIONS AGAINST
ing democracy safe for India. Besides he THE PARTY
could forecast coming events as a result
of his wide experience. Coming to his Now I would like to meet some of the
personality, he was like Marcus Aure- allegations made against us by the Con-
lius, a great stoic philosopher. He is a gress. It was said that the party was
man of very simple habits, of great in- based on hatred of the Brahmin, when
tegrity and spotless character. He is one in fact, it had not been so. At the time
of the few who still maintain old time when the very controversial Hindu Reli-
courtesies. Love for money and luxury, gious Endowments Bill was considered
he spurns. His remarkable career has by the legislature, the party had the ben-
brought all round credit to Tamilnadu efit of the services of a Brahmin as the
and we should all feel proud of him. ‘expert member’ to advise the minister,
as stated elsewhere. He was the late N.
1957 ELECTIONS Gopalaswami Iyengar. In this context I
must refer to his services and that of Mr.

136
S. V. Ramamurthi as my Secretaries. Mr. than to protest against the introduction
Ramamurthi acted as Director of Agri- of Hindi. I remember that Rajaji, Messrs.
culture also. I could not have had more G. D. Naidu, Karumuthu Thiagaraja
capable and loyal men than these two. Chettiar, Mookiah Thevar, Mohamed
Another instance: I was asked to preside Ismail Sahib, S. P. Adityan, V. R. Ne-
over the first meeting of the newly elect- dunchezhian and myself took a leading
ed Assembly in 1952 for the swearing-in part at that meeting. We expressed our
of members. It was as an act of courtesy strong opposition to the introduction of
that the invitation was extended to me Hindi and further observed that its in-
by Rajaji. I was then celebrating my six- troduction on the day of celebration of
ty-first birthday. When I went to thank the Republic Day would prevent many
Rajaji later on, he did me the honour of from taking part in it.
asking me to join his ministry. While
expressing my gratitude for his mark of ANTI-HINDI AGITATION
esteem towards me, I did not accept the
offer. These would show that they did Students started demonstrating against
not think that the party hated Brahmins. the introduction of Hindi, even before
The charge that the party hated the 26th January 1965. I learned that the stu-
Brahmins was trumped up by the Con- dents of Madurai took out a procession
gressmen. Some Brahmin members ex- in a peaceful manner along the streets
aggerated it hoping that doing so would of Madurai. On their way to the meet-
be to their advantage. Hatred has nev- ing place, the peaceful processionists
er been in our blood. These wise men were assaulted by some Congressmen in
do not realise that hate injures the hater front of the Congress office. Students in
more than it does the hated one. Hate other districts condemned this incident
clouds their judgment and leads them and they too started an agitation against
astray. the government. Action taken by the po-
lice against the demonstrating students,
    made matters worse. Government took
  . action against Mr. Viswanathan and
some of the Dailies, on the ground that
Suspicion, a lesser evil than hate, can they egged on the students to demon-
harm a man as much as hate itself. Sus- strate against the introduction of Hindi.
picion for instance has caused Mr. M. Mr. Bhakthavatsalam suspected that the
Bhakthavatsalam, noted for his sobri- D. M. K. was responsible for the students’
ety and level-headedness, untold harm. demonstration. If the students had been
When the Government of India an- handled with tact, many of the subse-
nounced its intention to declare Hindi quent events might have been avoided.
as official language of India on the 26th I pointed out to Mr. Bhakthavatsalam
January, 1965, a meeting was convened that the anti-Hindi demonstration was
at Tiruchirapalli by Mr. K.A.P. Viswana- spontaneous on the part of the students

137
and that the D. M. K. was not respon- afterthought, the government agreed to
sible for the students’ stir. This was not his wearing his usual dress-white dhoti,
believed by Mr. Bhakthavatsalam. He long white coat and white turban with
persisted in his suspicion against the lace border. Though the dress was a
D.M.K. and as it grew worse his wonted simple one it added to the dignity of the
composure deserted him with serious proceedings as could be seen from the
consequences to himself. photograph of the function.

In his long career as a Minister, Mr. At a Confederation of the party held at

Bhakthavatsalam was in charge of ev- Coimbatore, a resolution for the recall
ery department of the government of the then Governor Lord Goschen
and earned the reputation of being a was moved, for his having appointed
far-sighted politician and able admin- as Chief Minister, Dr. Subbaroyan, who
istrator, capable of dealing with men had no following to support him in the
and matters effectively and successfully. Council. The matter was discussed and
There was none to equal him either in strong resentment was expressed. As
this State or in any other State in India. this was considered sufficient, the reso-
His failure to deal with the anti-Hindi lution was not pressed.
agitation lost him the great name he had
earned for himself in the public life of On one occasion when I recommend-
this country. ed the appointment of a particular
person as head of a department in my
Referring to the charge that the Justic- charge, the Executive Council member
ites are yesmen and toadies, the follow- in charge of the services interfered and
ing instances will prove the falseness of recommended the name of an English-
the allegation. men. When the file went to the Gover-
nor (Lord Erskine), he sent for me in
When the Duke of Connaught visit- view of the difference of opinion be-
ed Madras for the inauguration of the tween me and the member in charge of
Legislative Council under the Mon- services. When I explained to the Gov-
tague-Chelmsford scheme, he was to ernor that there was nothing to choose
have been received at the Madras Port between the two and that my recom-
by Diwan Bahadur P. Theagaroya Chet- mendation was based on the seniority of
tiar in his capacity as the President of my nominee, the Governor accepted my
the Madras Corporation. He was given recommendation without hesitation. I
a hint that he should wear white trou- was prepared to hand in my resignation
sers, a long black coat and the usual if the other candidate was preferred to
headgear prescribed for the Indians for mine, though this contingency did not
such occasions. He said that if this was arise. Thus it is seen that all these alle-
insisted upon he would ask the Depu- gations had no basis. I can now only say
ty President to read the address. On an even as Jesus said “Father, forgive them

138
for they know not what they do’’. advice. Division of the country into two
became fait accompli later.
Apart from Lord Willingdon, of the One thing India lacked throughout its
Governors, the party had to deal with, history is leadership and this became
Lord Erskine had a mind and will of his very apparent after Independence.
own. I was reliably informed that when When general elections took place in
Lord Erskine recommended my name 1947, Gandhiji is said to have advised
for knighthood, some civilians opposed Congressmen not to contest elections
it. The Governor coolly snubbed him in the name of the Congress. Till then,
and ignored his interference. he said, Congress was a national organ-
isation. If elections were to take place
The title came to me unasked for and new parties should come up and the
went away unregretted with the elections should be fought on their own
Britisher when he left India for good. programme. Congressmen did not lis-
ten to Gandhiji’s advice as they wanted
I may add that a quaint ceremony is at- to exploit his name and the name of the
tached to this title which is the oldest Congress in the elections. On top of it
in Britain. The person who is honoured all, they said that it was the Congress
kneels before the king and the king pats that achieved Independence. They for-
his sword on his shoulders and says “Sir, got for the moment that the Englishmen
so and so, rise”. In India this ceremony went away in 1947, one year earlier than
is performed by the Governor-General the date fixed for their departure. Lord
as representative of the king. This title Mountbatten when he failed to bring
cannot be resigned but the holder can about an understanding between Con-
be deprived of it for reason or for some gress and the League divided the coun-
grave crime against the State. try into two, and gave an ultimatum to
the two parties, saying ‘Take it or leave
THE CONGRESS it. I have made up my mind to quit this
country whatever be your decision’. Mr.
The Congress was founded in 1885. Jinnah jumped at the offer. Likewise,
Some of the founders were Englishmen. Congressmen who had been proclaim-
After having gone through many vicissi- ing from housetops that India was one
tudes, it came under the control of Ma- country and one nation, accepted the
hatma Gandhi in 1921. He was virtual- partition. Who betrayed the country?
ly the leader of the Congress from then Surely not the Justice Party; but our
onwards, though at times Gandhiji used patriots – the Congressmen. The Con-
to say that he was not even a four-an- gress had not the intelligence to foresee
na member of the Congress. Before the the consequences of loose thinking and
partition was effected, Gandhiji advised loose speaking; neither did it have the
Congressmen not to agree to it. These magnanimity nor the humility that go
Congress leaders did not listen to his with greatness. It assumed unto itself

139
all the virtues one could imagine while du at odd hours. On the other hand, he
denying them to non-Congressmen. soon made a name for himself in Delhi
When the Constitution of India was and became a national leader with the
drafted they converted their own party possibilities of becoming an interna-
into a Constituent Assembly and did not tional one.
invite other parties to become members
thereof. They went even to the extent of The Congress which did away with the
treating non-Congressmen as political hereditary character of men and institu-
outcasts. Their professions and practices tions in India sought to give hereditary
did not go together. The Congressmen’s tenure to its own rule. As a result of 20
insistent harping on the majority hav- years in office the officials came to look
ing its last say in any matter, frightened upon the ministers as their masters when
the League. It felt that it would be no- as a matter of fact they should have con-
where if numbers alone counted. Hence ducted themselves only as the servants
it claimed a separate state for itself and of the public. The government is differ-
Congressmen agreed To it. Sic transit ent from the ministry. The government
gloria Indica. Thus passed away the glo- is a continuing one and the ministry is a
ry of India. The Congressmen to hide changing one. One reason for my wish
their folly made the Englishmen the for the defeat of the Congress was that
scapegoat for the partition. if they were returned again, these public
servants would be converted into ser-
CONGRESS’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS vants of the ministers.
OPPOSITION
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the leader
The Congressmen paid lip service to of the Congress Party and Prime Minis-
the need for opposition parties in the ter of India. Though he called himself a
legislature. Nevertheless, they concen- Democrat, he allowed a personality cult
trated their full force against Mr, C. N. to grow in his party. No one dared to
Annadurai in the Conjeevaram election oppose him. After Sardar Patel’s death,
in 1962. He was defeated but his party people asked who was going to succeed
strength rose from 15 to 52. Man pro- Pandit Nehru. That remained unan-
poses, God disposes. Mr. Annadurai swered till his death. Sardar Patel proved
was elected to the Rajya Sabha by his his worth as a statesman by integrating
own partymen from the Madras Assem- the princely states with India. No one
bly. If Congressmen had not interfered, else could have accomplished this even
Conjeevaram would have returned him though many might have thought of it.
to Madras Assembly. He would then be Sardar Patel did not want to alienate the
chewing his betel leaves as usual and princes by this policy of integration. He
with true oriental indifference to punc- placated them in a way by giving them
tuality, would be addressing his ‘Tham- compensation. He allowed them to keep
bis’ in some nook or corner of Tamilna- private properties and gave them annu-

140
ities. Recently the Government of India, enjoyed a reputation for administrative
at the instance of the Congress, wanted efficiency and honesty in public life.
to deprive the princes of these conces- Successful working of dyarchy on Par-
sions. If the threats of abolition of an- liamentary lines in Madras was a won-
nuities and other concessions were to der to many. It aroused the curiosity
materialise, people would have no faith of Americans so much that a number
in the word of the government and the of people have been engaging them-
government is likely to lose even the selves to get at the reason for this. It is
little respect which it now commands said that while Madras was willing to
from the public. In 1967 all the claims work the dyarchy, other States aimed at
of the Congress for its superiority over wrecking it both from within and with-
others and its exclusive knowledge of out. This wrecking mentality continued
state-craft were knocked on the head by even after India attained independence.
the electorate and they met with miser- As they had not cultivated a sense of
able defeat. responsibility, their ministers failed in
running the administration on the right
JUSTICE PARTY AND THE CON- lines. The Parliamentary system of gov-
GRESS ernment was borrowed from England.
Their Constitution grew with the time
Comparisons are no doubt odious but and the people grew with the Constitu-
in the present context they cannot un- tion. A necessary background was cre-
fortunately be avoided. The Justice Par- ated for the efficient functioning of the
ty was in power for 17 years, when their government. We borrowed their Con-
power was limited and the finance was stitution but not their background. That
even more limited. It started with the is why Parliamentary Democracy is said
idea of preparing a cross-section of the to be unsuited to the country. In the case
society for running the administration of Tamilians, however, there is similarity
of the country. There was all-round between them and Englishmen, though
progress in the State during this period. the background as obtained in England
Some communities utilised the oppor- is absent here.
tunities to the full, while others did not.
Nevertheless, their sense of inferiority England being an island, it became a
complex disappeared and the young- maritime race and a great one at that.
er generation acquired self-confidence Though Tamilnadu is a part of the main-
and self-reliance. History of this period land of India, her people were great sea-
may be said to be the history of Madras. farers once upon a time. Tamil literature
At the end of its rule the party left an has asked people to sail the seven seas
administration which was at once the and seek their fortune.
envy and admiration of all other States
in India. Justice party is an oasis in the "  ".
arid political desert in India. Madras

141
 Accordingly, her boats sailed as far as place one lady refused to leave her hus-
Rome and Greece in the West and China band and went with him when his turn
in the East thus establishing commerce came to get into the lifeboat. What has
and trade relations with countries in the been acquired by the British soldiers as
West and East. a result of long tradition in the sea, the
Japanese sailors acquired this practice as
When the sea is calm, sailing becomes a result of self-imposed discipline. I was
pleasant. When the sea becomes rough, told by Mr. P. R. Chari, the second son
merciless waves toss the boats about of the late Sir P. Rajagopalachariar that
here and there and the job of protecting his father returned to India during the
the boats becomes a difficult one. When first great war in a Japanese boat. That
storms and cyclones occur, the job be- boat was torpedoed in the Mediterra-
comes even more difficult. nean Sea and the passengers were saved
from being drowned by the sailors.
As perils of the sea are greater than those
of the land stern qualities are called for 20 YEARS RULE OF THE CONGRESS
in men —courage, fortitude, coolness
and sacrifice. Discipline and team spirit Talking of the Congress and its rule of
become inevitable. In those days pas- 20 years, let us examine its achievement.
sengers had to cultivate these qualities In the home front, it wanted to achieve
to some extent. The sea has endowed the self-sufficiency in food, clothing and
people with self-reliance, sobriety and a housing. In the matter of foreign policy,
sense of responsibility. Though the Ta- it wanted non-alignment and non-in-
milians had fallen on evil days; their tervention. By this policy, Congress ex-
successors have inherited some of these pected to please other nations and secure
qualities. These qualities stood them in safeguards and immunity from external
good stead when called upon to run the aggression for our country. When our
ship of state. This may perhaps explain country was attacked by China in 1962,
the successful working of Dyarchy then. no country came to our rescue except
The credit for this should go to the peo- Malaysia. It was a solitary instance of a
ple. country openly proclaiming support for
us. Malaysia never received any benefit
It may be interesting to know that the from us, whereas other countries that
British sailors have created a code of con- were benefited by our open sympathy
duct when their boats meet with grave and help, stood by merely as spectators.
danger. Women and children are first to Though Malaysia is a small country, its
go into lifeboats, then men, sailors, offi- people are really great.
cers and lastly the captain. Generally the
captains go down with their boats even As regards Hindi being the national lan-
if there is a chance for them to save their guage, this very important question was
lives. When the Titanic disaster took decided by the casting vote of the Pres-

142
ident of the Constituent Assembly. In and a cow for an individual is no doubt
spite of the assurances given by Pandit good as an ideal but as a practical prop-
Nehru that English would be the associ- osition to solve the food problem in the
ate language as long as non-Hindi States country, it leads nowhere. We have been,
want it, attempts have been made to as a matter of fact, depending upon oth-
force this language on unwilling States. er countries for our food all these years
If this object is going to be achieved after Independence.
merely on the strength of brute major- The Congress during its regime has
ity in Parliament, it will be only at the failed to maintain law and order. There
cost of the unity of India. Till recently is no safety of life or security of proper-
it was said that it was only Madras that ty in the country. The cost of living has
opposed Hindi. In Andhra Pradesh and been going up by leaps and bounds. The
Mysore opposition to Hindi has taken a promises of the Centre to check the cost
more violent turn than in Tamilnadu. It of living have not materialised in any
may be mentioned that these two States tangible form. These promises remained
are run by the Congress ministers. I a pious hope only. After 20 years of rule,
may perhaps be permitted to say that the Congress has left the country thor-
the attitude of the people of Mysore and oughly demoralised.
Andhra towards Hindi may be the be-
ginning of the Federation of Southern 1967 ELECTIONS AND D. M. K.
States visualised by the founders of the
Justice Party. In the 1967 elections, the D.M.K. was re-
turned in large numbers to the Assem-
FRAGMENTATION OF AGRICUL- bly. They increased their strength from
TURAL LANDS 52 to 150. It was a case of the table being
turned as the Congress from its strength
Agricultural policy in the Centre and of 150 came down to 50. The D.M.K. as
State led to the policy of fixing ceilings a single largest party formed the min-
on agricultural holdings resulting in istry with Annadurai as Chief Minister
fragmentation of lands and diminished and eight others as his colleagues. All
production. I cautioned Mr. Bhaktha- his colleagues are capable men. In the
vatsalam who was then in charge of ag- case of ministers in other States, the
riculture said that this policy would dis- number varies from 20 to 30. It may be
locate the rural economy of the country. interesting to note as mentioned already
Big landholders should be allowed to that Annadurai after his defeat at Con-
cultivate on a large and intensive scale jeevaram was elected to the Rajya Sabha
and if they failed to do so, their lands, by his partymen from the Madras Leg-
I said, might be resumed even without islature. His stay at Delhi and contact
payment of compensation. This caution with leaders of parties and other leading
was not heeded to and the policy of frag- men gave him new experience, a wider
mentation was persisted with. One acre and larger outlook. To put it briefly, An-

143
nadurai discovered himself and the new STUDENT PROBLEM
Annadurai was a revelation to many.
Even during the elections one could get Students’ indiscipline is agitating the
glimpses of his leadership. He brought minds of not only the parents but also
together various heterogeneous groups of politicians and governments, Centre
and formed a united front for defeat- and the States. This legacy has been left
ing the Congress party and succeeded. to us by the Congress from the days of
It must be remembered that he had the the Non-Cooperation movement when
strong backing of Rajaji in this matter. boycott of schools and colleges was in-
Mr. Annadurai’s unexpected success cluded in their programme of triple
and the adulation of his partymen did boycott. Indiscipline of one generation
not turn his head. The memory of the affects at least the two following genera-
shabby treatment by Congressmen did tions. Hindi brought this problem to the
not make him bitter, nor did iron en- fore. This has resulted in the lowering of
ter his soul. Overawed, perhaps, by the standards not only in schools and col-
great responsibilities attached to the of- leges and government services but also
fice of the Chief Minister he called on in public life. Every party cries hoarse
all the important leaders of Congress in that students should be kept out of pol-
Madras. He requested their advice and itics and political parties should not in-
cooperation in running the administra- terfere with them. It merely turned out
tion. Being generous himself he expected to be a pious hope as no honest attempt
a generous response from these leaders. was made to give effect to their declara-
They gave him a half-hearted response, tion. Students themselves did not realise
which meant really nothing, as they the serious consequences to themselves
did not have any sense of magnanimity and the country. The part played by
about them. Mr. Annadurai, though he the students in Indonesia has possibly
belongs to D.M.K., is the Chief Minis- encouraged and emboldened them to
ter of Tamilnadu and as such the peo- come out openly as budding politicians.
ple of Tamilnadu are entitled to look up They have now attached themselves to
to him as much as his own partymen. different political parties. They were
Congress made the mistake of identify- once an asset to the political parties and
ing the Chief Ministers with their party now they have become a problem. Con-
and not the government. I would like fronted with the serious character and
the D.M.K. not to commit the very same development of the student movement,
mistake. People expected that as a result the parties have at least agreed to ask the
of Mr. Annadurai’s assumption of office students to go back to schools and col-
democracy will function properly. That leges. I would like to impress on the stu-
expectation will materialise provided dents that a student career is a period of
his party gave him a free hand in run- preparation for the battle of life. Failure
ning the administration. in preparation means failure in battle.

144
FREEDOM OF VOTERS AT THE seems to have been divided counsel in
ELECTION regard to this, amongst his followers.
Stooping to conquer in public interest
If democracy is to be made safe for may be justified. But for this move, the
India, the voters should be allowed to tension might have continued and be-
vote for any candidate without fear or come worse. He assured his critics that
favour. In order to ensure this, the po- he would accept the Tribunal’s decision.
lice should observe strict neutrality. Thus, he cleared the atmosphere and re-
Generally speaking, I may say from my stored normalcy in public life. Democ-
experience that the police officers at the racy is at crossroads now. Whether it
higher level have not interfered in the will take a right turn or a wrong turn,
elections. But the same cannot be said of will depend upon the public conscience
the lower ranks. In small constituencies which should assert itself in seeing that
if subordinate officials interest them- law and order is maintained at any cost.
selves in a particular candidate or par- Otherwise, there will be no safety for
ty that will lead to great havoc. I would the public.
suggest that better types of men be re-
cruited with adequate emoluments and FUTURE OF THE PARTY
better prospects. As more and more re-
sponsibilities are thrown on the police, Friends would like to know what should
they should be kept above temptation. A be the future of the party. You may re-
well-trained and contented police force member that we met at Woodlands Ho-
will be an asset to society and ensure tel, Royapettah on 8-3-1966. Sri K. Para-
freedom and safety to the citizens. masivam was responsible for convening
the meeting. Subsequently, he became
AT THE CROSS ROADS the General Secretary. The question of
taking part in the elections was then
Since writing this, events in Madras mooted. I advised that we might wait
City have taken place unexpectedly in till the next elections and organise our-
such quick succession that these events selves in the meanwhile. My advice was
made Madras citizens feel helpless. Nev- accepted though some of the party men
ertheless, some sections of the citizens were disappointed with it. As a result of
expressed their resentment and disap- the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of
proval in a crude way. People do not the Party it is expected that the party
realise that taking law into their own will be revived. If so, whom is it going
hands is the negation of democracy. The to oppose in the election? It can only be
government ordered a judicial enquiry the Congress and not the D.M.K. who
into these incidents. The Chief Minister themselves have declared that they are
did not stand on prestige and did the our successors. In a parliamentary de-
right thing in having met the doctors mocracy, if you follow the British prac-
and the medical students, though there tice, there can only be two well- defined

145
parties – party in power and party in being disinterested are likely to be useful
opposition. On the other hand, if you to the public. This experiment is worth
follow the continental practice there trying.
will be three groups – Rightists, Leftists,
and Centrists. As things are, we have These are my views and they may be
accepted the British Parliamentary sys- canvassed by the members of the party
tem and there can be only two parties. when they meet tomorrow and come to
Already there are two parties function- any decision they like. I would however
ing: the Congress and D.M.K. our party caution the members that without prop-
will be a superfluous one and will be a er organisation and necessary funds to
misfit in the existing context. support it, no party can contest the elec-
tion successfully nowadays.
Possibly we might strike out a new line
– we may have a well-organised group CONCLUSION
which will study all the problems facing
the country and express its opinions on In the present unsettled state of affairs
them. It will help to create public opin- in the country, no one can predict what
ion for or against any burning question is in store for us. Though I am an opti-
of the day. If the right type of men from mist, our future prospects do not appear
districts, though small in number, can to be rosy at all. There is no silver lining
come forward and join us the party can in the cloud. Nevertheless let us hope
function from outside. Their criticisms for better days soon, as life without hope
is unthinkable. Actuated by that hope,
we should recreate our society with a
Our motto should be new outlook and a fresh vision. Our
“Work hard, work harder and leaders in all walks of life, should sub-
work hardest.” ject themselves to strict discipline and
punctuality and then by their practice
Men may come, men may go. set an example to the present generation
Parties may appear and –students in particular. Students cannot
disappear. Empires rose be blamed for indiscipline as they mere-
and fell. Civilisations ly walk in the footsteps of their elders
flourish and disappear, the and betters. Uncertainty about their fu-
ture has added to this indiscipline. Our
Justice Party as an M.Ps., M.L.As., and M.L.Cs., should
organisation may disappear, view their responsibilities in their prop-
but the principles for which er perspective. The country should
the Party stands are of come first and the party next. Some of
eternal value and will the representatives have reversed this
order. Sometimes they are carried away
never perish. by their party interest to the exclusion

146
of public interest. Party differences degenerate into partisan squabbles. The rank and
file of the party resort to violence to the detriment of public peace and tranquillity.
To avoid this, the representatives of the people should observe complete self-restraint
and keep their followers under constant check. In this connection I would emphasis
that there should be elementary honesty in public life.

In the economic field, we are where we were 20 years ago. All our five year plans have
not improved the basic needs of life – food, clothing and housing. We should follow
the example of West Germany and Japan, the two countries which were practically
wiped out in the last war. They have not only come up to their old standard in a short
space of time but also have gone to the extent of helping other countries. India is
benefited by their help. We must go all out to produce the maximum in all directions
to make our country self- sufficient. We must aim at exporting finished goods from
our country.

Our motto should be “Work hard, work harder and work hardest.”

Men may come, men may go. Parties may appear and disappear. Empires rose and
fell. Civilisations flourish and disappear, the Justice Party as an organisation may
disappear, but the principles for which the Party stands are of eternal value and will
never perish.

147
  

 ..    , 1968   ''

 

   " , ,

     ' ,
. ,      "
  .      
     ' 
   . .  
   , "
   '
  . 
  
        
,     
. ,     .
 ,    ,   
 .    ,  
   ,   ,
  .      
    ,  
      .
  
 . 
 ,    :
   
      
      (,
. )   
,   
     
      

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 .    
      .
 .    
  .   , 
    . '  
.      
      . 
  .   '
  
  .     
       
.     .   
    .  
      . 
  .     
       
      .   
     
  .    .  
       
 .  "  .  ,
  ,  , ,  
   "' . 
'     . 
.   ,   
"      
 '  . .   
      
  ,  .   
     
       
.    .
   ,
       
  . ,   , 
  "       
,     . ,  
 .       
 .        
'  .    
.

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 ,   
 . ,
 :    
  
     " 
    "  
 . ,   "   
 ,    "   
     .
   
 . "  
 '  .  , 
       ,
     , ,
  .     .
      "
. "  .

:    :

    .  
  ,  , ,   
  .     ,
    . ,
.  ,    
,    .   
    ,  
.  ,    
 ,    
      
  .  .
   "'
        
 (  )      
   ,    
    .    
,    
  .  
   ,  
   (,  , 
, ,, ) ,   

150
.     " ' 
" '    .   
.    
 .   
 , 
:   .

    ,  

 "' , "'    ,
       
.   
     . ,
 ,      
 ,    . 
   ,
      .
.  ,  
'Vestal Virgin' ,  "Hetaira'
 ,  ,   .
   
,    , 
      
    , 
.  . 
 , 
 :  ,  
,  
       
      . 
   " ' . "'
.       . ,
 ,     
  .    .  
   ,   . 20-
     , 
  " '     
 .    " 
     " ,  ,
,  .   .
   
 .  "'

151
: ,   
  
  . . 12, 13-  . 
 ,    
,     
 .    "
' ... "
    '   
   .
,  
     ,
,  ,     ,
       , 
  .   , 
  
  , .
  
     
. ,   
 ,   
   .
, 
     
,       
 .    
 ,  ,  . 
 ,    
     !  
.    (divorce)  
    ,  ,
    ,  
 ,     
   ,  
         
.  .  
  !
   ,
 , 
   
,   ,
. . , 

152
 THE TAMILS

An excerpt from the Essay titled “The Tamils” from the Justice Party
Golden Jubilee Souvenir, 1968.

My wanderings in the course of my pub- compulsory in our schools and colleges.

lic life extending over the last fifty years, We are able to understand our ancient
took me to almost all places in Tamil- history partially only through Sangam
nad. I have had the opportunity of meet- literature, inscriptions on stones and
ing people engaged in diverse activities copper plates. If there had been the prac-
and holding divergent views. I had the tice of keeping diaries, much of the dif-
pleasure of exchanging thoughts and ficulties felt in writing our history could
views with them. These meetings have have been averted. If teachers and par-
been, and are a source of edification and ents persuade the students to keep clear
pleasure to me. As a result of these ex- and concise accounts of their daily ac-
changes of views I had the opportunity tivities, such facts will indeed be of real
of assessing the progress of Tamilians in service to the people. I am unfortunate-
various walks of life. I venture to give ly one among those who have not kept
below some of my impressions gathered a diary during my younger days. I now
during this period. realise what a handicap it has proved to
be. Hence I wish to urge on our people,
Historical knowledge is indispensable especially the youth, of the importance
for the people. Along with political his- of recording a diary. I have however at-
tory, cultural history also must be stud- tempted to give below my impressions
ied. It is unfortunate that the Tamilians and views mostly from my memory in
have not interested themselves in histor- the hope that such recapitulation may
ical studies from the earliest times. Nei- be of some use to the people.
ther have they pondered over the conse-
quences of the lack of historical studies. The Tamilians are an ancient race as
That is why the history of Tamilnad is their civilisation has been contempora-
yet is an incohate state. Therefore it is neous with those of Crete, Egypt, Rome,
imperative that the study of the history Greece, Assyria, Babylon and Sumeria
of our country written correctly is made in the West and China in the East.

153
Barring China, other ancient civilisa- he does so in English. If this Emperor
tions have disappeared and new races had known something about the histo-
of men have taken the places of the old ry of Tamilians, he would have said that
ones. But the Tamil civilisation contin- if one wishes to address his Maker, he
ues to be the same today. Fr. Heras, who would do it in Tamil.
delivered a series of lectures in Madu- Ancient Greece and Rome wanted to
rai at the invitation of the late Mr. A. achieve world domination by relying
S. P. Aiyer, retired High Court Judge, on military strength. Later France and
Madras, said that there was closer re- Germany followed suit for world domi-
semblance between the findings ob- nation. Failure was writ large on all their
tained in Mohenjo Daro and Harappa, attempts. On the other hand England
as disclosed by the study of Archaeol- did not aim at world domination but
ogy, and the conditions in Tamilnad. wanted to extend its trade to the coun-
He could not however say whether tries of the then known world, Howev-
there was migration from Tamilnad to er they had built the biggest Empire the
Mohenjo Daro or vice versa. He was of world has known. It was not as a result
the opinion that the history of Mohen- of conquest. Likewise the ancient Ta-
jo Daro dates back to 5,000 years. This milians who spread over the whole of
proves the antiquity of the Tamilians. South East Asia and according to some
scholars, even parts of South America
Holy Roman Empire comprising all were sought for their goods. Inciden-
the nations in Europe was heir to Ro- tally they spread their culture without
man Empire. Its civilisation came to be attempting to impose it on those coun-
known as European civilisation. The tries. China with the biggest population
Southerner or Latin Race, Norsemen confined itself to its own territory and
or the Teutonic Race and the Slavs were went into hybernation for centuries. It
the races that formed the Empire. En- was said that Napolean cautioned oth-
gland remained a separate entity be- er countries not to disturb and provoke
ing an island. Each country has its own the sleeping giant. It was only in the lat-
distinct culture. Important of these are ter part of the 20th century that China
German, French and English. Someone woke up under Communist stimulus
asked the Emperor Charlemagne what and is trying to establish its hegemony
the best language in his Empire was. His over the rest of the world.
cryptic reply was as follows: If one wants
to talk to a gentleman he talks in Span- TAMIL LANGUAGE
ish, if one wants to address his lover he
talks in French, if one wants to address To the Tamilians especially those of
the mistress he talks in French, if one Pandyanad, the language counted more
wants to address the soldiers he talks than the soil they lived in. This feeling
in German. He had a dig at the English was perhaps strengthened by the fact
by saying that if one addresses the devil that their two capitals with large terri-

154
tories had been swallowed by the sea. Rule. However, in the 19th century Mus-
Hence they did not succumb to narrow lims especially scholars among them
nationalism like some countries En- nurtured the language alive. In the 20th
gland, Germany, France and Japan. As century, as a result of this, there was a
the Tamilians had a broad outlook on revival of Tamil language with the open-
life they believed in ing of the Fourth Tamil Sangam in Mad-
"   ' urai in 1901 by Sri Pandithurai Thevar, a
one race and one God. scion of the Sethupathy family of Ram-
Their forefathers believed in nad. Thus began the Tamil renaissance.
“    The language and literature received a
Every country is my country, every man stimulus from well-known scholars. I
is my kinsman. may mention a few names here.

The Pandyans established the Tamil San- 1. Thirupapuliyur Gnaniyar Swamigal

gam for fostering the language and liter- 2. Dr. U. V. Swaminatha Iyer
ature and for giving a code of conduct to 3. V. Damodaran Pillai
the people for regulating their life in all 4. J. M. Nalluswamy Pillai
its aspects. The only similar institution 5. S. Bhavanandam Pillai
is the French Academy in France. 6. L. D. Swamikannu Pillai
There were three Tamil Sangams. The 7. K. Navasivayam Mudaliar
first two went under the sea and the 8. Gopala Iyer
third disappeared when the Pandyans 9. S. S. Surianarayana Sastri
left Madurai. These three Sangams had 10. V. K. Surianarayana Sastri
produced great works. With few excep- 11. Maraimalai Adigal
tions all these have been lost. A few as 12. T. V. Kaliayanasundaranar
“Tholkappiam” were saved. These works 13. Anavarada Vinayakam Pillai
testify to the greatness of the Tamil Lit- 14. Sivaraja Pillai
erature. 15. S. Vayyapuri Pillai
16. S. Somasundara Bharathi
Tamil lost its importance when foreign- 17. K. Subramania Pillai
ers reigned over Tamilnad. Under the 18. R. P. Sethu Pillai
British rule, the English language grad- 19. R. Raghava Iyengar
ually replaced Tamil. If two Malayalees, 20. Pandithamani Kadiresan Chettiar
Andhras or Bengalees met they start 21. N. M. Venkataswamy Nattar
talking in their own language even if the 22. M. Raghava Iyengar
people in their company did not know 23. Swami Vipulananda of Jaffna
their language. On the other hand if 24. Karanthai Kavi Arasu
two Tamilians met, they spoke in En- 25. Venkatachalam Pillai
glish whether there were others or not 26. Ulaganatha Mudaliar
in the company. Tamil had reached such 27. Somasundara Desigar
a pitiable position under the British 28. A.M. Saravanna Mudaliar

155
29.Natesa Mudaliar their impression on Tamil literature. I
30. Ibrahim Pulavar had the privilege of knowing many of
31. Gulam Kadiri Navalar them.
32. Thirunarayana Iyengar
33. Arasan Shanmuganar Some years back I invited Gnaniyar
34. Subramania Kavirayar Swamigal, a profound scholar, the like
35. Kandaswamy Kavirayar of whom I have yet come across, to my
36. Poornalingam Pillai place for pooja. He performed pooja to
37. Pandithurai Thevar “Muruga” and then we had food. When
38. Raja Bhaskara Sethupathy he was about to take rest my aunt wanted
39. Nallasivam Pillai to listen to him. When I conveyed this
40. Punnaivananatha Mudaliar request he was extremely good enough
41. Kandaswamy Mudaliar to say that after taking rest and before
42. Vellaigal Subramania Mudaliar departing, he will talk for a few minutes.
43. Subramania Bharathi After rest he spoke for 15 minutes on the
44. Desika Vinayakam Pillai greatness of “Vel”. Though the talk was
45. Lakshmana Pillai of Trivandrum addressed only to two or three people,
46. T. K. Chidambaranatha Mudaliar I have not heard such a profound and
47. C. M. Ramachandran Chettiar impressive speech though a short one.
48. Manickavelu Naicker When he died Tamilnad was the poorer
49. Varadananjia Pillai for it. None has replaced him so far.
50. Bharathidasan Swami Vipulananda was a great scholar
51. Purasai Murugesa Mudaliar and believed in God. He was an author-
52. K. Vadivelu Chettiar ity on the old Tamil musical instrument.
53. Sivagurunatha Pillai “Yal”. If he had been alive for some more
54. Bhaskara Thondaman years, he might have resurrected that
55. Karmega Konar. instrument, and brought it under use. I
was told that he had come to Chidam-
These are worthy men. They have left baram from Jaffna for an engagement.
The previous night, when he had high
temperature, instead of sending for
However, in the 19th a doctor, he sent for an Oduvar who
could sing well. He sang Sambandar’s
century Muslims “ ” padigam. The next
especially scholars morning the temperature had come
among them down and he could keep his engage-
ment. It is a case of learning and faith
nurtured the language going together. His death was also a
alive. great loss to Tamil.

I wanted an equivalent in Tamil for

156
 from his students.
When V.O. Chidambaram
Pillai was taken from Saivism has been the main religion of
Tuticorin to Coimbatore by Tamilians. Its essence is “Tolerance”
train, I went to the station and hospitality. This spirit of tolerance
has been our strength and ironically,
by absenting myself from the
our weakness also. Be that as it may, I
school and saw him from a will not part with tolerance on any ac-
distance. After many years I count. The Jains in Pandyanad convert-
had the privilege and pleasure ed the Pandyan king Koon Pandyan to
of meeting this patriot and had Jainism and the people were obliged to
follow suit. Not so his queen Manga-
a long chat with him.
yarkarasi. Aided by her minister, Ku-
the words “Solemn” and “Solemnity”. I lachirai Nayanar, she took a firm stand
consulted persons well-versed in Tamil against the Jains. She sent word to the
and English. None of them could help child saint-Thirugnana Sambandar to
me. Eventually I consulted Karmega come to her aid and rescue. Though he
Konar. He asked me to explain to him was dissuaded by his old friend Appar
what exactly the words meant. I told not to start for Madurai, he accepted the
him that in a church, during a marriage queen’s invitation and reached Madu-
or mourning ceremony, the whole con- rai. He was received at the entrance to
gregation assembled there act in a si- the city and was taken to his quarters.
lent and disciplined manner in view of It must be said to the credit of the king
the importance of the occasion. “Sir”, that he gave the fullest freedom to the
he said, “during our marriage children queen to act in the manner she did.
are brought and they naturally make a When the young saint saw the queen, he
lot of noise. When a person dies those realised the fear and anxiety felt by the
who come for condolence start weep- queen for his safety. He addressed her
ing. Such being the case, it will not be with all the respect due to a queen and
possible to find a Tamil equivalent for assured her that she need not be afraid
the words solemn and solemnity”. He of anything as he was certain to over-
said that words are not simply coined, come the Jains and restore Saivism. In
but come into existence to express some his disputes with the Jains he overcame
practice or custom in life. I was taken them and restored the king to the faith
by surprise. This explanation did not of his forefathers and also cured him of
suggest to me or to the others Whom his hunch. The king was called Neduma-
I had Consulted. I may add that Tamil ran after this. I shudder to think what
Pandits and Sanskrit Professors did not would have been the fate of Tamilnad if
command respect from the students in the Jains had won that day. The queen
those days. But Karmega Konar did. He was torn between her loyalty to her hus-
was commanding implicit obedience band and her alligeance to Saivism. She

157
would not give up one or the other. She not want any statue for his father-in-law
was rewarded for her steadfastness. But but wanted that he should be remem-
for her, Saivism would have been lost in bered and that his memory should be
Tamilnad. The great Sekkilar burst out cherished by the coming generations.
as a result of his profound admiration Likewise I must say that memory of
and respect for her by saying Mangayarkarasi should be kept green
“   ’’. by the followers of Saivism. I may add
that after centuries a mandapam has
At the time of the International Confer- been put up in Sri Meenakshi Temple to
ence a number of statues were unvieled, commemorate her memory, during the
but no one paid a thought to the great renovation of that temple.
service this queen had rendered to the Where other religionists quarrel like
people of Tamilnad. I was asked to take cats and dogs we live in Tamilnad in
part in this ceremony by unveiling the peace and harmony. A Hindu would call
statue of V.O. Chidambaram Pillai. It a Muhammadan as brother or uncle. So
was fortunate that I was asked to per- there is humanity among them irrespec-
form this. When V.O. Chidambaram tive of their religion. Other races and
Pillai was taken from Tuticorin to Co- religionists have accepted the greatness
imbatore by train, I went to the station of the Tamil language and have made
by absenting myself from the school and their own contribution to it and its lit-
saw him from a distance. After many erature. No other language has received
years I had the privilege and pleasure of so much respect and regard. England
meeting this patriot and had a long chat has given political asylum. Tamilnad
with him. At the time of my talk with him has given religious freedom. Hence all
patriots who had been to jail received those who have settled down in Tamil-
undue publicity. But the patriot who had nad are treated as citizens of Tamilnad
received treatment accorded to crimi- and are given equal freedom and rights.
nals had receded into the background. Generally speaking, especially those liv-
I believe, after some time Government ing in the village parts are hospitable by
purchased the house where he lived and nature. In Tamilnad it is considered as
preserved it as a national monument. It the primary duty of a man or a wom-
was a belated honour but one has got an in a household to extend hospitality.
to be thankful for small mercies. I am Hospitality does not mean giving a big
reminded about Rome’s historian Taci- feast to others. When you share your
tus. When referring to his father-in-law food with others though the guests may
Agricola who incurred the displeasure be unexpected arrivals, it is real hospi-
of the Caesar for expressing his views tality. Bhaktas of Siva made it a point to
on the problems of the day that Caesar look for guests and feed them first be-
might curb one’s tongue and muzzle his fore they themselves took their food. In
mouth but he would not prevent anyone the Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam, you come
from thinking what he liked, Tacitus did across devotees who have undergone

158
great hardship and sacrifices in order Perambalur Angappa Pillai,
to please the guests. Siva is said to have Thiruvavaduthurai Rajarathnam
tested some of these Bhaktas by asking Pillai, Kekkayi Nataraja Sundaram,
for food which is not normally expect- Semponnar Koil Ramaswamy,
ed, to assess the Bhakti of these devo- Karukurichi Arunachalam and
tees. When he was satisfied he rewarded Vedharanyam Vedamurthy. The Great
them. exponents of the present day are
Thiruvidaimarudhur Veerusami Pil-
FINE ARTS lai Thiruvengadu Subramania Pillai,
KulikKarai Pitchayappa,
IIn addition to the development of lan- Namagiripettai Krishnan,
guage and literature the Tamilians paid Thiruvezhimalai Brothers and Sheikh
special attention to the development of Chinna Moulana Sahib. Vidwan
fine arts to an extent not attempted in Ponnusami Pillai was not only a great
other parts of the country, artist but also an acknowledged expert
Construction of temples gave an oppor- of the theory of music, and was the
tunity for the development of architec- Samasthana Vidwan of
ture and sculpture. They fostered the Ramanathapuram and Mysore. I have
growth of Bharatha Natyam and Nathas- known Ponnusami Pillai, Karukuri-
waram both of which are to be found chi Arunachalam, Thiruvidaimarud-
only in Tamilnad. Eminent Nattuvanars har Veerusami, Thiruvengadu Subra-
who have helped in the renaissance of mania Pillai and a few eminent artists
Bharatha Natyam are Meenakshisund- personally. The first four have per-
aram Pillai, Chokkalingam Pillai of formed recitals in my house on cer-
Pandanallur School, Vazhuvur Rami- tain auspicious occasions. Grandsons
ah Pillai and Dhandayuthapani Pillai. of Vidwn Ponnusami Pillai, Sethur-
The great exponents of recent times are, aman and his brother are coming up
Balasaraswathi, grand - daughter of very well as Vidwans of Nathaswaram.
Veenai Dhanammal. Banumathi Thavil is a necessary adjunct of the
of Kumbakonam, Pandanallur Nathaswaram and eminent players of
Jayalakshmi, Kamala and Rukmani this instrument who come to mind
Arundel. The last named has helped are Needamangalam Meenakshisund-
to spread the art to girls from good aram Pillai and Shanmugasundaram,
families where as it was formerly the Nachiyarkoil Raghava Pillai and
exclusive preserve of “Deva dasis.” Many Panchapakesan.In recent years
foreigners come to Madras to study this art. A. K. C. Natarajan of Trichy has
The Nathaswaram Vidwans who have earned the distinction of mastering the
upheld this unique art in the recent clarionet, an essentially Western instru-
past are Vidwan Madurai Ponnusami ment, and adapting it to Carnatic mu-
Pillai, Thirumarugal Natesa Pillai, sic. He is as much sought after as the
Chinna Pakkiri and Peria Pakkiri, great Nathaswaram Vidwans of today.

159
The Veena is another instrument thy, and Thanjavur Moorthy. Eminent
peculiar to South India. Veenai Ganjira Vidwans were Mamundia
Dhanammal was the foremost exponent Pillai, Dakshinamurthy Pillai, Palani
of this instrument. Other great names Subramania Pillai and the great am-
in this field were Madurai Shanmugavad- ateur artist, the Zamindar of Sethur.
ivu, mother of Srimathi M. S. Subbulaksh- Other laya Vidwans of eminence were
mi, the illustrious Karaikudi Brothers, Ghatam Krishna Iyer and Konnakkol
Devakottai Narayana Iyengar and Pakkiri and Mannargudi Natesa Pillai.
Desamangalam Subramania Iyer. The flute is one of the oldest instruments
The great vidwans of today are in Tamilnad, as elsewhere in the world.
Doraisami Iyengar, K.P.Sivannan- Great flutists of the recent past were
dam Pillai, K.S.Narayanasami, Thirupampuram Swaminatha pillai
S.Balachandar and Chitti Babu. In the and Palladam Sanjeeva Rao. The great
west it is believed that string instru- Vidwans of today are T. R. Mahalingam
ments with bows came originally from and T. Viswanathan, grandson of Vee-
India. But the Violin of today is a for- nai Dhanammal.Among the great vocal
eign instrument which has been assim- musicians of recent memory must
ilated into Carnatic music by the genius be mentioned, Maha Vaidhyana-
of Vidwans like Thanjavur Vadivelu tha Bagavathar, Madurai Pushpava-
Pillai, Malaikottai Govindasamy Pillai, nam, Kancheepuram Naina Pillai,
Thirukodikaval Krishna Iyer, Karur Ramanathapuram Srinivasa Iyengar,
Chinnasami Iyer, Marungapuri Kunrakudi Krishna Iyer, Mysore
Gopalakrishna Iyer, Mysore Chow- Vasudevachar, Tiger Varadachari
diah, Pappa Venkatramiah, Alathur Brothers, Ariyakudi Ramanuja
Dwaram Venkatasami Naidu, Iyengar, M. K. Thiagaraja Bagavathar,
Kumbakonam Rajamanickam Pil- S. G. Kittappa, Palghat Rama Bagavathar,
lai, Settur Sundaresa Pattar and Palghat Anantharama Bagavathar,
T. K. Jayarama Iyer. Prominent Vid- Madurai Sesha Bagavathar,
wans of today are Lalgudi Jayaraman. T. A. Nagasami Bigavathar, Kall-
Mayavaram Govindaraja Pillai, T. N. idaikurichi Vedantha Bagavathar,
Krishnan and M S. Gopalakrishnan. G N. Balasubramaniam, Sundara
The Mridangam is also an instru- Othuvamurthy, Mariappa
ment peculiar to the South and great Swamigal and Madurai Mani Iyer.
Vidwans of the recent past and present Vidwans of eminence today are
are Alaga Nambia Pillai, Palani Muth- Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer,
iah Pillai, Palani Subramania Pillai, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Chit-
Pudukottai Dakshinamurthy Pillai, toor Subramania Pillai, Mudikondan
Palghat Mani Iyer, Thanjavur Venkatrama Iyer Ramanathapuram
Vaidhyanatha Iyer, Thanjavur Ram- Sankarsivam Pillai, Musiri Subrama-
doss Rao, Madurai Raju Naicker, nia Iyer, V. V Sadagopan, Balamurali
Ramanathapuram Muruga Boopa- Krishna, Chembai Vaidhyanatha

160
Bagavathar, M. M. Dandapani traditions of our classical music dat-
Desikar, and Madurai Somasundaram. ing from the Nayanmars, Alwars and
If Madurai Somasundaram gives Arunagirinather and even earlier.
up his mannerisms, he will be- Within recent times Tamilnad has
come, with his experience and ma- produced a galaxy of composers of
turity, a pre-eminent musician. which any country could be proud.
Women who have made an indelible Apart from the musical trinity of
mark in the world of music are Vee- Tiruvarur, there have been and there
nai Dhanammal, Coimbatore Thai, still are composers who have contribut-
Bangalore Nagaratnammal, ed to the greatness of our music, which
Thiruchendur Shanmuga vadivu. of late is attracting the attention of mu-
Among the women musicians of the sically minded people of all the Con-
present day, M. S. Subbulakshmi has tinents. A comprehensive list of such
achieved international reputation. composers would be beyond the scope
I remember her in the year 1930 giv- of this article, but mention should be
ing a performance at a reception giv- made of Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer, Patnam
en to me in Madurai and at two other Subramania Iyer, Swathi Thirunal,
places subsequently. Her voice is sweet Muthiah Bagavathar,
and fresh, her diction perfect, her Vasudevachar, Poochi Srini-
technique faultless, and she sings vasa Iyengar, Koteeswara Iyer,
with assurance and dignity. Above Gopalakrishna Bharathi, Arunacha-
all, for an artist of her standing, she is la Kavirayar, Muthuthandavar,
humility personified. Citizens of Marimutha Pillai, Than-
Madurai are proud of the fact that javur Ponniah Pillai,
she hails from that city.Srimathi Venkatarama Bagavathar, Papanasam
D. K. Pattammal is another great Sivan, T.Lakshmana Pillai, Acchutha
musician who has been in the lime- Dasar, Oothukadu Venkatasubba Iyer,
light for a number of years. On two oc- Ramasamy Sivan, The Maharaja of
casions she has performed music at my Mysore, Mathura Kavi, Kavikuncha-
residence at wedding receptions. ra Bharathi, Subramania Bharathi,
SrimathiM. L. Vasanthakumari has Dhandapani Desikar,
come up recently and made a mark G. N. Balasubramaniam,
for herself. Her style is distinctive and Vedhanayakam Pillai, Veenai
her voice extremely flexible. I am men- Seshanna, Neelakanta Sivan, De-
tioning only the names of the leading sia Vinayakam Pillai, Nadanagopala
men and women of today. But a good Nayaki Swamigal, Mazhavai
number of young men and women are Subbarama Bagavathar. Annamalai
coming up. It may perhaps be invidious Reddiar and Suddanantha Bharathi.
on my part to mention some names. I should mention the great part played
It is not only the practicing musi- by the Oduvars in Siva Temples and
cians who have kept alive the noble their counterparts in Vaishnavite

161
 temples and who have popularised Balammal were well-known in those
music among the people. I am glad to days. Later on S. D. Subbulakshmi and
say that some of the Maths and tem- Sundarambal came into lime-light.
ples have got first class Oduvars in their Drama is a powerful medium for pro-
service. The performance of some of paganda and popular education. Mr. P.
them are heard with delight on the All Sambanda Mudaliar’s plays dealt with
India Radio. In the matter of Kadha social themes. Cunniah Company and
Kalakshebams (Religious discours- Nawab Rajamanickam Company played
es) there are a number of expo- dramas based on religious themes. Both
nents, the chief among them being Sri employed gorgeous scenes and glitter-
Anantarama Dikshidar and Sri ing costumes.
Kripananda Variar.
T. K. S. Brothers raised the tone of the
DRAMA Tamil stage. They made it possible for re-
spectable ladies to attend Tamil dramas.
In Tamil language drama occupies an Before that men only could venture to
important place. Tamil language had attend these Tamil dramas. The stage re-
three divisions-Iyal.Isai and Natakam. ceived a set back because of cinema and
Sankaradoss Swamigal, P. Samban- I hope there will be a revival of dramas
da Mudaliar, Muthuswami Kavirayar, as genuine acting can be witnessed only
Sathavathanam Krishnaswami Pava- in a drama.
lar, Sennai Kandasamy Mudaliar were
well-known playwrights. The dramatic MEDICINE
troupes which have popularised Tamil
drama in this country during the last fif- Apart from Allopathy and Homeopathy,
ty years are Velu Nair Company, C. Cun- there are three systems of medicine in
niah Company, Ananthanarayana lyer India. They are Siddha, Ayurveda and
Company, Madurai Bala Manoranjani Unani. The more difficult of these is the
Sangeetha Sabha, Sri Bala Shanmuga- Siddha system. Medicines prepared un-
nantha Sabha (T.K. S. Brothers Compa- der this system are efficacious and cure
ny), and Devi Bala Vinodha Sangeetha illness in no time. If not properly pre-
Sabha (Nawab Rajamanickam Com- pared, these are likely to endanger health
pany). Suguna Vilas Sabha and Rasika and life. Thorough researches are want-
Ranjani Sabha have been well- known ing in Siddha medicines, though there
amateur dramatic societies in Madras. have been some good practitioners such
They played an important part in stag- as Sivagnana Yogi, Pandit Anandam and
ing modern Tamil dramas. They have G D. Naidu. I remember to have presid-
now ceased to function. Rasika Ranja- ed over a Siddha Conference convened
ni Sabha in Madras is putting on board by Sivagnana Yogi about 35 years back.
several new dramas with a social motif. Pandit Anandam and G.D. Naidu are
Of the women actresses Balamani and with us now. Mr. G. D. Naidu is conduct-

162
ing research in Siddha medicines. He
is preparing some good medicines and Dr.A Lakshmanaswamy Mudaliar is
sending them abroad. Mr. Balaramiah, known throughout the world as an au-
the present Chief Presidency Magistrate thority in obstetrics and gynecology.
of Madras is a distinguished student of Now we have got Dr. Ratnavela Subra-
Siddha medicine. Through his efforts maniam, Dr Vadamalayan and Dr. V.
the H. R. E Board has started Siddha Srinivasan. A good number of young
Medical dispensaries in Tirunelveli and men from Tamilnad, who have received
Courtallam. The Mathuram family at training from foreign countries have
Trichy has been doing yeoman service come back and set up practice. They are
through Siddha system. popular.

The late Raja of Panagal started the WOMEN

School of Indian Medicine. But no
progress has been made in the research The Tamils had accorded women an
of Siddha medicines. Ayurveda system honoured place in the society. They are
is practised chiefly in Malabar. It goes in the heads of the family and hold su-
for oil treatment. It is a peculiar charac- preme away. In some houses married
teristic of this system. Unani system is women who predecease their husbands
mostly practised by the Muhammadans. form part of the family deity and are
The late Sir Muhammad Usman and his worshipped as such. Owing to other in-
family were well-known Unani practi- fluences in the country later on, women
tioners in Madras. There are some other had lost their place. Only after contact
families also practising this system. with the west, women have obtained a
Homeopathy seems to be popular with new status. Though it is not possible or
the people. There are a few doctors who advisable for women to claim equality
practise this system. with men, the law of the land has given
them equal rights. In olden days, boys
In the case of children’s disease the In- and girls, after they reach the age of dis-
dian systems of medicines seem to be cretion, were given full freedom to se-
more popular. In the case of Allopathic lect their own mates. They chose their
doctors I would like to mention the fol- partners and got married subject to the
lowing names which occur to me easily. approval of their parents.

Dr. Guruswamy Mudaliar Whatever were the rights given by the

Dr. Rangachari society, the women must themselves
Dr. Koman shape their own lives. The women who
Dr. Venkataswamy Chetty add simplicity and dignity to their
Dr. A. Srinivasan. speech, dress, conduct and mode of life
They were very popular doctors in those really count. It is the company of such
days. women that elevates and ennobles man.

163
The key to a well ordered society rests
ultimately in the hands of women. Whatever were the rights
given by the society,
MATHS the women must themselves
shape their own lives.
On the religious side there are many
Madadhipathies. There are Saiva, Ve-
dic, Vaishnavite and Madhwa Maths. The Hindu Religious Endowments Act
Of the Saivite Maths, those well known came into force and the Madadhipathies
are Thiruvavaduthurai, Dharmapuram, were forced to revise their methods of
Thiruppanandal, Madurai, Kundrakudi, life. The valuable services rendered by
Mylam, Thirukoilur, and Thirupapuli- Saivite Maths have commanded rever-
yur. The temples under the management ence and confidence from the people
of the Dharmapuram Adhinam are kept at large. My earnest desire is that these
clean and spick and span. I wish that Madadhipathies should be exemplars of
other temples also are kept like these. spiritual living to the people.
Thiruppanandal has constituted many
endowments by which knowledge and
food are supplied to those who are real-
SANKARACHARYA MATH
ly in need of the same. Thiruvavaduthu-
In the South there are two Vedic Maths-
rai Adhinam is publishing a number of
The Kamakoti Peetam and Sharada Pee-
rare books by way of commentaries and
tam. I know both the Peetathipathies
expositions of Tamil literature, chiefly
and have great respect and regard for
bearing on Saivism. The Heads of Kun-
them. As I have been in close touch with
drakudi and Madurai Adhinams are en-
Kamakoti Peetam I have great reverence
gaged in vigorous propaganda of Saivite
and devotion for him. His life is a su-
faith in all places in Tamilnad.
preme example of monastic life.
I welcome the formation of the Deivika
In ancient days these Maths exercised
Peravai under the joint auspices of the
great influence among the people. Their
several in Tamilnad I invoke the grace
influence was not merely due to their
of God for the successful functioning of
position as Heads of Maths. Individ-
the Peravai.
ually every Madadhipathy was profi-
cient in literature and was leading a
strictly monastic life. Next only to the EDUCATION
kings, the Saivite Maths were patrons of
learning and arts. At a certain period of Education in this country instead of be-
history some changes came over these ing a blessing has become a curse. At
Maths. Further, the rise and spread of the time of admission to schools and
rationalist movements considerably un- colleges students and their parents un-
dermined the prestige of these Maths. dergo a painful ordeal. There is a gen-

164
eral belief that money or recommenda- services at a low cost and did not want
tion from high quarters are necessary these Universities to produce the right
for getting admissions. This impression type of men who would become lead-
is most unfortunate and makes people ers of the country. In short these Uni-
helpless. Likewise at the time of exam- versities served our rulers well and our
ination students try to get marks from country ill. The country has no faith in
examiners for getting promotions. This the educated men nor the educated men
is equally unfortunate. Students must have faith among themselves. I feel it is
either work hard to get through their worthwhile to scrap all these universi-
examinations or give up their studies. ties for a period of 20 years so that new
I know that my party was responsible universities might spring up with better
for setting up of committees to regulate type of men and right objectives. This is
admission to colleges community wise. not the first time that I have said this.
Probably conditions obtaining then re- There have been eminent men in India
quired such a step. Nearly half a century and they have become great not because
has passed since then. There was then, of, but in spite of, the universities. What
necessity for spoon-feeding but it need the universities should have given us
not continue permanently. I know from was the right kind of men with charac-
experience that backward students also ter and sense of duty so that they could
have done well by utilising opportuni- command respect and confidence of
ties given to them. It is high time now the people and thus be leaders. In pass-
that each community stands on its own ing I wish to refer to the Second Inter-
legs. Now people have no faith in Heads national Tamil Conference which took
of institutions or in the admission com- place early this year. There were two
mittees. This I regret to say is a reflec- committees set up by the Government
tion on the Universities. Hence I feel, to for conducting the Conference. When I
solve the problem, that the examinations asked someone what need was for two
be held and boys admitted without rec- committees I was told that one commit-
ommendations, on merits as in the case tee was meant for dealing with people
of the Medical College at Pondicherry. and the other for dealing with intellec-
People seem to be satisfied with this sys- tuals. The first had its building in Island
tem in Pondicherry. Grounds and the other in the University
buildings. The tableau representing the
Whatever good institutions Englishmen life of the Tamils at different stages and
might have left us the University is not the variety entertainments arranged in
one of them. Universities must have the Island Grounds were a great success.
been formed with high aims by their The same cannot be got up at the Uni-
sponsors but in the practical working of versity buildings. One redeeming fea-
them there has been a deviation. The rul- ture of this was that the industrialists of
ers of the country wanted efficient men the State took upon themselves to pro-
to man the subordinate and provincial vide accommodation, conveyance, food,

165
etc. to guests from other countries. This idency College and Pachayappa’s Col-
committee was headed by Mr. C. S. Lo- lege, one in Kumbakonam and the last
ganatha Mudaliar and the arrangements in Thiruchirapalli. Of these, Christian
were in the excellent hands of late Mr. College was actuated by missionary
T. S. Narayanaswamy. Everything went sense of service and the whole atten-
according to schedule. Accommodation tion was paid to education, if I am not
and conveyance were properly arranged mistaken, Dr. Miller was succeeded by a
and the hospitality was on a lavish scale. number of educationists. They appear to
I am quite sure that the guests had a good have created fine traditions in the wor-
time and returned to their countries thy place in the public life of Madras. I
with pleasant memories of their stay in wish we had more colleges of this type in
Madras. I may say that Mr. Narayanas- Madras as it would have served the real
wamy’s unexpected death is not only a purpose of education. After sometime a
loss to the country but a Loss to human- number of first grade colleges came into
ity. I would like to take this opportunity existence. Their aim was to get passes in
to say that Mr. C. S. Loganatha Mudaliar the examinations. Greater the number
has been a princely host dispensing hos- of men who have obtained first class the
pitality on a lavish scale to the people of bigger the reputation they enjoyed. If
the State and outside. Hospitality is a getting through examinations is the cri-
chief characteristic of Tamilians. I must terion of the colleges that can be served
say that Mr. G. D. Naidu keeps an open by Tutorial colleges. Public money need
house in Coimbatore and you can see not be spent on these colleges by way
guest-quarters practically full through- of grant, etc. The only criterion that I
out the year. I know great industrialists’ would apply to a college is that it should
houses have fine guest-quarters to look produce first rate men.
to the convenience of their guests from
outside and I hope that district will fol-
low the example of Mr. Loganatha Mu- RENOVATION
daliar and Mr. G. D. Naidu. I expect the
industrialists to keep up the traditions Renovation of temples in Tamilnad
of the Tamilian hospitality as the land- during the last 200 years has been done
ed aristocracy in the country, due to the by the Nagarathars. After their set-back
land ceiling policy of Congress Gov- in Burma and other countries, they
ernment, cannot dispense hospitality have not been able to come forward to
as they have been doing in the past. As undertake new renovation works on a
matters stand the landed classes find it large scale.
difficult to make both ends meet.
About 1928, a temple was to be reno-
Before I went to England in 1909, there vated with the help of public support. I
were three fine first grade colleges in refer to the Vadapalani Andavar temple
Madras city– Christian College, Pres- in Kodambakkam. Pakkialinga Thambi-
ran, last of the hereditary trustees of that

166
temple undertook this job. My friends at rai. The renovation was started in 1955
the cards’ table have been contributing and the Kumbabishekam took place in
regularly towards the renovation and, 1959. I was the Chairman of the reno-
if my recollection is correct, the con- vation committee. Though the renova-
tributions came to about Rs. 30,000/. tion and Kumbabishekam were done on
Needless to say that public support too a modest scale they had a good effect.
came freely. Voluntary donations came After the renovation the Tiruvadavoor
in such abundance that large improve- temple displays a grand spectacle. The
ments have been effected to the temple temple is now thronged with worship-
and its tank. In the meantime Kodam- pers from Madurai and other places.
bakkam area itself has become a strong On the day of the Kumbabishekam at
centre of cinema studios. They have also Tiruvadavoor, there was a suggestion
contributed liberally to the renovation. that the renovation of the Sri Meenak-
In view of the rapid progress made in shi Temple must be undertaken and
the matter of the renovation to the Va- that I was to take up the responsibili-
dapalani temple, some of the new rich ty. It was after a great deal of hesitation
who panted for cheap popularity made that I agreed to the proposal though I
a big fuss for nothing. I got disgusted had my own misgivings at first in view
and got out of the committee. After two of the very size of the temple. The trust-
or three years the trustees of the temple ees of the temple approached the gov-
asked me to head a new committee for ernment unofficially and wrote officially
a fuller renovation of the temple. When to the then Commissioner of the Hindu
I asked them what happened to the new Religious Endowments Sri A. Uthanda-
rich, I was told that they have disap- rama Pillai that necessary steps should
peared without leaving any trail. The be taken forthwith. The Commissioner
new Renovation Committee carefully permitted the constitution of a renova-
constituted is functioning well. A new tion committee in his letter dated 26-
Rajagopuram has been planned and the 11-1959. Accordingly a committee was
structure has been completed in con- formed with me as President and with
crete. Sudai works remain to be done. powers to co-opt additional members, if
It is hoped that in one year’s time the need be. The first meeting of the com-
gopuram will be completed. I may add mittee was held on the 18th February,
that so far my appeal for funds has had 1960. As far as I know that this renova-
a good response. This marks the second tion is the one, all comprehensive and
stage of the renovation of the Vadapala- on a full scale, since the founding of the
ni Andavar temple. temple. This full scale endeavour, first of
its kind in the history of the temple, was
The second temple I was interested in blessed by the grace of Sri Meenakshi
the matter of renovation was Tiruva- and supported by the unstinted benove-
davoor, the birth place of Manickav- lence of the public at large.
asagar, sixteen miles away from Madu-

167
The more I thought of the proposed ren- charge of the kumbabishekam arrange-
ovation even after my consent to be the ments wanted Rs. 40.000/- immediately
President, greater was my apprehension and that we had not this huge amount
about the funds and the time needed for in the Bank. I had earlier told him that
the execution of the work. I went to the we may request the Chairman, Board of
Amman shrine straight away and told Trustees of the Palani and Thiruchen-
Her, so to speak, that She must place dur temples to keep by a lakh of rupees
the necessary funds at my disposal and to be spared to us in case of such emer-
the right type of workmen qualified for gencies. But the Special Officer said that
the job. My further prayer was that She this will be infra dig for the President to
must also assure that no harm would borrow money for this purpose. I told
come to anyone engaged in the work him that I will take necessary steps to get
seeing the height of the gopurams and the money. Just then a messenger came
the difficult and risky nature of the work informing me that the Pandara Sann-
involved in it. As I had no false sense of adhi of Thiruvavaduthurai Math who
prestige or dignity or no personal ambi- had come to Madurai wanted to meet
tion to make a name for myself, I said to me. I told the messenger that I was busy
the Divine Mother that if these facilities just then with the yagasalai work and
were not forthcoming I would close the that I would come later. Two or three
shop without any hesitation. messengers came again and I therefore
went to meet the Pandara Sannadhi. He
I may add here that I attempted twice gave me a ponnadai and a cover which
to do some business and that I met with when opened was found to contain two
failure in the initial stage on both occa- cheques for a sum of Rs. 50,000/-. When
sions. If anyone of the two businesses I returned to the office a cheque for Rs.
attempted had been a success, I would 75,000/- being the balance of the sum of
not have asked for funds from anybody, Rs. 1.50,000/- promised by the Madura
least of all from Sri Meenakshi Herself. Mills was waiting for me. Besides two
In whatever manner my request might cheques to the value of Rs. 1 lakh each
be interpreted, it was not made in vain. received from the Palni and Thiruchen-
From that moment itself I felt assured dur Devasthanams had also been re-
that what I prayed for would come to ceived by post. Thus an almost empty
me easily. treasury became rich to the tune of Rs.
3,25,000/- in the course of a few hours-
An instance in point may be mentioned That is Meenakshi. The two cheques
here. After the renovation was over and for Rs. 2 lakhs received from Palni and
the construction of and arrangements Thiruchendur Devasthanams were re-
for the Yagasalai for the kumbabishekam turned with grateful thanks immediate-
were about to start my Special Officer ly after Kumbabishekam.
came to me and told me that the Exec-
utive Officer of the temple who was in The Special Officer of the Renovation

168
Committee, Mr. K. V. Kumaran Nair was and the availability of a sufficient num-
a Godsend to me. He had been the Exec- ber of the right type of workmen. I told
utive Officer of the Sri Meenakshi Tem- the doubting Thomases’ that I was not
ple and subsequently Assistant Com- an astrologer and that they should wait
missioner in the department. During and see what is going to happen.
his term of office as Executive Officer he
gained a lot of experience concerning I must say that I had nothing but co-op-
the renovation works though on a lim- eration not only from my colleagues in
ited scale in connection with the reno- the committee but also from the temple
vation of the Tirupparankundram Tem- staff and the workmen employed in the
ple. Though there were whispers that renovation works.
a Malayalee should not be appointed,
I obtained permission for his appoint- Sri P. S. Sivaprakasam Superintending
ment as I came to acquire some faith in Engineer, Highways, was by courtesy
his honesty and efficiency. Mr. Kumaran the Consulting Engineer and a member
Nair did not fail me. He relieved me of of the Renovation Committee. He was
the anxiety about proper maintenance of immense help to me. The actual work
of accounts. Further he was loyal to me was supervised by Sri K. Venkataraman,
in carrying out my instructions an Assistant Engineer of Highways,
faithfully. whose services were taken on loan from
government. The Executive Officers
When eventually the renovation works during the period of renovation, Sri
commenced, it did not stop for want of Krishnaswami Pillai, A. Gopalswami
funds any time. We were able to pay our Odayar and Mr. Paramasivan also gave
workmen on the due date and they felt the fullest co-operation. I am thankful
assured that their interests were entire- to all these gentlemen for the help.
ly safe in our hands. We were fortunate
in having good and efficient workmen. The work was proceeding without any
We fixed the target period as five years hitch. After the South Gopuram, the
.Everybody had doubts about the target tallest tower was finished, I exposed it
for public view to give an assurance to
the public that the committee meant
Apart from the renovation business and the renovation work ac-
complished was the pucca. The rest of
work I introduced ‘Koti
work was only a question of time. The
Archana’, both in Sanskrit Commissioner Sri. M. S. Sarangapani
and Tamil. This was Mudaliar and the Deputy Commission-
performed not by professional er Sri A. Sakkarai Servai had given me a
priests but by worshippers free hand as well as their wholehearted
themselves co-operation.

169
There was some doubt as to whether the Sannadhi Tamil was used exclusively. In
towers should be painted in deep (dark) this connection I must express my grat-
or light colours. Two towers on the itude to the late A. Chidambaranathan
western side were painted one in deep Chettiar for having taken pains to pre-
(dark), the other in light colours. I asked pare Sahasranamam books in Tamil for
the public to give their opinion about Amman and Swami. These books have
their preference. Their preference was become very popular and are sought for
for the deep (dark) colour. I knew twhat by people outside Madurai.
their preference would be and I made a
show of acceptance of the preference as When we neared the stage of kum-
I knew that as a result of the elements, babishekam some of the Chettiars
the deeper shade would be transformed claimed the right to perform the Kum-
into lighter one in course of time. babishekam and they said that they
would find the necessary funds for the
Though I felt that everything was going same. The Renovation Committee did
on well I felt worried about the details not accept the proposal and I was asked
which was a surprise to many of my to go on with the performance of kum-
friends. It was perhaps this worry that babishekam. Everyone was upset by the
gave me a set back soon after the perfor- claims made by the Nattukottai Chet-
mance of the kumbabishekam. tiar Community, as the committee felt
individually and collectively, that these
Apart from the renovation work I intro- people should have undertaken the ren-
duced ‘Koti Archana’, both in Sanskrit ovation itself. If they had done so they
and Tamil. This was performed not by themselves could have performed the
professional priests but by worshippers kumbabishekam as a matter of course.
themselves. It took me nearly a year to The kumbabishekam was performed
regularise this and I had to be up at 5 with the help of all those who could
A.M. and be at the temple at 6 A.M. to contribute to the success of the same.
put all the participants ready for the job Everyone competent to take part in the
in time. It meant discipline and I am glad performance of kumbabishekam was
to say that all those concerned willing- invited to take part in it. Experienced
ly submitted themselves to it, since I set Chettiars were also invited to take part
an example to them. This Archana has in the same.
now become a permanent feature in the
temple. At one stage it was felt that peo- When the day came for the kumba-
ple, especially the temple priests, might bishekam the whole function went
not like the archana being done in Tamil off very well according to schedule.
instead of in Sanskrit. Here again I gave Streames of worshippers marched into
the people a choice. Two days were set the temple in an orderly manner with-
apart for Tamil and the rest for Sanskrit out any hustle and witnessed the per-
in the Amman shrine, and in the Swami formance of the kumbabishekam in a

170
solemn mood. If I say that the kumba- came back the ceiling had come down
bishekam was a success, it was due to the over his bed. As a mark of gratitude he
divine Grace of Sri Meenakshi. She did presented the Amman with an Oonjal
all the work Herself through an agency. made of ivory with his name inscribed
I merely ‘supervised’ the work. I had the on it. Even today you can see three small
good fortune to earn a name for myself apertures in the wall right in front of
without actually striving for it. I did the Amman Temple. He used to worship
work more out of a sense of duty to Sri Amman whenever he camped in Bha-
Meenakshi and Sri Sundareswarer and vani.
to the eternal city of Madurai.
Col. Place was the Collector of
Even Gods in Tamilnad have been good Chingleput. When the big tank in Mad-
to foreigners. These were Rouse Peter, uranthakam was full and there was a
Collector of Madura, Williams Garrow, likelihood of breach one night, he was
Collector of Coimbatore and Col. Lio- standing near the temple keeping watch.
nel Blace, Collector of Chingleput. It A breach meant submersion of the whole
is said that when Mr. Rouse Peter was village and he wanted to avert it. He was
sleeping, there was rain and storm. He told that if he prayed to Sri Rama, the
was woken up at night by a girl and was deity of the temple, He would safeguard
asked to follow her downstairs. On his the tank. In the night he saw a Vision
return to the room the ceiling had fall- of two figures and he prostrated himself
en down over his bed. To express his before them. Those who stood by him
sense of gratitude he presented two gold thought, without knowing what had
stirrups to Meenakshi for having saved happened, that he was drowned. When
his life. He was so popular in the Dis- they went to his rescue they found him
trict that he was styled as Peter Pandy- getting up. It seems he had asked those
an. A similar title was given to Sir James who stood by him to kneel before the
Doak who was styled as Dock Pandyan Vision even as he had done. They did
because of his munificence to Madura. not do so as they had not seen the Vi-
It seems Mr. Rouse Peter wanted to be sion. The night passed and the tank was
buried under the shadow of Meenakshi saved. He carried out his vow in build-
Tower. He died on 6th of August 1828 ing the Amman shrine in the temple.
and was buried in St. George’s Church Evidence of this gift can be seen even
in Madura about two furlongs from Shri today.
Meenakshi temple.
Sometime after the kumbabishekam cer-
In the case of Mr. Garrow, Collector of emony I paid attention to the renovation
Coimbatore, he used to stay in Bhavani of the Thousand Pillared Mandapam
during his camps. While he was sleep- constructed by Arianayaka Mudaliar
ing in Travellers’ Bungalow one night, who was a minister under the rulers
he was warned to go down. When he of the Tirumalai Naicker dynasty. This

171
mandapam was being used as a lumber I put up in the vacant site all round the
room. I asked Mr. C. Palani who was temple, taking particular care to see that
then the Special Officer to undertake the the architecture of these buildings was
repairs and finish it in two months time in keeping with the architecture of the
for an exhibition. By his diligent work temple. When the Government were ap-
the Thousand Pillared Mandapam be- proached for permission to put up these
came the best show piece in the temple. buildings, there was opposition from
Along with Mr. Palani, Mr.Thiagarajan, some interested parties. My idea was not
Proprietor, Shanthi Electrical Works, only to raise funds for keeping the tem-
was in charge of lighting of the Thou- ple neat and clean but also to remove all
sand Pillared Mandapam. I must take the shops inside the temple to the new
this opportunity to congratulate them buildings and to use the mandapams
on the excellent work done and thank which get vacant by removing the shops,
them. to expand the museum housed inside
the Thousand Pillared Mandapam and
Though I had the fullest co-operation thus make these mandapams more at-
from all those who were concerned with tractive to the tourists, especially the
the temple and the renovation, some foreign tourists. The Government de-
outsiders gave me unnecessary trouble. puted two or three officials to look into
For instance I wanted to open an exit in the matter, but nothing came out of it.
the Maha Mandapam in Amman’s shrine When the present government took up
so as to relieve congestion. Some of the office, the Hon’ble Minister for Hindu
Sthapathis who were consulted were in Religious Endowments visited the tem-
favour of it and some were against. I ple to see as to what could be done to in-
was prepared to undertake the work on crease the income of the temple. So far
my own responsibility in the interests this visit has not borne fruit.
of the worshipping public. Some mem-
bers of the Committee felt frightened Fortunately the temple had the services
in view of the difference in opinion and of an officer of the Revenue Department
the opposition to the proposol of some in the person of Mr. N. Sivanesan. He
persons. They ultimately suggested that was able to put the office in working or-
Amman’s permission should be sought der and brought the neglected village
for. This they did and Amman gave the Sengulam under the temple control and
necessary permission The work was got started cultivation. He also took keen
done forthwith. Visitors to the temple interest in improving the finance of the
are very thankful for this convenience. temple. Unfortunately his services were
It was my intention to keep the whole required by government though I pro-
temple spick and span for all times to tested on the ground that the interest of
come. But unfortunately the necessary the temple would suffer. As it happened
funds could not be spared. For raising my fears came true. The administration
them, I proposed that buildings may be of the temple deteriorated and there

172
were cliques in the office itself. press my sympathy. I could have easily
It is hoped that something will be done gloated over his misfortune for his very
to increase the income as the present in- abrupt treatment given to me. I was
come is not enough to meet the present overcome by his grief and expressed my
cost of maintenance. I am hoping for the sympathy. Then I quietly requested him
best in the interest of the temple. Those to cancel the order of guardianship. To
persons who oppose such proposals will my pleasant surprise he readily agreed.
get their due reward at some time or To me it looked that the fire seemed to
other. In this category I include all offi- have melted his heart. 1 did not expect
cials and non-officials who have brought nor did I want the fire to take place. Be
the administration of the temple and that as it may I felt that there was some
the administration of the department unseen power that looked after me.
in Madurai itself into contempt. They I do not remember to have done any
should get exemplary reward so that harm to anyone and this incident mere-
others may be fore-warned hereafter. ly strengthened my resolve. In the case
I will mention two incidents which took of those who wronged me I merely re-
place at Oxford and London. They will minded myself of the words in the Bible.
reveal what influence they had on my (“Vengence is mine; I will repay, Saith
life. the Lord”) and left matters there. This
has stood me in good stead throughout
One day the Bursar of my college (Jesus my life. The unseen power protected me
College) sent for me and told me that during the First World War and on my
I should be under the guardianship of return journey to India after the con-
one Englishman appointed by the Sec- clusion of the war, It has continued to
retary of State to look after the interest show its grace over since. I believe it was
of Indian students at Oxford. It was like this power that saved me in the railway
a bolt from blue. I told him that I did disaster at Kuppam, though some peo-
not get any help from him in getting ad- ple believed that the temple renovation
mission to the college nor did I propose work was responsible for it.
to seek his help in future. He said either
I be his ward or get out of the college. I One day my friend Mr. Balbir Singh met
swallowed my pride and accepted it. In me at Oxford and after giving me a lec-
that I merely sent the cheques received ture about wasting my time took me to
from home and he forwarded them to London. He took me to a well-known
the Bank. My dislike of him was due to Coach and asked him to coach me for
the fact that he treated Indian students the final examination in Law. The Coach
with scant courtesy. Some months had told him that in his twenty years expe-
passed and there was a fire in the col- rience he had not come across anyone
lege. A portion of the quarters in which trying to get through that examination
the Bursar lived was badly damaged. in a month’s time. Undaunted by this
Two days after, I went to him to ex- discouraging remark, my friend took

173
me to another Coach-Mr. Cambridge. making real progress and completion of
He was a heafty full blooded Negro. I the big temples, failing this he was re-
was highly amused in seeing him and quested by me and some others to per-
did not show it on my face. My friend mit us to run a lottery for the purpose of
broached the subject of examination collecting funds from the public. Even
and Mr. Cambridge assured him that he that, he would not permit. If he had giv-
would coach me up and get me through en the permission his name would have
the examination. Both of them seemed been immortalised. Ironically enough
to decide my fate. I said I would let him my suggestion made at different times
know the next day. Since only 28 days after my return from Malaysia has been
intervened for the examination I was accepted by the present Govern ment.
asked to make up my mind then and They are not likely to give any portion of
there. Three hours talk that night with the collections from this lottery or give
the Coach made me feel that the Coach permission to run a separate lottery for
had enough confidence in him and was raising funds for the renovation of tem-
certain about my success. I gave my ples.
consent and started my studies the next
morning itself. I used to go to him twice In 1956, a Committee under the Chair-
a day and he took great pains in prepar- manship of Sri. K. K. Subbanna Gound-
ing me for the examination. I worked er, undertook the renovation of Sri
very hard which I had not done ever be- Sangameswarar temple, Bhavani, Coim-
fore in my life and that enabled me to batore District. Only the Swami temple
get through the examination. I thanked was renovated. It was almost re-built
Mr. Cambridge most profusely for all with granite stone and has been done
the trouble he had taken on my behalf. very well. There are some portions of
He was able to instil faith in me which the temple which have yet to be reno-
I considered even more important than vated so that these may be in keeping
getting through examination. It helped with the renovated Swami Shrine. This
me in dealing with difficult and serious means money and somebody else has
problems in my life. I should remember to undertake the work. The renovation
my old friend Mr. Balbir Singh for this. of the Swami shrine costed about Rs.
Unfortunately he is no more. Peace be 15 Lakhs. This amount was raised by
to his soul. the untiring efforts of Mr. Subbanna
Gounder. He was aided in his efforts by
When I saw other temples whose reno- Sri M. A. Ayi Gounder, one of the two
vation had been started did not achieve Secretaries of the Renovation Commit-
any progress, I spoke to the then Chief tee. The pair reminds me of Boswell
Minister who was in charge of Hindu and Johnson. In mentioning these two
Religious Endowments to place at the names I do not minimise the efforts
disposal of a committee constituted of the other members of the Commit-
for this purpose, a crore of rupees, for tee. I congratulate them on their excel-

174
 courses in two or three different places
If I may strike a personal to raise funds for the renovation. His
faith in Muruga has made him very pop-
note, I rendered service to my
ular in Tamilnad and his help in getting
fellow men to the best of my funds for the renovation of this temple
ability, not to seek honour has been appreciable. Narayanaswamy
and the days of old fame Pillai looks like a lone mariner who
but to do my duty by my wants to start his ship clear off the rough
seas. Unfortunately he has not got that
fellow men.
amount of success which his faith and
endeavours entitle him to. I did what
I could in getting funds for him. More
lent performance. The kumbabishekam than that, I have been advising him to
which was performed on 14-7-67 was a have implicit faith in Akhilandeswari,
great success. so that he may achieve his object.

The next renovation work I wish to refer The next renovation with which I have
to is that of Thiruvanaika in Trichy Dis- been connected in my capacity as Chair-
trict. It was started in 1962. It will take man of the Renovation Committee is
some time for the kumbabishekam to be that of Sri Kasi viswanatha swamy Tem-
performed. The temple is a huge one and ple, Tenkasi. The temple and tower were
the renovation work requires a lot of built by two of the later Pandyans. The
money. The Thirumathil known as the main work contemplated was the con-
‘Vibhoothi Thirumathil’ is peculiar to struction of the Raja Gopuram which
this temple and its renovation will cost a had been badly damaged by fire about
huge amount. The tradition is that when 200 years ago. The Pandyan who got the
originally the Thirumathil was put up tower built strangely enough anticipat-
the workmen were given Vibhoothi by ed that something would go wrong with
way of wages and that this turned into the tower and he prayed even then, be-
cash, each man getting cash to which he fore this contingency took place, that he
was entitled for his work. The Acharya would fall at the feet of any one would
Swamigal of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam undertake the repair of the tower when
is very keen on the renovation of this it gets damaged. I could not possibly un-
Thirumathil. My esteemed friend Sri T. derstand what exactly prompted him,
M. Narayanaswamy Pillai is the Chair- with all his faith in Kasiviswanatha, to
man of the Renovation Committee. He think in this fashion. It was merely be-
has been worrying himself to raise the cause of his great humility and a sense
necessary funds. He has been helped by of piety that prompted me to undertake
many prominent people. I should like to the work of renovation. Unfortunately
mention the name of Kripananda Vari- the construction of the Tower could not
yar in this connection. He delivered dis- be done. The temple was however com-

175
pletely renovated and kumbabishekam urai city who conducted themselves in a
was performed. The tower could not disciplined manner at my request con-
be renovated as the cost was estimated tributed a great deal for the success of
at about Rs. 15 lakhs. The work will be the function. These good men wanted
started when the temple comes in for the function to be continued for two
better days. or three days more. They attended the
literary session in the morning, in the
I have dealt with the various aspects of evening the music parties and dances,
the life of the Tamilians of the present in the night the dramas. The sessions
day and the days of old as briefly as pos- which started from 10 o’clock in the
sible in view of the limited space avail- morning, continued till late in the night
able. If I may strike a personal note, I with a short respite for 3 to 4 hours in
rendered service to my fellow men to the afternoon. It was really a hectic week
the best of my ability, not to seek hon- and I was happy to see that every one
our and the days of old fame but to do enjoyed the functions to his hearts’ con-
my duty by my fellow men. One can tent though I could not oblige them by
command respect by being in office. extending the function. I was very ably
One can possibly command respect by assisted by friends who spared no efforts
being in possession of immense wealth. and did the work willingly and cheerful-
I have held office of honour and respon- ly to achieve success. I express my grati-
sibility but did not possess that amount tude to them for their help and
of wealth which could bring influence. I co-operation.
wished to earn the regard, kindness and
confidence of my fellow men by service The next time I approached the public
alone. As an ordinary citizen I did cer- for help and co-operation was in con-
tain things in pursuance of my ideal. In nection with war efforts. Congressmen
1952 or so I had to do the Golden Jubilee opposed war efforts though some of
of the Tamil Sangam. I sought the help them kept neutral in view of their reali-
of generous minded citizens of Tamil- sation that a German victory was a great
nad. They gave it liberally. I chalked out blow to democracy. People of Tamilnad
a programme for the function to take gave freely and co- operated in getting
place for 7 days. My friends thought that recruits for the war. Till this war, it was
there was going to be a wild goose chase thought that only martial races would
though they did not express their opin- contribute to the success. They realised
ion to me. The programme was gone for the first time that brain power is as
through successfully and my friends necessary as physical endurance and
were not only pleasantly surprised but mental courage. I was made the leader
were very happy. To put it briefly, it was of the War Front in Tamilnad and this
a function concerned and executed to kept me busy both day and night and
be worthy of the Sangam founded by took me to distant nooks and corners of
the Pandyan Kings. The people of Mad- the country and though is was a great

176
 all veneration and respect wherever it
I wished to earn the went. Even those, who I was told might
stand in the way of this good work, have
regard, kindness and given their support indirectly and re-
confidence of my fellow ceived Ayyappa’s blessings. I may add
men by service that the tour was such a great success
that a new era of faith and belief started
alone. in Tamilnad.

strain, I felt extremely happy in doing my One other matter in which I had to seek
duty to my fellow men and in the cause the support of my fellow men was in
of democracy. Tamilians by their intel- connection with the peaceful hartal un-
ligence, sacrifice, strong sense of duty dertaken by the people of Tamilnad for
and service not only earned a name for the purpose of persuading the Central
themselves but also secured a place for Government to hand over Peermedu
India in the military map of the world. and Devikulam to Tamilnad as Tamil-
The next time I approached for public ians formed a majority of the popula-
co-operation was in connection with tion in those areas. The Congress gov-
the bhavani of Ayyappa idol through- ernment did not take to this kindly
out the nooks and corners of Tamilnad. though they could not openly condemn
Some unfortunate creatures had com- peaceful hartal. The police, from the I.
mitted sacrilege to the idol of Ayyappa G. of police to the men of the rank ex-
in far off Sabarimalai and the people of tended their co-operation fully as they
Travancore approached me for rectify- and I were interested in peaceful par-
ing the wrongs done by these unfortu- ticipation of the people in the hartal. I
nate miscreants for a restoration of faith remember that the then Collector of the
and belief and for giving a new hope District did not see eye to eye with the
and faith to the unfortunate people of police. But this made no difference to
Travancore in their sad and miserable the hearty co-operation of the police in
plight. I was warned that there might be the District. There were stray instanc-
opposition from those who did not be- es of subordinate policemen worrying
lieve in God and that they might make men engaged in peaceful hartal. But
the tour a fiasco. It may be that I gave that did not matter. On the morning
my word to the people of Travancore in of the day of hartal everything went off
a moment of weakness. But I had com- peacefully and quietly. It was arranged
plete faith in my fellow men that they that people should gather in the Island
would go to the rescue of our neigh- grounds and start out on a procession.
bours-the Malayalees. People of Tamil- There was some trouble because leading
nad who had not heard of Ayyappa of men of the party were not there in time
Sabarimalai before, were sceptical about to guide and control the rank and file.
the support of Tamilnad. As the bhavani When I heard of it I rushed to the scene.
progressed, the idol was received with

177
Fortunately for me the Commissioner of Police also arrived then. The situation was
in perfect control and the procession started as scheduled and reached Triplicane
Beach in a very orderly manner. I had some reason to believe that the rank and file
might create a scene against someone who opposed this hartal. So I followed up in the
rear though I was asked by the Policemen to go with them and lead the procession.
Fortunately nothing happened. The meeting was held and went off successfully. After
the meeting the people quietly dispersed homewards. I may add that in the All Par-
ties Conference convened, I was persuaded to take part Little did I suspect that Mr.
C. N. Annadurai, the present Chief Minister to the Government of Madras, would
propose my name for the leadership of the Peaceful Movement. After visiting Madu-
rai I returned to Madras. Mr. Annadurai appeared to have heard from someone that
I had backed out of it. He came poste-haste to the Cosmopolitan Club. He could not
wait till I finished my shave. As he was anxious to talk to me I came out of the room
and met him. Till I assured him that I would not go back on my word he was doubt-
ful about my participation. I do not know whether he remembers this. The assurance
given by me made him feel happy and he went back. When the whole thing was over,
my joy knew no bounds. I was not only happy but felt extremely proud of fellow Ta-
milians. I had maintained a peaceful atmosphere not only in the District but also in
Madras. The popular support which I earned on different occasions made me feel a
very happy man because as an ordinary citizen I gained the confidence, kindness and
courtesy of my fellow men. This I consider as a great reward for my sense of duty.

CONCLUSION
In fine I venture to think that I have given a glimpse into the life of the Tamilians
in all its aspects. I am quite conscious of its inadequacy and imperfections. This is
mainly due to the fact that I had not kept a diary from my younger days. Besides,
if strict control and discipline had been enforced in my school and college days it
might be possible that I might have become a better man. My object in writing this
is to tell my fellow-men that they have inherited a great legacy from their forefathers.
Every individual must develop a sense of pride, not necessarily a false pride which
is the fore-runner of one’s down-fall. He must develop a genuine pride which will
prevent him from deviating from the path of rectitude. If Tamilians do not emulate
their forefathers in achieving the pristine glory of those days, it is better that they dis-
appear as other old civilisations have, leaving a memory of their past to be cherished.

178
   
.. 
   !
1971      , ... ,
   . .     21.2.1971
 "'     . , 
 .

  ,   .

      ,
  .   .
,      
  .    
,   , , . . .   
   .   
   .   

179
   . ...     
.

,      . . .   .

        

    .  
         
   .    
 ,  .
 ,    , 
         .
       
.
,       . . . 
         .

      

    .

        

    , , 
     ,   
  (      )
    .  
        . 
         .

180
  :  !

(1971     , ...  ,

  .   ,   
 . .     "‌'  31.3.1971
 .)

    .  ,  , 
     ,   
.    ,  .
    ,
     , 
  ,    .
  .  
  ,    
.   - 
 ,  
 ,     :
   
  .  1. ,
   . 2. ,
3.  ,
    , 4. ,   ,
   . 5. .
  , 
   ;    ,
    , .. - 
      . ... 
( )      
.       , 
    .
  ( ),,    
,     .  
  .    .  ,
...       
  , ,  .

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 ,   ,     
       .
    .
,    ,  
.    
   .  
 , , , , 
  !   .
 , 
       , 
,      , 
  .  .   
   -  
 .   ,    
        
   ;    ,
 .     
.    ,   
       .
 . 
14-   
.      !
    
        1, 4, 7 
  .     
       .  
       
      .  
     ,  . "
    "   ,
.  ! .

   ,     

    . ,  .
   ,
  
     :
 , , ...
       ,
        
! ...  , ,   . 
   ,  ,  

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     ..  ,
.    
  .  
:      .
  , 
     
  .    .  
       . 
 . ,      ,
  .   " '   
  .      
,     .
   
 .    :
 , 
 .    
 .  
  . 
:   -- 
  . ,
        
  ,     
  .   ;
  ,     .
      
 (       
)   .
 . 
,   
 -- :
  . 
   . ‌ ‌,  ‌ "'
   -  ‌. ‌ 
-    ‌  ‌ 
. ,   ‌  ‌  
   ..  ‌  
.  
 ‌.
    !
   
,  

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‌:   ‌
 ‌ ‌.
  ‌ ‌
‌ , ‌ ‌ ‌‌, ‌ ‌
‌ .  .   
 . ‌, ‌ ‌
‌ ‌   ‌ ‌  .
 ‌,   ‌ ‌ , ‌ ‌
 ‌ ‌ ‌  
 ‌ ‌  ‌‌ ‌.
‌ ‌ 
. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌, ‌
 . ‌  ‌ ‌
‌ ‌, ‌  ‌   
‌  ‌    
 ‌‌‌.  ‌ .
‌ ‌ ‌ 
‌   .
,  ‌,
‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
 ! 
‌.
‌ 

‌ ‌  ‌

‌  ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌
‌ . ‌ ‌,  
  ‌; ‌ ; ‌  
  ‌ ‌ .  ‌
. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  . 
‌  ‌   ‌
‌ .  ‌ ‌, ‌‌‌
   ‌ . ‌ ‌ ‌,
.  ‌  ‌ ‌  
‌‌‌‌. ‌   ,
 ‌  
 ‌ ‌,  .
‌ ‌ ‌, ‌
‌ ‌ ‌,   , ‌  ‌
    ‌ 
.  ‌ , ‌  ‌. 
 , , ,  ‌ ‌. 
‌     ‌ ‌ ,

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‌‌ ‌‌‌‌‌. ‌
‌ ‌   ?  ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌   
‌   .  ‌   ‌ ‌
‌ ‌ ‌ ‌, ‌ ‌ ‌.
‌‌    ‌‌‌
, ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌. ‌ 
‌  ‌ ‌   ‌  ‌ 
‌. ‌‌‌‌ ,  ‌
‌‌, ‌‌‌  ‌.

, ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌.

‌ ‌,  ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌  ‌
‌. ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌, ‌ 
 ‌.   ‌  ‌
 ‌‌‌.

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 - ,


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   

 .

"'   ,     ,

     
,  ,  .  ,
  ...    
      . 
 , " ,    
 '      ,  
,   . .
 ..   
,  , ,    
 ,  ,     ,
,       
 ,   ,  , 
       
.    .
    
    ,   .
.    1934- , 
.      
.   -     
   .   .
 ,  
.       ,
   .    
  .
 ,   
.  ,
  
   ,   
 .      ,
,   ,  , 
 ,       "'
   .   , 
 ..  ,    
   

187
       ,
  ,  ..   .

1956-  , ,       , 
     .  ,   
, ,       .
       ,  
   .

    ,  ..  , 
   ,   , 
 .

   ,  ,      
  .,    , 1966 
    , 1968- ,  
     ,  .

   ;   ;     
   .

   ,      
,  ,     "' 
 ,    .

   !

   !
. .

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  .. 
  

 

1956 ;     , 

       , 
 .      
    ,    
 .       
...     .
    
,      1962-    
    .    . 

189
     .   
        
   .    .
   
 .      ;  
       
    .   .
       
   .     
     :   
 ..    ;    
 .       
     .   
    .   
   .    ,  
 ,    .  
       
 .    
         
        
 .     
    
        .
.   
     .    
      
       
   . " .  ,
  '   "   
       
     , , 
      '
  ...     
 .     .   
 ;      
  ;      
    ;   . 01.12.1935
    ,    
         
      
 1918- --     

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    . ,
    , , , , ,
,    
      
    ; 
,  ,  
.    
   
 . , ,
   .
, ,  
1936-   
   
   
  . 
    
   
    .
 .  
,    
     
. ,  
   
    
   .
  
  ;  
   
   
 .
  
 ,   
   
  
   
   .
  
, , 
    
  
.  
    
  
  .
.   
   
 . 
   
  
  
   
   
  
   .
 . 
  
    ,
  
    
.  
   ,   
     
.   

191
        
,       
 .

,     ;  

   ,      
        .
       ,
,       
     . ,  
   ,     ,
   ,      
     .    
        
  .

          
   .    
      . 1924
           
        
       .   : 
         
.        
,         
.  30.12.68      
    ,

       . 

       
     .  
       
 .       
;        
  ' ,    
  . ;      
          
        
       
  .

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  

  21.04.1941    '

  6-00  ... .   
  .     .
,     , 
...,   .  
. , ...   
      
.  ,   .
. .... 
  .5/-         
  .   1963  
  .    .  
   .     
    ,  
 .      , 
        .
  .    ,   ,
 .    
 .  
     . 
       1956 
  .  .
  , 
  
 .  .
 
. .    
  ,
"     , 
  ,   , 

193
 ,    
,  , 
    , 
 ,  
,      ,
     
  .   
  
    .
...  
  ,    
   .
       
  ,  
, , ,    
   .  , ... ,
 .    ,   ,
   ..  ,  
     ,  ..  
.     
 .  
    
  1969   
  . ...    .
   
 .     
  , 
   ,  ,  
     , ,
.      ,
  .     .
 .

   

 
,  , ,
 , 
   
,  , 
   
,   ,
 .  
  , 
   
 , 
 .
 ,  

194
      
 ,  ,
 ,      
,    ,    .
        ,
      .
  .    
   
 .

      

   
, ..., .  ,  ,  
  ,      
.. ,  50    
, ...,    .
 ., 
    
 ..,
   
,  . ,
 . . , 
 ,  
.. , .    .  
   . ,  ,
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  (24.12.1992  27.12.1992 )
 .  
,   ,  
     .
,  
.  . 
   ,
..    
,  . "
'  .. . , 1966  
 , ..   
 ,  .    
    . " 
 .   '  
   .

,  

  

195
   .     .

1968        ,

  ..     .
    .   ,  
        .

-  .. 

196
 , - 

1956      .  

         ,
. , ,     
, ,   .
  
.      
  1956     G.    .
27      "'  
    .   
 .    , 
., .. 
     . 
    ,  , 
.     .. , ..
 .     
 ,    .
   
 ,      
.      
      
.  .  
 "   
 ,      ,
  ,     
     ,   
.      ' 
 "   .   
,    '     
   . .  .,
..  .
,       
       
       .

197
 ‌, ‌  
,        .
.    1956    20  
. ,   ‌ ‌  ‌
   . ?  ‌  ‌
‌,  ‌ ‌
'   , ‌ ‌ ‌
 .   .
 ,  
?'    ‌ ‌  
. ‌ ‌  ‌,
 ‌ ‌ 
 ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌‌.
‌  .
". ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌    
‌  ‌  ‌  . 
.  ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ 
 ‌ , ‌ ‌. ‌ ‌
‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌‌ 
‌ ‌  ‌ ‌.  ‌ ‌
 . ‌ ‌,  ‌ 
‌ ‌ ‌    . ‌ ‌.
‌ .   ‌  
   ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌ ;
  ' . ‌  ‌
‌ ‌ ; ‌
‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ 
‌ ... ‌,    ‌
‌  ‌  ‌‌  ‌
‌ .‌ ‌ ‌.
‌.  ‌
‌ ‌ ‌..‌,  ‌
‌ ‌ S.S.C   . 
‌ ,  ‌   ‌ ‌
 ‌ ‌. . ‌ ‌ ‌  .
‌‌. ‌  ‌ 
‌ ‌ ‌‌, ‌‌ ‌
.‌ ...‌ ‌.  ‌‌
 ‌.  ‌ ‌
‌ , ‌
‌   ‌  ‌  ‌ 

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‌ ‌  .   
.   ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌.
‌ ‌ ‌   , "....? ....?
‌‌. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
  
‌ ‌, ‌  !'  ‌
‌  . ‌.
" ‌ ‌
. ‌, ‌ ‌ ‌‌, "‌ ‌‌
‌  ‌. ‌  ‌  ‌
‌‌   ‌ ‌ ‌' ‌.
 ‌, ‌ ‌ "‌   
;   .‌ ‌; ‌ ‌ 
‌ '  ‌ ‌   ‌
 ‌. ‌'  ‌‌.

 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  , 

 , ‌  ‌ ‌.
‌. ‌ ‌ ‌
 ‌  .  1956 ‌   ‌ 20 ‌
 "   ‌ ‌ ‌
‌ ‌ ‌  ‌  .
? ‌, ‌ ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌
 ?'  . ‌ ‌ ‌
‌ ‌.  ‌, 
‌ ‌  .  ‌ ‌. ‌
‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ .
 "‌ ' ‌  ‌ ‌
‌‌‌‌. ‌ ‌. ‌
‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌, ‌ ‌
 ,   ‌ 
‌  ‌ ‌.   ‌
‌ ‌ ‌‌.
‌ ‌ .
‌  ,  ‌ ‌ .‌, ‌
‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌. ‌
, ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌.
 ‌. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌.‌ ‌
 ‌   ‌. ‌ ‌
",   ‌" ‌ ‌  ‌ 

199
‌. ‌ ‌  ‌
‌  . 
‌ ‌, ‌   ‌ ‌  
‌, ‌ ‌, ‌ ‌ ‌  
‌ ‌ ‌. ‌. ‌   
‌ ‌  ‌ " ‌ ‌  
‌ .  ‌  ‌ ‌
 ‌‌ ‌ ‌. ‌‌
‌ ‌, ‌  ‌‌ .
 ‌.
 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
‌  ‌, ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌.
 ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌
‌. ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌
‌, ‌ ‌ ‌.
   
 ‌ . ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌, ‌
 , ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌, ‌
, ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌  ‌ 
 ‌  ‌. ‌ ,  ‌
,   ‌, ‌, ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ 
‌‌ ‌. ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌
     ‌ ‌, ‌  ‌
   ‌  ‌‌‌ ‌
‌? , ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
‌ ‌.
‌‌, ‌
‌     1956 ‌  26 ‌
 ‌ " ' ‌  ‌ .
‌ "!..."  ‌    ‌  ‌
‌    . ‌ 
‌. 11.3.56 ‌  "  ‌.
 ‌ ‌ "‌ 
.  ‌‌‌‌ -  .. 
‌ ! !  
‌ ‌, ‌ 
 ‌ ‌ 
 ‌ ‌.

1956 ‌  ‌20 ‌‌

‌ ‌ ‌ .

200
  

 ,    . ,

  ,     
  . ;  , 
  . 
   ,    
     .
  
. , , ,   , . 
    , .  
 ;    .  ,
  .    "  
  "'      
  .  . 
    .
1971        ;
.  .      
    .  ..  
      
.      .
  
 .   ;   
   . 
 1971       
         
  .  .
   
    ;    . 
, , ,      .  
  ,    
 .  ?   
   ,   "   !
      .

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" ' .    . 
  . , , 
  .
  ,       
      
.     .
   .
  .     
      .
. ,       
  . ,   ,
 "  '     . 
 .   . 
  "  ..   
,   ... .  
       .
 ?    , .
     
   ' .   , 
   
    , .   
   " ,  .
   .    
 .      
     .
    
.   '   , 
  .    
  
  .   
,  
  ,  .  ,
,   ,    
 , .   
 .   , 
 ,     
    .  
,   .    
    .  .
    
.       

202
.      .  
. 1940      ,   
,   .   
 ,  .   
 .   .  
     ,  
     .
.       
P. , . ..   .
, . .. , . 
     . . , 
 ,    .   
.     
.  , ,  
    .  
.  
   , "  ; 
  '?.  
,    .
,
 .  "   
     .  ...
    .   

203
 .   
 ' 
"   
'    
  .

 
,  
  ,
   
    
    .

,    

   .
27.05.2001   
  . 
 
21-04-2002   
 .

-  .. 

       .

    ,   ,
   .   . 
  .   
  .  , .
     ,
     . 
  ,  .
      
  .

204
   


 "' , 
  
   .
   
 ... 
.   
,  
   
.  
  
....
   
   
  
  ()  .
   
 " '; "
   
'; " ' 
   
  
   
 .
  
 
     
.    
    
  .
,     
   
  .  
    . 
 ,  , 
  
 .
  . 
   
  
  
  . 
,  ,
    
    .
  . 
   
  

205
 ()  .     
  
  ,   "  !   
 ,    
        
,       .
?'  .
   
      
.   ...  .
      . 
  . "    
 ...  ..     12 
 ... ...  ?    
  .  .
  .
 '     
   ...  
.     .  
  .   .

      , 

 ()   
.   .      
   .    
   .
   .
       
   . .    
  . ,  
...  .
   
   ,     
  .    
 1865    ,   
.      .
   ,
   
 . ,  

  .  ,  
      

206
,      .
  ,     . 
.       
     .
.  !
   
   .    ,
    ,    . 
      
.      ;  
 .  ,  ;  
     .
   
 .
    ,    
.  .     
      . 
.       
,        
   . "  '
,        
.  .   
  

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  ,   
    .   
,      ,
.   ,
,   .
     .
   .
  ,  
. "  

 .      
  ,   ,   
'   . , ,  
       
,      . 
   .    
.
   , 
 .  
 .   
.   
  .
 . 
   '
  '  
 . 
  
       
   .    . 
 .  1955
      1959   .
      
.     .
  ' 
"        
  .     ,
   ...   
   ,   .
 , 
   
  . 
   .

208
  , 
 .
  
   ,   , 
 .      
  ,   .  
        
   .    
 . 
1960         
, ...   ''  .
  
.   
  
  ,  1966     
    ,   . ...
 .   ,    .
 ,
  ,      
 , ()   . C.R. , 
   ,   
       
    .    
 .     .
   ,    ,  
     .  
  
"'    
   .

    

   
   ,
1966     
 .


   
   500
  .

209
   '   
    .  
 .     
,   . 
       , 
  .     
     .
 . 
.    1456    
 .     1505  
 .  .   
  .     
  . 
, ,  ,   .  
,        
  .     .
 ,  
. "        

210
   ,      
  .  .     
   .   170   
 ;  .   .  
  .   25.06.90  
   , .   
     ,    .
 . 
  (, 
 )  

.   ...   
  .   
.   ,
 ,     ,
  .      
     , 
      .
" '  
.  !   .  
  . ,   
  
       
   .     
"      .
  
   ?'    
   . ;  .
   
1963    .. !
   
   .     
    ,   
.  ()   
 .    
 .
1981     9
        
  . ,  
       
  . 28.1.1984  ?
. 

211
1929        
   , ,  
      . 
.  , 
   
 ,   .
,  
 ,     
 .   ,  
 1949      .
  .     
  , 
     
    1955  .  
 . 1959       
. 1960    .
.   
  .    
  ,  
      .

212
   ,  , 
    ,    ,  
    .   
  .  , 
  
 ,     .
      ,
    ,  
.    '   .
      , " ,
         ,
  .    
 ' 
 ,   .
 , 
       
. ,  .   
   .   ,  
 ,        .
       
   .    
   
    .  
   .  , 
       .
 .   ,   
  ,      
.   .     .
.        
.   ..   ... 
..   . .

, ,      

      
    . ,  
     . 
 ,       -
 .      
  .    
.    !
    "     

213
    "!  
   ?    ? 
.
 , 
     "!   
       ; 
   '   
 .  .
 
       
  . ,   , 
   . , 
  . ,        
    .  
  ,   
     . 
  , ,   
     . 
 .    .

      ,  

,      .  
       
!   .   
     . 
 .     , 
    .  
.  ,    .
  ,      
    .   
  .   
 .  " .  , 
 ,      
       
   '    .
.
   
",     .  
         
   ' .  
 .   .

214
 ,     
    .   
     ,  
   ,     
     . 
.   .
  , ,
  20  ,  
   .    
  ,    .
    
 .    ,
    
         .
        
      , 
      
       . 
       
        
      .   
      .  
     .
    ...

(  455 - 467)

 
  
( - ;  - ;   .
 - ;  ;   
 - ;  -     
;  - ;  - ;  . 
 - ;  - ;     .
)   
  ,
     
   ,   .
  .  ,   
 , ,      
  .  .
 , 
,   .    

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  .   , 
  ... ,
      
 ,  ... 
   !  ; 
 .
  
    ,
!     ,   
    .  , 
  ,
     
-       
   .    
   
    ,  ,  
,      
   .    
 ?   .
   ? 
      
!   ... .  
! , "    ...
      
'       .
   !
   .    
     ,  
         
. ..  ,   
  .    
  .
  , 
   ,    
  .     .. 
    27.05.1960   
 ;    .    
,      
 .     .
 18.05.1960  .    
 . 

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    -   
!  .

 , ... ,  

       
 ,     
  .   ( ) 
.    .   .
  .   
    ;     
     .  
   .   , 
    "  ,  ;
 !      
    .   
.  ,     
 .      
    .    
.       ,
        
;       
  .  .
 
'       ,
.   
    
    . 
   .  ,  
      . 
 .     
       .
.
 , 
 ,       
      
 .  . , 
     .   
       
 .    .  
    !   .
         

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      .  
.      .
     
.   ,  
    
     .
     
. 1481      
    .
 ,   
       
 .   
.   
1628   (   10   .
 )   
 .   ,  
 .  
1708   (     
31  )    .   
  .   
   .
.
  
1877   (,  27  ...  
)       
. ,  
,   .
1923     (,    
 17 )  .    
     1963  . 
  .    
  , 
1963  28      
   .  
. 1877  ,   . 
       
   .     .
      ..
    .  
.  ..  .  
        

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       .
  . 28.06.63   
   ,    .
  .    
    . . . 
, ,
   , 
,       
 .     .
  .
 ..    
. 1960-63    
.   
 ,     
    .  
.        
 "     . 
' .     ,  
  ."    
   ? .   ,
        
   '  . !
  ,   
  .    ,  
   ,   
...  .  . 
   .
  , 1960-63  
        
  ,    .
. 1960-63   
        "'
       .
 .     
   ...  
     .  
        
  "'  .
  . ,  
  ..
11.3.63  ..     

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" '      
.     . 
. .   
      
.  .  , 
   
. .  ,     
 -     .   
  .    , 
    
"      .
   - .
,  ,    
..,    
 .. ,    .
  ..  . 
      .
      
      
      .
 '   
        
    ?    
 .   !

  ,

  

     
.      
      .  
         
 .     
.    
   ;   
  .     
,      
.     .  
 . ,  
   .
       
        .

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     
  , 
   
 .  
  
  
 . 
  ,
    
    
 .

   .

   
   
.   
   
.

    , 

    
  .      
      ...
   ,   
.    ,  
 .      
        
  .   .
  ?  
      , 
   .    .
 . 
 , ,    . 
     ,
    ,   ,
.      ,  
    , .  
"  ..     .
  '      
.    

221
. ,   ,  
   .   , 
  ,    . 
    .   . 
   ,     
 .  ,      .

   ,      

   .  ,  
       . 
   ,    
.       .

-  .. 

222
  
.. 

223
 A LEADER RESPECTED BY ALL

M. Bakthavatchalam Ex Chief Minister

itation in joining that Party, which com-

manded a majority in the newly consti-
tuted Legislative Council. He was also
elected as the Chief Whip of the Party.

Sir P.T. Rajan was quite popular amongst

all sections of politicians. This is indeed
an unique characteristic of Rajan. Even
now Sir P.T. Rajan proudly claims that
he is the sole member of the Justice Par-
ty. But he is liked and respected by not
only party politicians opposed to Jus-
tice Party but also by persons in other
spheres of life.

He is a good obliging friend of persons

known to him. In this respect he would
Sir P.T. Rajan had his higher education not observe caste or creed.
in England, and after qualifying himself
for the Bar he returned to his hometown. Sir P.T. Rajan has a religious mind with
But on his return he did not devote very fervent belief in our temples. He is very
much to the profession of law, but got much interested in renovating our an-
himself plunged into politics. The Dy- cient shrines. But for his devotion, the
archy system of provincial government world famous Madurai temple would
headed the Montagu-Chelmsford Re- not have been renovated with consid-
forms, came in. erable cost. He is also interested in the
development of our divine language,
Sir P.T. Rajan contested the first election Tamil. But he does not exhibit any kind
from the Madura District and got elect- of fanaticism about it.
ed. The Non-Brahmin Movement, just
organized under the Justice Party came Sir P.T. Rajan has struck observers with
into existence. Sir P.T. Rajan had no hes- lighter side of his life. He is very much

224
interested in Races and is an active member of the Race Club. He is also one of the
oldest and most popular member of the Cosmopolitan Club, Madras. Playing cards
is his great hobby. Above all, he is one of those who would never refuse help when
that is sought either by acquaintance or even by a stranger.

Anyone who comes in contact with him is at once impressed by his simplicity and
kindness.
May he live many years with happy life.

225
  -1
   -  
.. 

1956     . ,   
   .     
      .   
,    .   
.      ,   
    ,    
          
       
  .      "'
..   .     20 
    ,     .
   4       ,
   ..      
          
         . 
 ,        
   .

, "   

   ?' 
      ! 
.       
 ,    ? ,  
    !  , 
 ,       
       
   , 19-    
 . .

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,  .  ,   
        
.   ;  
   -   . 
       "' 
,   ,  . 
    ,   
! ,  , , "' 
    -  , 
  ,    ,
 .   "' 
  
 ,    .
    
.   .
 " ' 
        .
,         
. ,  
 .
... . .   
 , "     
    , ,    ,
       
 ' .    
,   
,  ", !     
   ; , . . .
  ;
,   ;  ! 19-   ,
 ,  ,      
  , .    
 -    !
     ,  
,    ,   ! , ! 
     ! , -
      ,
,    ?    
      , 
, . . . ,     
.  

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  .,  , . .
  .  
    " ' ,  
!   ;   
  .   
 .  !  
 ,    
    ?   ...
 ? , ,   ,
,  ! 
  ,    ,
  -   -  ,
  -   . 
  ,  
. , 

, . .        
  .
 
,      , ,
 ?    , 
    ?  ,
.  !   
 ,    
    !   ,
    , 
      
   ,   .
.

 ,   .

   ' 
    . 
, , ,  ,
     
,    
,  .
    .
     
     ?
      

228
    ,
      
      , 
?   , 
 . ! 
  , 
 .   .   
  
 ''  27-
    
 ,  
   ;   
. 20,  ,  ,   
 .
, . . .
. . ,   
... .
.  
   ,    
   ''    
 . , !  ?
    ! 
  ,     .
   ,  
 ,   "'  ;
      
,   ,     .
    , ,   
  . ,  , 
   
,   , ,  
   , .
  ; 
     
  ,   - -   - 
- .     !
;   .
 ,  20    '' ,
  ,   .. .  , 
  ,   , , !
  .
,   
     . , 

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   .  ,   
20   ,  ,   ,
  ,   ,
  ,      , ,
       
.  ,  
  , 
     ,  
.   ;  ,  
  ;   ,   -
   
  ,  
,     ,   
        
     . 
.  .   , 
 ''  ''     
   .  
.  ..    
.   
     .
  ,  
        
 ,    , ; 
       , 
.     ,  
,       -  !
     , 
,    ,  ,
      , 
      
       
 ,  ,   , 
  ,   ,  
 ,      , 
,   ,   .
      
  ,  ! " ,
  " '     
   ,  ,"  ,
  , ,    

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  .   ,
      ,
      
      
   ,  27- 
 ,  ,  , 
        
 ,  
,   ,
 ,  
  , . . 
   
.    
  ,   ! ,  
       ; 
   ; ,   ,
    . 
,       
    .
  
  ,     
!  "'     
 ?    , "'   -  
 ?    . ,   
  ?    .
  
   ? ..   ,
   "! ,  
, , ,  ?   , 20-
        
  . ,    
      !'
   ,
 ", !    19-  , !  
  ?       !
?       
?'      , 
. ....   
  . 
,        
,   , ,  
  .      
,  .    . . . 
,   .

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,        
,        
 ,   !  .  
       
.         -
,   .   , 
!        
 . ..      . 
 "'  ,  .  
 ;      , .. 
.    , "! ,
       ? 
 , 20-  
   , 
..   ,    
"! ,   !' . 
 ?   ,  ,  
.    ?
20-       
  ,   , !  
    ,  .
!'
,
.

232
 "‌  ‌'‌

(   ..   82 

,   ‌   )

‌, ‌, ‌ ‌ 

‌  ‌, . . ‌. ‌  ‌ ‌
!  ‌ ! ‌.  ‌
 ,  ‌ ‌, ‌ ‌‌
‌ ‌ !   ‌  ‌ 
‌ !  ‌  ‌  ‌.
‌. . ‌. !  ‌ ‌‌
‌!  ‌! , ‌ 
  ‌ ! . . . ‌.  ‌,
! ! !  ‌ ‌,
 ‌ ‌
 "‌   ‌'    ‌‌
  ‌  ‌ ‌ 
   ‌ ‌.
‌  ,  

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  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌.
  ‌, () ‌  ‌
"‌ ‌' ‌   ,  
‌.    
‌. ‌‌‌
‌ ‌,   ‌,  ‌, ‌ ‌
  ‌  ‌ .
 ‌ ‌  ‌. ‌
 ‌‌  ‌ 
 , ‌    
‌ ‌ ,   
      ‌.
‌,   ‌ ‌  ;
  ‌ ‌ ‌ ; ,
  ‌ ‌  ,   
‌  ‌. , ‌    ‌. 1937-‌
 ‌  ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌
 ‌ ()    ‌
‌      ‌ ,
 ,    
‌   ‌   
, ‌ ‌ ‌   .  
  ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌‌
 ‌  ‌ , ‌ 
‌    ‌    ‌
‌ ‌. ‌‌  . ‌,
   ‌   , 
‌ ‌   ‌   ‌,
‌,    ‌  
‌ ‌ ‌   ‌  ‌
‌    ‌  
  ‌ ‌.    .
()  ‌  ‌
   
‌  ‌ ‌    
‌,  ‌, ‌ ‌  
‌, ‌. . ‌. ‌  
‌ ‌;  ‌, . . ‌. 
‌  .  ()   
  ‌ , .   
‌       

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"     ‌ ‌ 
'   ‌  
    ‌ 
‌   ‌    ‌
 ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌
‌      ‌ 
  ;  ‌    
   ; ‌ ‌, ‌
    ‌  
   ; ‌‌‌.
  
;  ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌.
   ‌,    
‌.   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
   ‌;   ‌ ‌,
  ‌,  ‌. . ‌, ‌
‌,     ‌ ‌
. . .     ‌  
‌  ‌  ‌,  
‌  ‌    ‌ ‌
  ‌   ‌ ‌, 
  ‌ ‌     
 ‌, ‌ .   
‌       
    ‌   ‌ ‌
  ‌  .  ‌
,  ‌,    ‌
,  ‌    ‌ ‌ ‌.
 ‌,    , ‌
‌, ‌    
,   ‌  ‌ ‌
 ‌  , ,  ,
 ‌  ‌ ‌ 
‌ ‌      
   ‌.    
‌ , . ‌. ‌ ‌ 1931‌
  ‌  ‌  ‌ ‌   
‌ ‌ ‌.    ‌ 
 ‌  ‌ ‌,     
 ‌  .
‌ ‌ ‌
‌  ‌. 

235
‌         
. 1935‌  ‌ ‌   1967‌
‌ ‌ "' ‌ ‌  ‌ 
.   ‌ ‌  
‌" ‌‌ ‌. ()  
; ‌  ‌,  
‌ ' "‌ ‌,  ‌,
‌ ‌    ‌
‌  ‌ ‌  ‌  
‌ ‌  ‌, ‌ ‌  
   ‌‌.
 ‌  ‌
  ‌' (). ‌‌, ( ‌
  ,  ‌   ‌
"   ‌?  ‌. ‌
    ‌ ‌ ‌;
 . "‌ ‌ ‌  ‌
‌  ‌, ‌   ‌ 
  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
  .  ‌ ‌. ‌ ‌
    ‌.   ‌ ‌.
‌  ‌   ‌  ‌ 
 ‌  '  ‌ ‌ 
 ‌ .. ‌. ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌
‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌
 ‌  ‌‌. .  ‌ 
  1928-‌  ‌‌   . 
  ‌ ‌ ‌   
 ‌. " ‌  ‌  
  ‌  
. ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌
‌, ‌ ‌,   ‌ ‌
‌ ‌,    ‌;  
‌ ‌ , ‌   ‌
 ‌ ‌ ‌. ‌.
‌ ‌  
   ‌  ,  
‌,  ‌ ,   ‌,   
‌ ‌ ‌  ‌‌‌
     ‌ 
‌ ‌'  1929-‌  ‌ ‌

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 ‌.   , ‌
‌  ‌ ‌  ‌.
‌  ‌ 
  ‌  "  
 ‌ ‌ ‌,    
 ‌ ‌ ‌  . ‌
‌‌. ‌  ‌, ‌ 
  ‌ ‌
1916-‌  ‌"   .  ‌
‌ "      ‌.
‌  ‌. ‌  ‌ 
 56  ,  ‌ '
  ,
    ‌.. ‌. ‌.
‌ ‌  ‌ ‌‌‌‌. ‌
  ‌ ‌
‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ 
 ‌ ‌ , ,  ‌
  ‌ ‌   ‌
  ‌     ,
"‌ '      ‌ ‌
.   ‌ ,  ‌ ‌
‌    .  ‌
,     ‌ ‌ 
 ‌..‌.  ‌ ‌; ‌ ‌
‌    ‌‌
 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ . . ‌, ‌ 
‌  ; ‌ ‌.  . ‌
   ‌ ‌. ‌‌‌. ‌
 ‌. ‌   ‌ ‌
 ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌   ‌ 
  ..‌.  ‌   ‌
 ‌.  ,  
   1916-‌   ‌ ‌. ‌
   ‌   60  
‌, ‌  , "‌ '  ‌ ‌  ‌
 ‌,      
‌ ‌    , ‌ . ‌ 
  ‌    ‌  ‌ ‌
 . . . ‌, ;  ‌ ‌
 ‌‌  ‌ ‌

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  ; ‌ ‌ ‌
   ,  
 , ,     
‌ ‌ ‌ ;  ‌
   
      .
   . . ‌. ‌ 
‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ 
‌ ‌.
‌‌ ‌ ‌, ‌  ‌
,      ?
  ?   ?
, ‌. . ‌.   ? ‌ 
 , ‌  ; 
‌  ‌   ‌,
‌ ‌;  ‌ ; ‌ ‌
‌ ‌‌‌ , ‌,
  . ‌.  ‌‌.
‌    ‌,  
    ‌,  ‌ ‌
  ‌.    ‌ ‌
     
‌   ‌ 
‌, . ‌. ‌   
‌‌1931‌   , ‌  
 ‌. ‌. . ‌. 
 ‌‌   ‌ ‌. ‌ 
     ;    
   ‌.
‌    
  ‌  ‌ ..‌.
‌ ‌  ‌  ‌ 
   . "   ‌ ‌ ‌'
. " .    
‌  ‌   ‌ 
‌ , ‌  ‌ 
    
‌‌..‌. ‌‌.

 , "‌  ‌' ‌

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    ‌ ‌'   , 
‌; ,  ‌   ; ‌ ‌
‌  ‌ ‌ . . ‌. ‌,
 ‌    , ‌  
,  ‌  ‌  ‌ 
 ‌; ‌ ‌  ‌  
   

‌ ,  , 

,  ,   ,
    ‌ ‌
 ‌  ‌ 
‌ !  !!! ‌ !  ,
‌.

.

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 ‌‌‌

( .  , ...   82 

  )
        
 ,     82  
     .     
.  ,   ,  , 
   ,    
      
... ,     .
,   ,
  , ,   
!    , 

240
        
     .  
     ,  
     
,      " ?
   ,  ' () 
.        
       
,     . 
     
        
()     .  
        
()      
      
   ()   
,     
   . .
  
    ,   
         
  .      
  ,  ,   ,
       
 ,    
 ,       
 ,        
,      . 
   ,   
       
     
       
.   .   
        
        
,        
  ,    
.     " , 
  .    "  , 
  .      "
 .     '  

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    ,  , 
       
        
       
 ,     ..  
     . ()
   ,  
        
. ()   . 
 ,     
         
      
, .   , 
       
      
.  ,    
     
      
      
      
  ,     
    .
.  , 
  
   ,   , , 
,      
,     .

   

.  
,    
    
   ,  
 ,   () 
  
,   ,     
   ;   
   .
 .
   
   

242
      .  
       
 ,       
.       . 
      .   
 .      ,  
      . ()
,         
     . 
  ‌   ‌.   ‌ 
 ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ 
‌. ()  ‌ ‌ ‌ 
 ‌.   ‌ ‌‌
   ‌   ‌  ‌
‌. ‌ ‌    
 ‌ ‌ ‌.  ‌ ‌ 
‌ ‌ ‌     
.  ‌-   
 ‌.    ,  ‌ ‌
‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌. ,
 ‌   ‌   ‌ ‌ 
   ‌‌ , 
‌  ‌   ‌ ,  
‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ . ‌
‌     ,
  ‌‌   ‌ 
     ‌. . ‌, ‌ ‌, ‌
‌     ‌ , 
, ‌  ,  ‌  ‌
   ‌  ‌  ‌,
   ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌.
  ‌‌‌   ‌
‌‌.

‌.

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   
 .

     ""   '' 
  !   ,  , , 
!       
   !    ,
       
 .. !   , 
       
..  !     
 ! !   
! !    

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.       
       
..     
   .
  
    ,
   ""   
      '' .
  
 ,   ,   
    , , ,
    ,  
   .   
   
         .
;       
 () ;     
        
.     .    
.       
   .    ;
().     .   
  .    
        
   .    . .  
       
     .
  
      
 ..     
 ,      
       
   ,
 ,   ,     
 ,     
,       
    .   
       
   .  . , 
      .  
       

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          
   .     
  .  ().   
       
     . ()    
,        
.        
 .       
 ,    .
   
      
 .     ,
,       ,   
()      
,      
. ,     
 ,   !  
,        
,  .    ?
  ;      
 . ,    , 
  .     
    .    
,   . ,    
     ,   
 (). ,   ()  
 .    ,
.       
 .     .
      .  ,
   .    
       
 ,    . ! 
 .     ,
       
   .       
  ,  ,
  ,     ,
         
,      .
   , !   

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  (), .    ;
       ,
 ()  , ,  
.      .
   ,  ...   
    , ,
   , .  ...
  .
       
   ,  ,
 , , ,
  ,   , 
 ..      
  ()  .  
        
     , 
      
     , 
.       
    , 
   ,  , 
    ,   
    ,   
 .   
.   
   .    
  . ..  
    ()  
      ,  
   .    
  .  .   
  .     
     ,  
   ,    
      
 .     
  .   ,
      
  .     
      
       .  ,

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 ,  ,   ,  .
    ()   
,   ,   
     
      .  
      .
.  
       
 ;   ..   
     ,
   , ,  
 .     
       
 ,      
     . 
    , 
 . ,  .
 " .''
 ..       
  .   ,  
    .    
  ,      . "
 ,   "    
   "'  
  .   " '
   .    .
.  .     .
  .
 .     
 ,  .   
,   
      .  
       
   ..     
        () 
   . .   . . 
     ,    
  ,    
  ;  ,  ,
    , , , ,
      

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     .  .  
  .     .  
    , ..     
      
 ,  ,    . 
     .    
        .
    ,  16- 
18-  ,  25    
31        ,   
 ,      
      
        
.   ,      
      
        
   "  '   
,  ,      
25-30      .  
         
 .. .       .

.

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   - ..!

 .

      ,

      
      
 !      
,       .
    
 ;       ,
  .    
     ,
      
       
,       
    .   
 . 24.2.1929  , 
       
.   ,
  
!      .
  ,     
       
   .    
    . ,  
    ,   
     
 ,     
,      .
  , 
   " ' 24.2.1929
,   ...   - 
      !

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    
..   
 
      
   .
     
  
   .   
    
   
  .
     
.    .   .
       
 :      
        
  ?   .
    
 . ( 12.7.1936- 
   
     ...  )
,       
 .       
       .
   .  1920    ...
 .     
     1957-  
 ,     . 
.       
.   
 ()   
,       .
.  
  .  1930-  
     
      
      . 
         .
 .      
       .
 . 
      
        
     

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  .  
      
,   ... 
   
.   
 
 .   
  
  . 
    .  
  .    
     .
  .  
    - 
     
  
.
 
 
    .
   ..
  . 
  .    
  
      
 ...    .  
      , 
   .      
        
  -     
    .
  
.    
  
 ,  .  
   .
   ,
     ... 
-   
     .
 .

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 "    '

 ..   82   

 ‌. ‌. .  ‌‌ 

  ‌  ‌‌ ‌

‌ ‌  !  "‌ ‌
‌, ‌ !  ‌‌'  
‌ ! ! ‌.
‌‌‌‌‌.
  ‌ ‌
 ‌ ‌ ‌    ‌
‌  ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌
‌.   ‌ ‌
  ,   ‌ ‌!
‌ ‌ ‌
 ‌.
 
 ‌ ‌
   
‌.
‌ ‌!
  ;
  .
, ‌
‌, ‌,
‌,
‌
‌‌,
‌.

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, ‌  ‌ ‌. .  ‌, ‌. . .
   ‌ ‌,    ‌.
 ‌  ‌  ‌, ‌ ,
‌ ‌ ‌  ‌   ‌
  ‌   ‌ 
‌; ‌  ‌  - ‌.
‌.
‌ ‌ ‌
‌. .. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌. ‌  ‌
‌   ‌ ‌  
 1920-‌  ‌ ‌. ‌  ‌ 
  ‌ ‌ ‌.  ‌
 ‌  ‌. ‌,  ‌ 
‌  ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌,
,   !  ‌ ‌ ‌
! ‌ ‌ 
    ‌ ‌ 
‌  ‌                ‌
 ‌. ‌  ‌. ‌  ‌
‌!   ; ‌. ()
  . , ‌
‌, ‌, ‌,   
‌  ‌ ‌ ,   
, ‌.   
 , 
‌  ‌. ,  
  ‌. ‌   
  ‌ ‌ .    
 ‌ ‌ ‌  .  
‌‌‌.    
 ‌  ‌. , , ....
, ‌ ‌ ‌     
 ‌  .   . 
, ‌ ‌ ‌  
  ‌      
  ‌.    
‌ ‌    .
  ‌
  ‌      
‌ ‌.   ‌. .  
‌  .   1968-  

254
         
       
   . .  
.     , 
  (   , 
  )  , , 
   .   
  
    .
  
      
.    ,   .
  .     
       
.    .
,  
‌      
 .      
      
, "    .  
    .  
.       
'   .    
  . . .     
     .   
.    .
    
; "‌  ,   
 ,  , -     
-   . ,  
,     
     . .   
 .      
  (WHIP) .   
     ;
  ,    
      
,"  .     . . .
  .
   
,      . . .

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        
       
 .    .
.
    
         
   .    
     .
   
   .     
        ;  
       
;    .,
.    
  
       .. .
  ,   ,   
     .
   
.   . . . 
   .
       
   ,    ,  
  ..  !
   
   .    
  .
    ..  .
     . 
  ,     
.  .   
,   .
  
  .    
    
   . ,  . . 
       
 .      .
 .  
     !
.    .

256
 P.T.R. AT THE COUNCIL

C.D.Natarajan M.A.,B.L.

Saturday, the 8th day of January 1921, The venue was the historic Legislative
was a momentous and memorable day Council Chamber in Fort St. George
in the constitutional history of India and the time was 11 O’clock in the fore-
in general and the then Madras Pres- noon. The Members of the newly con-
idency in particular. The seed sown by stituted Council were assembled to take
the Indian Councils Act, of 1861 was the Oath of Allegiance. The occasion
quickened into life by the Act of 1909, was both solemn and significant. Sir P.
popularly known as Minto-Morley Re- Rajagopalachariar, the first nominated
forms and ripened into the Government President, was in the Chair and Thiru
of India Act of 1919, which embodied L. D. Swamikannu Pillai was at the Ta-
the Montagu - Chelmsford Reforms ble, as the first Secretary. The Hon’ble
and heralded the introduction of Rep- Sir Lionel Davidson, the Hon’ble Mr. C.
resentative Government composed of G. Todhunter, Mr. A. M. MacDougha-
elected representatives of the people. ll, Mr. A. Y. G. Campbell, C. I. E., were
The council was a UniCameral Legisla- among the notable Englishmen present
ture. Subjects were classified as Central on the occasion. The Hon’ble Diwan
and provincial and Provincial subjects Bahadur A. Subbarayalu Reddiyar, the
were further as classified “Transferred Hon’ble Diwan Bahadur P. Ramarayan-
Subjects” administered by the Gover- nigar, the Raja of Panagal, the Hon’ble
nor and his Ministers responsible to Rai Bahadur K. Venkata Reddi Naidu,
the Legislative Council and “Reserved Sir P. Thyagaraja Chetti, Mr. O. Thanik-
Subjects” administered by the Governor achalam Chettiar, Mr. Т. А. Ramalingam
and the Executive Council, the system Chettiar, Mr. R. K. Shanmukham Chet-
of the Government being then known tiar, Khan Bahadur Muhammad Usman
as Diarchy. The Governor could over- Sahib, the Raja of Ramnad, Mr. S. Srini-
ride both the Executive Council and the vasa Iyengar, Mr. C. P. Ramaswamy Iyer,
Ministers. Every law made by the Pro- Mr. W. P. A. Soundara Pandia Nadar,
vincial Council required for its validity were among the distinguished Indian
the assent of the Governor as well as the Members of the Council. In this bril-
Governor-General. liant galaxy of Parliamentarians Mr. P. T.

257
Rajan occupied a place of prominence tions to the deliberations and discus-
in his own right. sions. He was ushered into the Council
‘ready booted and spurred’.
The Oath of Allegiance to the Crown
was administered in a solemn and im- ‘The best that ever happened to me,’
pressive manner by the President and said H. G. Wells, ‘was to be born.’
Mr. P. T. Rajan affirmed the Oath of Al- Mr. P. T. Rajan could have well said ‘the
legiance and took his seat for the first best that ever happened to me was to be
time in the Council. a Member of the Council.’

The Council, re-assembled on Wednes- Sir Ponnambala Thyagarajan, for such

day, the 12th January 1921, the scene is his full name in the expanded form,
was both magnificent and majestic, se- sounds sweet and sonorous and the res-
rene and solemn. His Excellency the onant cadence lingers long and weaves a
Governor Lord Willingdon, extend- charm round the name and personality
ed a cordial and respectful welcome to of Mr. P. T. Rajan. A scion of an ancient
His Royal Highness the Duke of Con- and noble family, blessed with affluence,
naught. His Royal Highness inaugurat- reputed alike for high traditions and
ed the New Legislative Council and ex- generous hospitality, young Rajan went
pressed his fond and fervent hope that to England in 1909 and entered the Leys
the deliberations and discussions of the School of Cambridge. Later, he joined
Council would be a fruitful exercise in the Oxford University. With no apti-
Parliamentary Government and would tude for I.C.S., he took B.A. (Oxford)
‘teach, guide and fit the Indians to gov- and Bar-at-Law and returned to India
ern themselves’. The occasion marked in 1919 to preside as a patrician in the
another significant landmark in the ancestral house, namely, the Palayam
constitutional destiny of India in gen- House and to practise the virtue of true
eral and then the Madras Presidency in Tamil hospitality. Tall and stately, fair in
particular. The President conveyed to complexion with a noble mien, the very
His Majesty, through the Royal High- picture and personification of affability
ness, the Council’s sentiment of “pro- and gentleness, young Mr. P. T. Rajan,
found loyalty and devotion to His Au- started in right earnest his legal practice
gust Thrown and Person.” The newly in Madurai and was ready to plunge into
constituted Council then elected Diwan politics when the call came. India was
Bahadur P. Kesava Pillai as Deputy Pres- on the threshold of great constitutional
ident. advancement. In those far off days, pol-
itics was not a profession, much less a
Since then and for a long period of 15 gainful occupation, but a call to public
years till March 1936, Mг. Р. Т. Rajan service. Distinguished men of merit and
played a significant role in the Legisla- independent means took to politics as
tive Council and made solid contribu- part of public duty. Mr. P. T. Rajan could

258
not resist the call for long and his entry ber of Head Constables and maintained
into politics was smooth and natural. As that in the matter of investigation Head
already stated, he was instantly elected Constables could do as well as Sub-In-
to the Legislative Council constituted spectors.
under the Montagu-Chelmsford Re-
forms. His second speech was made on the Bill
to provide for the re-organisation of
Mr. P. T. Rajan was no orator, no spinner the Madras University. He asked for a
of words or phrases and yet he exercised precise and clear definition of the term
his authority and exerted his influence ‘Residential University’ and said that the
in a calm and quiet manner. He was a habits and traditions of all colleges went
leader in his own right. His pre-emi- to make up the University. He added
nence in the Justice Party and his per- that there was no University apart from
sonal prestige invested him with au- the Colleges. He said that the University
thenticity. In the early days of his career must not be a mere agency for examina-
in the Council, Mr. P. T. Rajan preferred tions, but must become the real and true
to listen and learn and was slow to make agency for dissemination of knowledge.
speeches. His maiden speech was made
on the 8th March 1922 when he partic- When the historic Madras Hindu Re-
ipated in the discussion on the Budget. ligious Endowments Bill, 1922, which
His speech was brief and precise, con- raised a great controversy and led to
fined only to three points –Irrigation, heated discussions, came up for con-
Village Officers and Police and was sideration in the Council, Mr. P. T. Ra-
marked by clarity of thought and lucid- jan stood solidly behind his Leader and
ity of expression. He pleaded for grant wholeheartedly supported the Bill in a
of maniams to Village Officers wherever forceful speech. Even then, he pleaded
possible. On Irrigation, he observed that that all temple servants must be paid in
the demand of the Hon’ble the Revenue cash and not in kind and as regards the
Minister for Rs. 60 lakhs was grossly in- diversion of surplus funds he said the
adequate and said that based on his own same must be decided by the Charity
experience, his own district alone would Commissioners. Mr. P. T. Rajan, of and
require half the amount. He referred to on, tabled Cut Motions on various De-
the conditions in Cumbum Valley and mands for Grants to focus attention on
the Periyar Delta and expressed hope the acts of commission and omission on
that with adequate money dry lands the part of the Government and in or-
could be converted into wet lands. Thus, der to high-light the imperative neces-
even in those early days he had the vi- sity for welfare measures and beneficial
sion and the passion to plead for more projects. For instance, he moved a Cut
and more irrigation projects to usher in Motion on Demand No. VII- Irrigation
Green Revolution. As regards the Po- and Public Works- and deplored the
lice, he pleaded for increase in the num- inadequacy of the provision for repairs

259
of irrigation Works and wells as well Director of Public Instruction in Nun-
as for the execution of new projects. In gambakkam, not only for privacy, but
particular, he entered a strong plea for also to promote inter-collegiate lectures
expeditious execution of Periyar Project between these Schools and Colleges and
as well as the imperative necessity for the Women’s Christian College already
immediate relief to the famine stricken located in the area. Indeed, he advanced
areas of Melur and Madurai taluks. He the view that one College could impart
was especially interested in the welfare instruction in arts, another could pro-
of the Kallars and whenever an oppor- vide courses of study in sciences.
tunity occurred, he did not fail to put in
a special plea on their behalf. On March 24, 1926, he pleaded for the
transfer of the control of all Taluk Head-
Mr. P. T. Rajan, of and on, tabled Cut quarters Hospitals from the District or
Motions on various Demands for Taluk Boards to the Government.
Grants to focus attention on the acts of
commission and omission on the part When the Bill to re-enact the Madras
of the Government and in order to Hindu Religious Endowment Bill, 1923
high-light the imperative necessity for came up for consideration, he made a
welfare measures and beneficial short but strong speech in support of the
projects. Bill and he challenged Mr. S. Satyamur-
thy, who opposed the Bill tooth and nail,
Mr. P. T. Rajan was quick to make use to fight the next general election on the
of the invaluable right of interpellation, issue of the Bill.
though he tabled questions on subjects
of his choice and interest. He was deep- Even as far back as March 14, 1927,
ly interested in the Tamil Lexican and when Mr. P. Anjaneyalu, moved a Reso-
hence raised several questions on the lution for the constitution of a separate
terms of Reference as well as the time Andhra Province, Mr. P. T. Rajan had
schedule for the completion of the Tam- the courage of his conviction to sec-
il Lexican. Likewise, he took great inter- ond the Resolution. He, however, said
est in the School for the Deaf and the that the members of the Justice Party
Dumb and so he never let slip an opportu- were neither for nor against a separate
nity to focus the attention of the Govern- Andhra Province. Indeed, he said that
ment by means of questions on the subject. individual members were free to vote
in accordance with their conviction and
On the question of location of Women’s added that he spoke on behalf of the Ta-
Schools and Colleges. Mr. P. T. Rajan milian members, which however, made
had his own definite views. He was of Mr. Satyamurthy to intervene and say,
the opinion that the Women’s College ‘Tamilian Members of your Party and
and Schools on the Marina must be re- not ours.’ Subsequent events proved Sir
moved to the campus of the Office of the P. T. Rajan right.

260
After well-nigh 9 years of apprentice- opportunities for all. When Mr. Yakub
ship as a member Back-Bencher in the Hasan and Mr. Pocker Sahib claimed
Council, the mantle of Ministership, special representation for Muslims, he
rightly fell on the shoulders of said that he was glad that his Hon’ble
Mr. P.T. Rajan, when on October 27, friends had come to recognise openly
1930, he assumed office as Minister for on the floor of the House the necessity
Public Works, which office he held with for equal rights and equal opportunities
very great and conspicuous distinc- for all communities in all departments.
tion and merit till November 3, 1932 He added, ‘that is the policy of the Jus-
and again from November 5, 1932 to tice Party; I am glad that he has openly
1st April 1937. Besides Public Works, on the floor of this House endorsed the
the portfolios of Agriculture, Co-op- policy and programmes of my party’. He
erative Societies and Registration were proclaimed his confirmed faith and be-
allotted to him. In all these fields he lief in the principles and programmes of
left his mark and imprint by his deep the Justice Party and also demonstrat-
knowledge of the subjects and devoted ed his strict adherence to the same. In
service. Whenever he moved the De- a jocular vein, he said in answer to Mr.
mands for either Public Works or Ag- Pocker Sahib, wants to enjoy the fruits
riculture or Co-operation of Registra- of the labours of the Justice Party; I may
tion, he was brief in his speech, but his give the assurance that I am here to safe-
speeches were ever marked by effective guard the interests of all communities’.
persuasiveness. Moderation in language
was his hall-mark. During his tenure Later in March 1933, in the course of his
of office as Minister, he served well for reply to the discussion on Demand No.
the expansion and improvement of the V-Registration, Mr. P. T. Rajan said ‘...
Co-operative Movement. He was partic- Sir, it takes two people to start a quar-
ularly interested in the Weavers Co-op- rel. likewise it also requires two men to
eratives and did his best for the same. complete a transaction of corruption.
He even promised to improve agricul- If there is a man to receive, there must
ture by co-operative methods. In one of be a man to offer. In this connection it
his replies to the discussion on Demand is more incumbent on the public to see
No. V-Registration on March 16, 1931, that they do not put temptations in the
he felicitously said that the points raised way of officers and especially subor-
by the Hon’ble Members were very easy dinate officers. If temptations are not
to reply which, however, invited the offered I am sure corruption will not
laughter of the Members. It was in the flourish. But in cases where extortion
course of this reply that he categorical- is made by officers, either high or low,
ly affirmed, in answer to criticisms, that and if it is brought to the notice of the
appointments and promotions were Government, the Government will deal
governed by relevant orders and that his with the situation’. This clearly shows his
Party stood for equal justice and equal analysis of the anatomy of corruption as

261
well as his readiness to punish corrupt the system of diarchy and at the same
officers with an iron hand. This was fur- time affirmed that it had worked well
ther, exemplified by his later speech in and smooth. Here ended the first chap-
March 1935 when he said, with refer- ter in the Parliamentary career of
ence to the charge of prevalence of cor- Mr. P. T. Rajan. In the general elections
ruption mentioned by Mr. Koti Reddy, which followed, the Justice Party suf-
as follows:- fered a dismal defeat and Mr. P. T. Ra-
jan was no exception. Then ensued a
“What he and I have both in view is that long period of break in his parliamen-
corruption in whatever walk of life it tary life. During this period however,
may be found must be done away with. he remained the staunch, though sol-
Otherwise, it will eat into the very vitals itary, leader of the Justice Party. Never
of our society and we shall be nowhere.” wavered in his allegiance and service to
the Party even in the dark days when it
In February 1935, in the course of his was much maligned by its detractors.
reply to the General Discussion on the Even when Mr. Satyamurthy said that
Budget, he disdained to descend to the the Party was buried fathoms deep, Mr.
level of personal vilification, despite P. T. Rajan had the courage to claim and
propagations provided in the speeches proclaim that the party was very much
of some Hon’ble Members and affirmed alive and the day of resurrection was not
his firm resolve to maintain the dignity far distant.
of the House. Thus, he administered a
rebuke to the members and confined his Later in 1952, Mr. P. T. Rajan was elected
reply only to the criticisms against the to the First Legislative Assembly under
departments in his charge in general. the Indian Constitution from the Cum-
bum Constituency, which constituted
In March 1936, a year before the intro- the commencement of another phase
duction of full-fledged provincial au- of his parliamentary career. As a valued
tonomy, he had the foresight to state, ‘in and venerable member of the August
provincial autonomy, the Ministers will Assembly, he was appointed Speaker
be in sole and full charge of the depart- Pro-Term the recognition and the sig-
ments of the Government and they can nal honour were well merited. He took
make adjustments here, there and any- his Oath before His Excellency the Gov-
where. Now, we are not in a position to ernor on May 5, 1952. In turn, he ad-
do so. I am, however, happy to state that ministered the Oath or Affirmation to
the relationship of the Ministers with the newly elected Members on May 6,
the members of the Reserved half has all 1952. He had the honour to conduct the
along been cordial and as such we have election of the first Speaker of the first
not found it very hard to work a system Assembly under the Constitution. In
inherently defective’. He thus admitted this election, he decided to exercise his
the defects and drawbacks inherent in franchise and marked the ballot paper

262
from the Chair, for, he said, ‘As Speaker proverbial period of fourteen years, I
I cannot leave the Chair’. When on the have re-entered this House. I find my-
announcement of the result of election self amongst strangers and in a new
that Mr. J. Sivashanmugam Pillai se- place. I look around and I can see only a
cured 206 votes as against 162 secured few familiar faces, familiar in the sense
by his rival Mr. S. Swayamprakasam, that they have been connected with this
some visitors in the gallery clapped Assembly proceedings.”
their hands, Speaker Pro-Term., Mr. P.
T. Rajan, in his stentorian voice said, “I recognise Mr. A. B. Shetty, Mr. Man-
“Order, Order, those who are present in ickavelu Naicker and the Raja of Chet-
the visitors gallery must not take part in tinad. Incidently, I am happy to see on
the proceedings or clap their hands; I the Treasury Bench, a Member who is a
now declare that Mr. J. Sivashanmugam representative of the Sethupathi family.
Pillai has been duly elected as Speaker’. His father was a Member in the old Leg-
Then he made a short and simple speech islative Council.”
which was full of noble thoughts and
fine sentiments, besides personal remi- “Sir, events here take me back to the year
niscences of his past career as a Parlia- 1920 when I became a Legislator for the
mentarian. first time. People from different walks of
life of this Presidency came to the Coun-
He said- cil. They were best and able men. I found
myself, Sir, youngster though I was, in
“Mr. Speaker, Sir, it was indeed a great a very cordial, homely atmosphere, If I
privilege to me to have been asked to set could compare the Legislature of that
the new House constituted under the day with anything, I could compare it
New Constitution of India on its legs in to use an English expression to a Club.
its new habitation, Government Estate, It was an ideal joint family. Cordiality,
Mount Road. It was also my rare priv- friendship and good cheer prevailed
ilege to have installed the Speaker duly throughout. The patriachal head of that
elected by this House. I am thankful to family was the late lamented
His Excellency the Governor and his Sir P. Rajagopalachari.
Government for the opportunity giv-
en and the courtesy shown me in this “Sir, when I occupied the Chair during
matter. During the last three days when the last three days, I was a little bit ner-
I acted as a high priest and in the dis- vous because I was occupying the Chair
charge of my duties connected with that which had been consecrated by him. He
office, the Hon. Members of the House had a great sense of humour. He could
have been very good in giving me their transfer a lively House into a very seri-
help and co-operation.” ous one and a dull House into a lively
one.”
“Sir, after having been in exile for the

263
“Youngsters must be encouraged. fidence of Services........., my vote means
Thanks to him, Sir, a number of young that Mr. Rajagopalachari is best fitted
men have made their mark, not only in to be the Chief Minister in the present
this Assembly and the other Assemblies difficult circumstances. This does not
in this Country, but also throughout the mean that we approve the whole of his
world. The Speaker has got a dual role. policy or programme...” This is a clear
He has got to assist the Government and index of his robust independence both
make its Legislative work easy, efficient in thought and action.
and smooth. His other role is as the cus-
todian of the rights and privileges of the In the course of his speech on the Bud-
House and to protect it.” get for 1952/53, he had a word of advise
to the then Chief Minister. He said that
During this period of his Membership the Chief Minister should not be a glo-
of the Legislative Assembly from 1952 rified Secretary. He added, ‘he should
to 1957, Sir P.T. Rajan remained mild direct and not write notes and minutes
and mellowed; but on many an occasion himself. He must guide his colleagues in
he had the misfortune to cross swords his Cabinet”. Later in 1953, in the course
with the then Leader of the House, of his speech on the Budget he pleaded
Mr. C. Subramaniam, not of course on for Vaigai River Scheme and provision
his volution. But he never for once in- of protected water supply to Cumbum,
dulged in any personal or vituperative Uthamapalayam, Chinnamanur and
remark. He was always high minded Gudalur , which only shows that even
and his thoughts were couched in cour- Sir P. T. Rajan was not free from paro-
teous language. Indeed on occasions he chialism and seized every opportunity
was deeply emotional, the words came to plead for some project or other in his
straight from his heart. He never wound- own constituency.
ed anyone’s feelings or gave any cause
for offence, though, he was himself the Sir P. T. Rajan had a high sense of hu-
victim at times of vituperative attacks. mour. This is evident from his speech on
While he spoke on the motion of Vote the Budget for 1954-55, when he said,
of Confidence in the Ministry headed “the Budget is verily a feast of tongues. I
by Mr. C. Rajagopalari, he said, “I am have heard Budget speeches for the last
the solitary representative of the Justice 20 years. There can be nothing novel,
Party having no flock......I have never sat especially when you take away money
on the fence during my political career; from the people: the deeper the Finance
I am not likely to sit on the fence at the Minister puts his hands into the pockets
fag end. I propose to give my general of others, the greater will be the feeling
support to the Hon. C. Rajagopalachari, against the Minister.”
Chief Minister. The Ministry must com-
mand the confidence of the House, the In March 1956, in the course of the
confidence of the people...and the con- discussion on the State Re-organisa-

264
tion Bill, Mr. P. T. Rajan, was needless the Hon. gentleman would have been
by the target of many personal attacks. completely liquidated,” Sir P. T. Rajan
The Leader of the House in particular ignored this with studied and supreme
referred to his past activities in deri- silence. He did not even say, as was his
sive terms and ridiculed him for his role habit, “God forbid “.
during the Second World War. But Sir
P. T. Rajan, did not believe in tit for tat. After a five-year term in the Legislative
He was calm, cool and well composed Assembly, Sir P. T. Rajan again became
never, perturbed. He politely, but firmly, a Member of the Legislative Council in
replied as follows. “Myself and my party 1958. When Dr P.V. Cherian, the then
have been accustomed to vile and vio- Chairman, called on Sir P.T. Rajan to
lent epithets because we stood for con- make his maiden speech’, some Mem-
stitutional Government. First I was an- bers remarked, ‘old maiden’. Sir P. T.
noyed, later on I looked at these with a Rajan, true to his innate modesty said,
certain amount of amusement”. He went ‘...I should have thought, as befits a
on to say that as a reward to his services new-comer to this House, that I should
in the War effort, he had the Madras keep silent and learn things before I
Regiment revived through the good of- venture to open my mouth. But I cannot
fices of the then Governor, which cov- disobey you, Mr. Chairman, when you
ered itself with glory not only in the war have asked me to speak.” In the course
but also later during the disturbances in of his “maiden speech,” Sir P. T. Rajan,
Delhi on the wake of Partition as well once again referred to his being a sol-
as in Kashmir. He continued, “ when
we asked for Tamil State we realise that
“I am the solitary representative of
there is something sacred about it. The
the Justice Party having no flock......I
Tamils feel that they have a past of which
have never sat on the fence during my
they are proud. They want to revive the
political career; I am not likely to sit
glory of their forefathers. That is why
on the fence at the fag end. I propose
they want this area to be called Tamil-
to give my general support to the
nadu”. Thus, even then, Sir P. T. Rajan
Hon. C. Rajagopalachari,
advanced a forceful and fervent plea for
Chief Minister. The Ministry must
Tamil Nadu. It must be mentioned in
command the confidence of the
this connection that he advocated the
House, the confidence of the people...
inclusion of Devikulam and Peermade
and the confidence of Services.........,
in the residuary State of Madras. When
my vote means that
Mr. C. Subramaniam quipped that he
Mr. Rajagopalachari is best fitted to
should be ashamed of the part played
be the Chief Minister in the present
by him in the past, he readily retorted,
difficult circumstances. This does not
“I am not here by nomination”. And
mean that we approve the whole of his
when, Mr C. Subramaniam went on to
policy or programme...”
state, “in any other country and set up,

265
itary member of the Justice Party and courtesy’ aptly applied to him. In regard
admitted that it had ceased to exist ex- to the Leader of the Opposition. Dr. A.
cept for himself. He, however, affirmed L. Mudaliar, he said “he is an eminent
that its fundamental principles of eter- Doctor and he is also an eminent edu-
nal value still remained and added that cationist, a rare combination” On this
they did not require an organisation, occasion, he rose to his full stature as a
nor numbers. He concluded, “such prin- free gentleman with malice to none and
ciples depend on the quality and not on goodwill to all. Of the Finance Minister,
numbers.” Sri. C. Subramaniam, he said “his career
is a fit subject of study in politics. Always
In October 1961, Sir P. T. Rajan made a present in the House, he worked hard
memorable speech on the Madras Land with a strong sense of devotion to duty.
Reforms (Fixation of Ceiling) Bill. He As a speaker he was most effective and
spoke with sincerity and emotion. He lucid. He has graduated in the school of
said “My Hon. and learned friend Sri Experience. His foreign tour has broad-
Balasubramania Iyer had stated that his ened his outlook.” Such was the nobility
speech was his Swan Song. Generally, Mr. of Sir P. T. Rajan, that he was generous
Chairman, one attends somebody else’s and magnanimous even to his political
funeral; myself and others who are sim- opponents.
ilarly situated have come to attend our
own funeral. This legislation has signed Sir P. T. Rajan, if at times, was mauled
and sealed our fate with no chance of and wounded in the Council or As-
resurrection. I am not bothered about sembly, a lion he remained till the end.
the individual. After all, our philoso- He had always in him an innate mod-
phy teaches us that when we come into esty that held people in deep affection
this world, we come with nothing, and and great regard. As Balfour said of
when we get back we take nothing.” In Harcourt, it can well be said of Sir P. T.
December 1961, he participated in the Rajan that,whether he spoke or was si-
Valedictory Address in a very reminis- lent, no one could forget for a moment
cent mood. He paid rich compliments to that he was present in the Council.” His
those Members who were to retire. He mind was seldom swayed by primeval
recalled to his mind his first entry into emotions. Nobody had more sincerely
the Council in 1921 “as a young man, struggled to reconcile conservative in-
fresh man from England” and traced his stincts to radical necessities or had his
career as a Parliamentarian. As regards way through the rough-and-tumble of
the Leader of the House. Thiru R. Ven- the times with an equal joy of battle or
kataraman, he said that he had persua- a ready sense of enjoyment of life. Ev-
sive eloquence which at once disarmed ery thing came to him easily as to Rose-
the Opposition. He complimented him bery-honours, praises and positions.
for his consideration and courtesy to the His fame does not and will not depend
Members and said that the term ‘pink of upon any particular achievement only;

266
it depends rather upon the whole genality and personality of the man. Dr. Johnson
insisted that he was ‘a young fellow; Sir P. T. Rajan can well say that he is eighty two
years young. No one can ever forget the benign and benevolent Patriarch,
Sir P. T. Rajan, who spontaneously accos any and every friend with the familiar words
“hallo, Sir, how do you do.” May his tribe increase for the good and benefit of man-
kind.

267
 ‌

     

   , 
   .
     
 .

1968     30 

   
  
    "
 ,  
   
  ', 
   .
, 
 , 
  ,
  
,   
.
   ,
  
     ,  ,
        , 
. ,   ,
,       
,       
 ,     
.  ,    
;   . !
   
,        
,   .    

268
,   
. -   ,     
       
  .     
     .  
      
 .   .
   
     
  .   
 .   .  
   .       ;
     " '   
 .      
 ,   .
.  ,
 ,   1922   
      
 .   . 
      
      ;  
.    . ,  
.      . 
 .    ,   
   ,   ,
   .  "'  
    .
 
 "' .     
   ,   . 
      "' ()
 .   ,
    
1922    8     
    .  ,  ,
.  ,   
     .  ,
 .  ,  , 
   .  ,   
     .
. 1926    24 

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       , 
   ,  
 ,   ,   
   ,    
      .   
   .    .
1923         
  .
  . .
   .    
,      
  
.  .   
 ,   
1927    14      . 
       , 
.   .    .
   .   
  "      
   . . 
  ,   , 
  .     
      .  
' .   ,   
  , ,  .
 .      
 ,    ,  
      .
.     
 .
    , 
,      
   1930      
 27     .  
  . 1932    "  ,
 3       
   ,    
 , ,    
     ' . 
.   "  
,    .

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   1935    
  .     
     .  
 ' .   
     .   
 "  "  -  
      ' ; 
 .     
  , .
   
.'      
.  " 
  ' 
1933       .  ,
    "    
 .    ' .  
"      .
,       
 .      .. 1967 
;     .  
 .   . 
        
  .      
    ;    .
   , 1952     
 .   . ,   
    .    
,     ,  . 
 .      
    .
.     
' .    
  . 
  ..    ,   ,
   "     
    . 1952  5  
     ,  
. ,   . ,
   .     
 ' . .   ,
  . 

271
 ,    .  
   .  (Treasurry Bench) 
 ,       
    ,  .
 .       
   .  .   
.    1920    .
206 , .     
 162     .  
.       ,   
 .   ,   .
"' "" .    .  
   .    
  . . ,   
    "'(Club)  .
     ;  ,
   .   . 
   
,     P.  .
  . !  
 , " ! ,   .
       
 ,  ,  
    .   
  .      
      P.
 .    .    .
  ,     .
     
   ,  ; , . 
 .   ,  
 ,    ,   
  .    
     .
    
.      
    ! .  
,    .    
     . 
,  ,   
..         .

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1952    1957     
     ' .
 .    ,
  .     
,  , ,   
  . .
    
C. ,  1952 - 53   
 .       ,
  ;  , 
     .
;  .  , " 
 .     ;
       
.    ;   
.        ;  
  .  " .
   
    1953 - 54    
. .   
 ,   , ,
   . , ,  
   "    
  ,    . 
  ,     
  .     .
   , 
 .    ,   .
     1954 - 55     
   .   
  "  ,
  .     
      .  
 .    -  
     
   .    
.    ,   
    .  
    ,
 .     
    '  .

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1956    ,     
    ,  .
 .  
     .  ",
.   ,     
    '  
 .     . , 
     "    '
.       . .
  .  "   , 
   ;    '
 .  .   .
,   .
     .
    . , 
,  , ,  " ' 
   , 1958    
  .     . 
 . ,     
  .    "  
    ' .  
  .    " '  
.   .   
.   "   ; 
      
   .  
 (Madras Regiment)   ,   .
.        
 , , .   
       . 
  .    
       ; 
    ;   
.   ; .  
   .   .  
  ,   
  .    
    ;  
. ,  ' .
   .
    

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1961       
    ( ,     
 )   .  
,     .  
  ,     
 .   . ,   
     ,   .
 . "     , 
       
(Parliamentarian)  1919   .
  .     , 
.    . ,  
.      . 
 : "  
  .   . 
 .     , 
 ,    . 
      
   ; .   
  . ,   .  ,
    , ,  
 ; ;   .   
' .  .  
 ",  '
   ..   .
   "
   ,
    -  .. 
;   
;   
  . ,
    
 . ,  
   
.' .

   

  ,  
 . , 
    
,   .

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 

276
   

   

Thursday 12th December 1974

Obituary reference
Demise of Thiru
P. T. Rajan, ex-M.L.A.

    ,   

, 1974  12. .
   
,      .'
   10-  
   ,
. .    . 
 .

 .
  . . . 
  .

  : :  . :

  ,
"      "1921   1937  
 , 1952  ,  1957  
  1957    1962   , 
     ,
      ,
 . . .   25- 1952   1957 
9-1974      
  1932  

277
 1937    ,   
  ,   , --
    . . .    
  25-9-1974     . 
        ,
       
   ,  ,
'     
  .   
 
     , 1932    1937
 . . .      
25-9-1974      .  
      
 .    
       
   .    . .
. .    . .    
   .    
   .   
,   ,     .
       
    . , 
 .    , 
   , 
"    ,  
  .' ,   
  
  ,   
        
      
...  .  .
  
    ,1956   
        
        
    .  
     
.    ,
    .
....      

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 . . .     .  
.   "'     
       
 .    
, 
     ,  
  ,  
     .    
,    .
   ,   
  ,      .
. 
  
   . . . :
   
. 83       . . 
,       
  .    
      
     , 
      
  .
     
,1956      
       
   .
     
   
  .     
      
   . 
 ,     
    
   .     
      
 . . .     
 .    .
"'   
   
.

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 . . .  : ....  :
     .
. .   .  
 , " '
   
.   
  .
    
 ,      
,      
       
 .        
     .
.
. . .    
  .  
      . ,
       
      
.      . ,
        
 .      
        
.       
        
   .  .   
     .     
     .  , 
      . 
     ,  
.   ,  . . . .  
, ,  ,     . 
       
  .,  ,   
     .  
   ,  .
 , 
      ,
 ,    True Gentleman 
       . 
.

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     :
 , 
  . 
    .
   
   .
, 
   
  ,
    . . .   
 .     .
   
.  .:    
    
,   , 14  
       
  ,    
       
 .    
.  
1952-57-     ,
,...    .
      
  ,    
   .
    
 . 1957-   
   ,
     
   .   
  ,   .  
    ,   ,
       
.   .   .
    ,    
     .
     ,    ,
.      ,  
  , " '  . 
    .   , 
 .    

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       
  ,  
 . .:

    

    
  ,  , 
   .
   ...
  
   .
 ,  
  ,     
      
     
       
 ,      
  . .
   
       
     , 
,  ,     
  .     
  .     
,     . . . 
     .  
  .    
     ,  
  .  
,        
         .
,      
     .
 .
1938    
   
   
 
  
, . . . 
   .

282
. . . .    1956   
 , ,     
         
     ,  
 , ...   ,  
  .    ,  
,       
     . 
       ,  
        
       .
  ,   . 
        
.     
       
     .

  :

      
 .     
        .
(       ,  
       .)

283
    

  

 
  
   
 ,  .
     
.

   

,  
   
   
   
.

   

..  
   
 .

"   "   

 ,  . .   
      . 
   '   
    , .   
  ,   '   
      .
.
    ( ,   
)   . .    ...
   .    
        .
 .

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   

        

       
:   
   .
   
..       
-    ,  
 .    
   
      
    
  
.    
 .
   
   
.

    

   
  
  .

 ,   

   
    .

   

   
   
  
.

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 
. M.T.  

         

     .    "'
   ' '   
     .  
..   .   . .    
      . ..   .
        .  
  ,     .
,      ..  
   ,    .
        
    1916  ,  ,
    .  ,  
       " 10-
 '       , 
 ,     . 
      ,
        
    . .  
         
  .

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   
 (25.03.1928)

 . 

 .  
  .
  
 . 
   
 .  
  
  
 . 
  
   
   , 
    
   
   
   
   
     
      
   ..   .
  
       
...      
 .   .  
      
       
   "'     
 .      .
        
. .   
  
        
       

287
      
   .  
  

 
...

 
 



      ...
    

      
      
.    
      
   
  .   

      
.    
    ...  
    
  .  .
   .

-  

288


289
 THE NON-BRAHMIN MANIFESTO
(DECEMBER 1916)

At a Conference held in Madras on the dian communities in this presidency to-

20th November 1916 and attended by wards what is called “The Indian Home
several non-Brahmin gentlemen of po- Rule Movement,” and also to indicate
sition and influence both in Madras and certain facts with respect to their present
in the mofussil, it was resolved that mea- political position. Not less than 40 out of
sures be taken to start a company for 41.5 millions, who form the population
publishing a newspaper advocating the of this presidency, are non-Brahmins,
cause of the non-Brahmin community, and the bulk of the tax-payers, including
and also that a political association be a large majority of the zamindars, land-
formed to advance, safeguard and pro- holders and agriculturists, also belong
tect the interests of the same communi- to the same class. But in what passes for
ty. In accordance with this a Joint Stock politics in Madras they have not taken
Company has been started under the the part to which they are entitled. They
name of “South Indian People’s Associ- make little or no use of their influence
ation” for conducting a daily newspaper among the masses for the general ad-
in English, Tamil and Telugu, respec- vancement of the country. In these days
tively, and also a Political Association of organised effort, they maintain no ad-
has been formed under the name of vancement of the country. In these days
“The South Indian Liberal Federation.” of organised effort, they maintain no
proper organisations for protecting and
The South Indian People’s Association promoting their common interests and
has issued the following Manifesto ad- for preventing professional and other
dressed to non-Brahmin gentlemen politicians, with hardly any correspond-
throughout the presidency under the ing stake in the country, from posing as
signature of its Secretary, Rao Bahadur their accredited spokesmen. Nor have
P. Theagaraya Chettiar. they a press of their own to speak the
truth on their behalf. Their political in-
MANIFESTO terests, therefore, (as compared with
those of the Brahmins who number
The time has come when an attempt only about a million and a half), have
should be made to define the attitude of materially suffered.
the several important non-Brahmin In-

290
PUBLIC SERVICES aminations did not exist, as for instance
in the Subordinate Judicial Service of
The Hon. Sir. Alexander (then Mr.) the presidency, the major portion of the
Cardew, now a member of the Madras appointments was in the hands of the
Executive Council, in his evidence be- Brahmins. Sir Alexander Cardew stat-
fore the Public Service Commission in ed that, out of 128 permanent District
1913, described in detail, the relative Munsiffs in 1913, 93 were Brahmins, 25
positions of the Brahmins and the non non-Brahmin Hindus and the rest Mu-
Brahmins in the Public Service of this hammadans, Indian Christians, Euro-
province, not certainly as a champion of peans and Anglo-Indians. From these
non-Brahmin interest, but with a view to and other figures of a like nature, he
show that if simultaneous examinations naturally concluded that an open com-
in England and India for admission into petition for the Civil Service in India
the Indian Civil Service, were intro- would mean almost complete monop-
duced, the Brahmins, whom he char- oly of the service by the Brahmin caste
acterised as “a small rigidly exclusive and the practical exclusion from it of
caste,” would swamp that Service. He is the non-Brahmin classes. Of course, he
reported to have stated that in the com- did not invite the attention of the Public
petitive examinations for the Provincial Service Commission to what prevailed
Civil Service, which were held between in the important Native States directly
1892 and 1904, out of sixteen success- under the control of the Madras Gov-
ful candidates fifteen were Brahmins, ernment where, too, the preponderance
giving a ratio of 95 per cent of Brah- of Brahmins in the Government Ser-
min success. In the Mysore State, where vice then, as now, was not less marked.
open competitive examinations for the Nor did he go into the figures relating to
Mysore Civil Service were held during the subordinate services, which are re-
the preceding 20 years, Brahmins se- cruited under a system almost wholly of
cured 85 percent of the vacancies. In the patronage. Surely, in these services the
competition for the appointment of As- preponderance of Brahmins would be
sistant Engineers in Madras, the num- still more striking.
ber of successful candidates, during the
same period, was 17 Brahmins and four With regard to what obtains at the
non- Brahmins. Similar results were present moment in the various branches
produced by the competitive examina- of the Government Service, it is need-
tion for the Accounts Departments. less to go into the figures. But we can-
Out of 140 Deputy Collectors in Ma- not help calling attention to the high-
dras at the time 77 were Brahmins, 30 est appointments open to the Indian in
non-Brahmin Hindus, and the rest Mu- this presidency and the principle upon
hammadans, Indian Christians, Euro- which they are distributed. Since the
peans and Anglo-Indians. It is curious Executive Council of H. E. the Gover-
to note that even where competitive ex- nor has been opened to Indians three

291
Indian gentlemen have been admitted interpellation by the late Mr. Kunhi Ra-
into it in succession, the two latter be- man Nayar, it was stated that the total
ing Brahmin lawyers. Of the five Indian number of registered graduates of the
Judges of the High Court, four of them, University was 650 of whom 452 were
i.e., all the Hindu Judges, are Brahmins. Brahmins, 12 non-Brahmin Hindus and
In 1914 a new Secretaryship to Govern- 74 belonged to other communities, and
ment was created, and a Brahmin offi- that since 1907, when election of Fel-
cial was forthwith appointed to it. The lows by registered graduates began, 12
Indian Secretary to the Board of Reve- Fellows were elected, of whom with one
nue is a Brahmin; and of the two Col- exception all were Brahmins. We are not
lectorships open to the members of the aware that neither before 1907, when a
Provincial Civil Service, that, which has sort of election of a few Fellows by grad-
fallen to the share of the communities uates of a certain number of years’ stand-
other than the Muhammadan, has near- ing was allowed, nor since 1914, when
ly always gone to a Brahmin official. the statement referred to was made in
the Legislative Council, the graduates
PUBLIC BODIES of the Madras University, of whom the
majority have always been Brahmins,
What is true of Government Service elected a non-Brahmin, as a Fellow of
is equally true of local and other pub- the University, so that the non-Brah-
lic bodies. Where an electorate is com- min, however distinguished, has little or
posed of a large number of Brahmins, no chance of getting into the Senate of
the non-Brahmin Indian has hardly a the Madras University through what is
chance. It nearly always happens that called the open door of election. In the
while the non-Brahmins do not concen- election to the Imperial and local Legis-
trate upon a single candidate, Brahmin lative Councils and to municipal bodies
or non-Brahmin. the Brahmins nearly one finds the same truth illustrated so
always unite and support their caste man. far as these elections could be controlled
The Madras University, of which the ma- by the “rigidly exclusive caste” If, occa-
jority of Indian Fellows, classified under sionally, a fair-minded ruler endeavours
the several Indian groups, are Brahmins, to correct the inequality arising from
has never returned a non-Brahmin In- the preponderance of Brahmins on any
dian, to the local Legislative Council, so public body by having recourse to nom-
much so that no non-Brahmin Indian, inations of individuals from compara-
however well qualified otherwise, in- tively unrepresented interests, he is se-
dulges in the hope of getting elected as verely criticised in the Brahmin press.
member for the University in the Legis- How his Excellency Lord Pentland was
lative Council, unless it be with the sup- dealt with by some of the papers in con-
port of the European Fellows. At a meet- nection with the recent nominations to
ing of the Madras Legislative Council, his Legislative Council may be cited as
held in November 1914, in reply to an the latest example of this kind of hostile

292
and unfair criticism. Outside these re- cient calling, and the steady inculcation
sponsible bodies more or less under the of the belief, both by written texts and
control of the Government, even in the oral teaching, that they are so many di-
case of existing political organisations vinely-ordained intermediaries without
in the city of Madras as well as in the whose active intervention and blessing
Districts, the figures regarding election, the soul cannot obtain salvation, and
if gone into, will tell the same tale. To their consequent freedom from manu-
quote one of the latest instances, of the 15 al toil--all these helped them to adapt
gentlemen elected from this presidency themselves easily to the new conditions
to represent it on the All India Congress under British Rule, as under previous
Committee, with the exception of one epochs, in large numbers and far more
solitary non-Brahmin Indian, all are successfully than the other castes and
practically Brahmins, and yet the deci- communities. Apart, however, from the
sion of this committee, which is the ex- question of English education, are large
ecutive of the Congress, upon matters of material stakes, traditional and inherited
grave import, such as the revision of the interests in the soil and the social pres-
Indian Constitution after the war, will tige that goes with it, influence among
be held up to the world’s admiring gaze the masses, quiet and peaceful occupa-
as the considered opinion, among oth- tions that tend to the steady economic
ers of the 40 millions of non-Brahmins development of the province, and over-
of this large and important province. It whelming numerical strength itself, to
is our unfortunate experience also that count for nothing? Should not the class-
as concessions and rights are more free- es and communities that, from time im-
ly bestowed, the rigidly exclusive caste memorial, have stood for these, receive
grows still more rigid and exclusive. encouragement from the Government?
In the matter of education itself, the
NON-BRAHMINS AND advantage is not all on the side of the
EDUCATION Brahmin castes. Though rather late in
the field, the non- Brahmin communi-
In defence of all this practical monop- ties have begun to move. They now rep-
oly of political power and high govern- resent various stages of progress. Some
ment appointments which make for that of them, such as the Chetti, the Komati,
power, it is pointed out that though the the Mudaliar, the Naidu and the Nayar,
Brahmins are only a small fraction of have been making rapid progress; and
the population of this presidency, they even the least advanced, like those who
are far ahead of other communities in are ahead of them, are manfully exerting
regard to university qualification. No themselves to come up to the standards
one denies, this. Old established tradi- of the new time. The spirit of education-
tions, the position of the Brahmins as al progress is abroad, and it is a signif-
the highest and the most sacred of the icant circumstance that among some
Hindu castes, the nature of their an- of the non- Brahmin communities the

293
development is more harmonious and as educationists, lawyers, medical men,
less one-sided than among the Brah- engineers, public men and as successful
mins. In spite of the singular solicitude, administrators of large and important
which for reasons not apparent, the De- estates, the non-Brahmin communities
partment of Education has been show- have produced men of distinguished at-
ing for the education of Brahmin girls tainments and unquestioned eminence,
and especially of Brahmin widows as if some of whom have found no equals in
the Brahmins were a backward class, the the Brahmin caste. Guided by their own
percentage of literates among the wom- sense of self-respect and enlightened
en of such non-Brahmin communities self-interest, had they and their com-
as the Nayars is higher than among the munities always acted in concert, even
Brahmins. In a variety of ways and in in the matter of Government appoint-
different walks of life, non-Brahmins ments and political power, they would
will now be found unostentatiously, and have been at the top, a place which is
yet effectively, contributing to the moral theirs by right. As it is, for want of effi-
and material progress of this presiden- cient separate organisations of their own
cy. But these and their brethren have so and of the instinct or the inclination to
far been groping helpless in the back- make the freest and the most effective
ground, because of the subtle and man- use of the modern weapon of publicity
ifold ways in which political power and their interests have not received their
official influences are often exercised by proper share of attention and recogni-
the Brahmin caste. tion.

WANT OF ORGANISATION PROGRESSIVE POLITICAL

DEVELOPMENT WANTED AND
We do not deny that in these days of NOT UNAUTHORIZED
fierce intellectual competition the skill CONSTITUTION- MAKING
to pass examinations is a valuable per-
sonal possession. But it passes our un- Not satisfied with the possession of the
derstanding why a small class, which key to the present political position, the
shows a larger percentage of English radical politicians of this presidency.
knowing men than their neighbours, who are apparently never so happy as
should be allowed almost to absorb all when they ask for fresh political con-
the government appointments, great cessions, irrespective of their suitability
and small, high and low, to the exclu- to the existing conditions, now ask for
sion of the latter, among whom may also Home Rule, and from previous experi-
be found, though in small proportions, ence, we fear that, if a discordant note is
men of capacity, enlightenment and cul- not sounded at the proper time, it will,
ture. The fact cannot be gainsaid that, in of course, be made out that all India is
spite of the numerous obstacles in their keen about Home Rule. It is not neces-
path, as executive and judicial officers, sary for our purpose to go into the details

294
of this extravagant scheme, or into those by whom, it is at present worked can-
of the other submitted to His Excellen- not, all of them, commend themselves
cy the Viceroy by nineteen members of to the thinking and self-respecting sec-
the Imperial Legislative Council. We are tion of the non-Brahmin public of this
not in favour of any measure, which, in presidency. The social reactionary and
operation, is designed, or tends com- the impatient political idealists, who
pletely, to undermine the influence and seldom has his foot on solid earth, have
authority of the British Rulers, who now taken almost complete possession
alone, in the present circumstances of of the Congress. Democratic in aims, an
India, are able to hold the scales even irresponsible bureaucracy now manip-
between creed and class, and to develop ulates its wires. We sincerely hope that
that sense of unity and national solidar- sane and sober politicians, who know
ity, without which India will continue the country and its people, and who feel
to be a congeries of mutually exclusive their responsibility to both, will soon
and warring groups, without a common reassert their mastery over the Con-
purpose and a common patriotism. gress machine, and direct it in strict ac-
While we dissociate ourselves entirely cordance with the living realities of the
from unauthorized Indian Constitution present.
making, which seems to be a favorite
occupation with a certain class of poli- NO CASTE RULE
ticians, we must say that we are strongly
in favor of progressive political develop- For our part, we deprecate, as we have
ment of a well-defined policy of trust in suggested, the introduction of chang-
the people, qualified by prudence, and es not warranted by the present condi-
of timely and liberal concessions in the tions. We cannot too strongly condemn
wake of proved fitness. In the early days caste or class rule. We are of those who
of the Indian National Congress, when think that in the truest and best interest
that movement was directed and con- of India, its Government should contin-
trolled on the spot by such sagacious and ue to be conducted on true British prin-
thoughtful men as the late Messrs. A. O. ciples of justice and equality of opportu-
Hume, W. C. Bonnerjee, Budruddin Ty- nity. We are deeply devoted and loyally
abji, S. Ramaswami Mudaliar, Rangiah attached to British rule. For that rule,
Naidu, Rao Bahadur Sabhapathi Muda- in spite of its many short-comings and
liar and Sir Sankaran Nair, enlightened occasional aberrations, is, in the main,
non-Brahmins all over the presidency just and sympathetic. We, indeed, hope
gave it their hearty and loyal support. It that our rulers will, as their knowledge
was then, though not in form and name, of the country expands, be more read-
but in spirit and method, a truly nation- ily responsive to public feeling, when,
al institution. Some of the old ideals of course, that feeling is clearly manifest
are still there. But the spirit in which, and decidedly unambiguous, and that
the method by which, and the persons before they take any action they will ex-

295
amine the interests and wishes of each THE IMMEDIATE DUTY OF
caste, class and community with more NON-BRAHMINS
anxious care than heretofore and in a less
conventional manner. When the spirit We appeal to the enlightened members
of social exclusiveness and the rigidity of the non-Brahmin communities to be
of class and caste begin to disappear, the up and doing. Their future lies in their
progress towards Self Government will own hands. Great and pressing is the
unquestionably be more satisfactory. task with which they are confronted.
But, for the present, the practical poli- They have, in the first place, to educate
tician has to concern himself with what their boys and girls in far larger num-
lies immediately in front of him. bers than they have yet done. Associa-
tions under the responsible guidance of
SELF-GOVERNMENT BASED ON leading non-Brahmin gentlemen should
EQUAL DISTRIBUTION OF be started and maintained in a state of
POWER efficiency, in every populous centre, not
merely to induce the various non-Brah-
After the triumphant conclusion of the min communities to avail themselves
war, the Indian Constitution will doubt- more freely of the existing facilities for
less come before the British statesmen education, and to create such facilities
and British Parliament for revision. In- where they do not exist, but also to find
dia has earned the right to demand that adequate funds for the education of
the basis of her constitution should be such of their poor but intelligent boys
broadened and deepened, that her sons and girls as cannot obtain instruction
representing every class, caste and com- without extraneous pecuniary help. In-
munity, according to their acknowl- deed, a more vigorous educational poli-
edged position in the country and their cy for the non-Brahmins has long been
respective numerical strength, should be overdue. Side by side with the starting of
given a more effective voice in the man- associations for the advancement of the
agement of her affairs, that she should education of the non-Brahmin classes
be given fiscal freedom and legislative must also be maintained social and po-
autonomy in matters affecting her do- litical organisations, and where they are
mestic policy and economic position, needed, well-conducted newspapers of
and that, lastly, she must be accorded their own, both in the vernaculars and
a place in the Empire conducive to the in English, to push forward their claims.
sense of self respect of her children as By their attitude of silence and inaction
British subjects and not inferior in dig- they have failed to make their voices
nity and power to that occupied by any heard and others more astute than they
self-governing colony. have used them for their own ends, with
the result that there is a great deal of dis-
content among the non-Brahmins about
their present lot as compared with that

296
of their Brahmin fellow countrymen, of which, perhaps, the Government is not fully
aware. The discontent is growing every day, and the attention of the Government will
be drawn to it. But the non-Brahmins must first help themselves. Let them do every-
thing needful to ensure a continued educational, social, political and economical de-
velopment on a broad and enduring basis; and, then, their future as British subjects
will be brighter and more prosperous than it is to-day. What is designated as “Nation
building” is a laborious task, involving, and indeed necessitating, in the slow process
of evolution, the due performance, in the proper time by each class and community,
of the duty it owes to itself first and foremost. It is our firm conviction that in India,
for sometime to come at any rate, every community has primarily to put its own
house in order, so that, when it has to co-operate with other communities, possibly
with higher social pretentions, it may do so, not as a dependent and helpless unit to
be made a figure head or cats-paw of, but as a self-respecting and highly developed
social organisation, offering its willing co-operation for the promotion of common
objects on terms of perfect equality.

297
 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE JUSTICE PARTY

Eugene F. Irschick, University of California

In modern times, many groups in In- varied a great deal from area to area.
dia have made attempts to better their Usually efforts were made to place pres-
position in politics and in other areas sure on the government through the
of public activity. Generally styled the Legislative Councils to reserve places
Backward Classes movement, it has in educational institutions and jobs in
involved groups from a very wide spec- the government for members of these
trum in the social order. These groups groups. In addition, these groups estab-
have come from the Non-Brahman lished and maintained a series of aux-
communities and from other elements iliary organisations whose function was
of the population who have been cul- to create and popularize the origin story
turally or economically underprivi- of these groups. In most cases, these sto-
leged such as the former untouchables ries included the resusciation of literary,
or Harijans and Tribal groups. Because heroic, or historical traditions which il-
they did not have the requisite tradition lustrated the former greatness of these
and economic resources to gain an ed- backward classes. Often the articula-
ucation, the members of these groups tion of these origin stories also meant
were unable to get prestigious jobs in the naming of the culprit responsible
government and education. This de- for reducing the group’s former status
prived position also pushed them into a and the process by which this decline
role which did not allow them to par- occurred. Members from these groups
ticipate in the public life of the nation. were able gradually to rise to positions
It was to rectify this handicap in edu- of importance in various parts of the
cation, government employment, poli- subcontinent because of their growing
tics, and public affairs that these groups professional and economic security and
formed themselves into political parties the cultural self confidence which the
and other voluntary organisations for creation of an origin story provided.
their advancement.
In the Backward Classes movement, the
The means which these voluntary orga- Justice Party finds a distinguished place.
nizations employed to gain their ends Concerned with bettering the position

298
of Non-Brahmans in Madras Presiden- literacy gave them a marked capacity to
cy, the Justice Party exemplified the gain government employment and se-
manner in which backward classes all cure educational positions, and to play a
over India tried to enhance their posi- dominant part in the political life of the
tion in provincial affairs. Of all such at- area. The Justice Party represented the
tempts, the efforts of the Justice Party growing realization by Non-Brahmans
were both the most famous and prob- of the validity of english and vernacu-
ably the most successful. Its legislative lar education and the application which
program and activities aroused con- that education could have for profes-
siderable interest both in India and in sional training and employment.
England, and its success in working the
Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms in the Another important reason for the rise
face of the Congress boycott brought it of the Justice Party and the Non- Brah-
considerable hostility from nationalist man movement generally was the grow-
groups. ing anti-Brahman sentiment among the
British I. C. S. members in the Madras
The reasons for the rise of the Justice government establishment. Because the
Party lay in the social situation and in British distrusted the Brahman control
the effect which that social situation had of the administrative machinery and the
on governmental and political affairs. At social hierarchy, they provided valuable
the turn of the century, of all the regions assistance to the Justice Party in its at-
of India (with the exception of the Ma- tempts to redress the balance in South
layalam-speaking area) the Tamil area Indian social and political life.
displayed the greatest difference be-
tween Brahmans and those who lay be- The catalyst which triggered the forma-
neath them in the social hierarchy. But tion of the Justice Party was the foun-
because Non-Brahmans held land in dation by Annie Besant of the Home
many rural areas they were able to com- Rule Movement. Arguing that Theoso-
pete with Brahmans for the position of phy and the Home Rule movement were
power. utilised by Brahmans to practice their
tradition for social and political control,
In the cities and towns throughout the the leaders of the Justice Party, partic-
Presidency, and particularly in Madras ularly Dr. T. M. Nair began to mobilize
city, the competition between Brahman Non-Brahman sentiment by a series of
and Non-Brahman manifested itself in attacks on Mrs. Besant. The impending
competition for government jobs and visit to India of the Secretary of State,
in political life. Literacy rates for Tamil Edwin Montagu, and the constitutional
Brahman males were the highest of any discussion that followed his tour helped
Indian community in the Presidency at the Justice Party to organize and win the
the beginning of the century and this election of 1920.
advantage in both Tamil and English

299
One of the most important contribu- tice party ministry and the creation of
tions of the Justice Party to South Indi- a State Department whereby charitable
an public life was its legislative achieve- endowments were regulated was the be-
ments. One of the first things which ginning of an attempt on the part of an
the Justice Party sought to do was to otherwise conservative Justice party to
pressure the government into issuing a secularize the offers of the Presidency.
Government Order which would assure Many of the leaders of the Justice par-
a large percentage of government jobs ty wear religiously orthodox, yet the
for Non-Brahmans. From the founda- discussions surrounding the passage of
tion of the Justice Party, Dr. Nair and the Hindu Religious and Charitable En-
many other leaders repeatedly argued dowments Act illustrate the secularizing
that although government service did tendency which the Justice party repre-
not necessarily mean economic secu- sented. In this aspect of intellectual and
rity it conferred considerable prestige. religious life, the Self-Respect Move-
Since Non-Brahmans constituted the ment and later the D.K. and the D.M.K.
great majority of the population they were even more effective.
should, said Dr. Nair, have by right a
proportionate number of government One facet of the public discussion about
jobs. In this attempt, the leaders of the the Hindu Religious and Charitable En-
Justice Party were eminently successful. dowments Act was that since religious
Within two years of their entrance into and social institutions were idiosyncrat-
the Legislative council they were able to ic they needed special attention. During
convince the Government of the neces- the 1920’s, the Justice party was the main
sity of a Communal Government Or- vehicle for articulating this demand in
der which permitted Non-Brahmans to another area of public life. As a result of
have more government positions and to the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, it
maintain the predominance in that area. was decided that each province should
The communal G.O. was the forebear of contribute a portion of their revenue to
the Madras Public Services Commis- the center. Madras’s portion of that total
sion, formed in 1929 as the first Provin- contribution was considered to be dis-
cial Public Services Commission, in In- proportionately large, and an agitation
dia. Its establishment was a direct result was begun to reduce Madras’s part. To
of Justice Party activity and illustrates the Justice Party belongs the credit for
more than any other single element the having argued Madras’s case in this af-
importance of the Justice Party not only fair. K.V. Reddi Naidu, Development
for provincial affairs but also in terms of Minister during the first Justice Min-
the Backward Classes movement in In- istry, was bitter in his denunciation of
dia generally. the way in which the forced payment of
Madras’s contribution starved Madras’s
The passage of the Hindu Religious and provincial development projects.
Charitable Endowments Act by the Jus-

300
Perhaps the most important contribu- helped Non-Brahmans to play the cen-
tion of the Justice Party to South Indian tral role in the politics of South India.
life was its popularization of the great- Because the Justice Party was willing to
ness and the validity of the Dravidian cooperate with the British Government
past. Basing its attempts on the work of in working the Montagu-Chelmsford
many scholars of Tamil over the previ- Reforms, and in contesting the elections
ous seventy-five years, the Justice Par- they helped to involve many Non-Brah-
ty and its many auxiliary organization mans previously outside political life.
sought to revive the fallen conditions of When the Justice party in 1927 decided
the Dravidians. Dravidians, it was said, to allow its members to join the Con-
had been conquered by a Brahmanical gress, large numbers of non- Brahmans
innovation from the north. left. Once in the Congress, they joined
in the non-cooperation struggle and
The culture and society of the Tamils played a part in the nationalist move-
was thereby destroyed and supplanted ment from that time onward.
by the caste system and Puranic religion.
Brahmans, said the Justicites, thereby At a time when the Legislative Councils
were able to ensconce themselves at the were being boycotted by Congress, Ma-
head of the religious and social hierar- dras was one of the few provinces which
chy as hereditary priests. As priests they came to appreciate the value of parlia-
developed the literate skills which al- mentary democracy. During the Justice
lowed them to control the bureaucratic Party’s ministries and later, the standard
positions which the British Government of oratory in the Legislative Council
later provided. was often very high, even though the
content of that discussion was often vi-
It was through the Justice Party Tam- tuperative. In fact, the tradition for “op-
il newspaper Dravidian that Dravid- positional politics” begun by the Justice
ianist ideas were disseminated most Party against the Congress and later the
effectively. In the reporting of Justice Swaraj Party has been maintained to the
conferences and of literacy gatherings present day.
the Justice Party helped to suggest the
nature of Dravidian civilization and the Non-cooperation in the 1930’s the
relation of that culture to the present Non-Brahmanizing of the Congress, the
decayed condition of non-Brahmans. J. hold which the D. M. K. has over much
M. Nallaswami Pillai, the editor of the of the Tamil population, and the stabili-
journal Siddhanta Deepika, said that the ty of Madras politics are all due in some
Justice Party had done more to organize measure to the activities and ideology
non-Brahmans around Dravidianist of the Justice Party, Compared to the
ideals than any other single agent. prowess of the D. M. K. today the Justice
Party’s power was confined much more
The Justice Party for the first time to the middle and upper classes in the

301
urban areas of the cities, but it was among these upper and middle classes that the
Dravidianist ideas which are now so popular first took hold, and it was through the
agency of the Justice Party that Non-Brahmans can now have an assured place in
government services, in education, and in politics.

302
 THE JUSTICE PARTY AND THE TAMIL
RENAISSANCE

Robert L. Hardgrave, Jr. University of Texas

In the fifty years since the proclamation the various regions. All India has, for
of the Non-Brahmin Manifesto and the example, been the beneficiary of the lit-
founding of the Justice Party, the char- erature and art flowing from the Ben-
acter of Tamil social and political life gal Renaissance. So too for the cultur-
has changed fundamentally. An inde- al awakening of Tamilnad. As with any
pendent India has replaced the British cultural movement, it is difficult to date
Raj, and in Tamilnad a Brahmin oligar- the beginning of the Tamil Renaissance,
chy has given way to the forces of the but its beginnings in the later part of
Dravidian movement. The victory of the nineteenth century came consid-
the Dravida Munnetra Kazagham over erably after the Bengal awakening. The
the Congress in the 1967 elections and work of European scholars of that pe-
the formation of a Government under riod, such as Robert Caldwell, revealed
C. N. Annadurai mark the apogee of to the world the glory of the Tamil past
that movement for political power and and the richness of its literature. There
“Dravidian Uplift.” had, of course, been a number of native
Tamil scholars, but in Madras, educa-
The victory of the D. M. K. has again tion in those years had been an almost
raised the fear in many minds that re- exclusively Brahmin prerogative and
gional or linguistic nationalism may the University of Madras, the premier
carry with it fissiparous seeds of de- institution of higher learning, an almost
struction for the Indian Union. For all wholly Brahmin domain. Among the
its dangers, however, local nationalism Non-Brahmins, there had been com-
may contribute to the growth of a cul- munities with literary traditions, as the
tural identity which serves not to weak- Vellala, but, for the most part, their op-
en and destroy, but to envigorate and portunities were limited by the barriers
enrich the larger culture. The richness of caste and wealth.
of Indian culture today and in the past
reflects the heterogeneity and vitality of

303
Brahminical domination over Tamil cy to the Non- Brahmin. Most impor-
culture for long centuries had several tantly, with the Non-Brahmin Move-
important consequences for the devel- ment came a new sense of Dravidian
opment of the Tamil language and lit- self-consciousness and cultural pride.
erature. Through the tradition of the
Brahmin, a heavy increment of San- The founding of Annamalai University
skrit was introduced into Tamil, such was an important beginning in devel-
that by 1900 an estimated fifty percent opment and cultivation of Tamil studies
of the words in the written language in Madras Presidency. The Renaissance
were Sanskritically influenced. Further, witnessed the revival of Tamil literary
Brahmin literary scholarship in Tamil classics, a movement in “new writing.”
was considerably devoted to religious and a de-Sanskritization of the Tam-
treatises and translations of Sanskritic il language. There came out of this re-
epics, such as the Ramayana. It would surgence of literary effort a concern for
be, however, both incorrect and unjust the purity of Tamil, for its revitalization.
to suggest that the Tamil Brahmin made The movement, however, did not remain
no major contributions to the develop- the reserve of the upper Non-Brahmin
ment and flowering of indigenous Tam- classes, but soon, through the work of
il literature for some of the finest Tamil the Justice Party and the Self-Respect
scholars have been Brahmins but in the Movement of the 1930’s took the form
years before 1917, the exclusiveness of of a “cultural offensive” toward the Tam-
the South Indian Brahmin community il people. Touring companies of actors
restricted the channels of communica- brought to the villages of Tamilnad the
tion and dissemination. The richness of plays of young Tamil writers and, with
Tamil literature remained an esoteric them, the consciousness of Dravidian
realm: it was not for the masses, but for culture.
the initiated few of the Brahmin literati.
The Tamil Renaissance movement
The roots of the Tamil Renaissance lay served not merely to enrich and vitalize
in the nineteenth century and were, in contemporary Tamil culture, but, most
part, nourished by Tamil Brahmins. The importantly, it served to impart to the
flowering of this Renaissance, howev- masses the awareness of Tamil nation-
er, demanded that the Non- Brahmin, ality. Such an awareness represented a
the Dravidian, become the custodian of major extension of consciousness be-
his own culture. The Justice Party, and yond the parochialism of the narrowly
the Non-Brahmin Movement generally, circumscribed village which constituted
provided the catalyst to a new cultural the world for most Tamilians: it brought
awakening among the Tamil people. The the peasant villager into a larger, more
citidels of Brahmin power and exclu- varied and complex universe of values
siveness were broken, as Justice reforms and behavior. The boundaries of man’s
opened universities and bureaucra- identity has expanded with the growth

304
and development of the communications media, with the increasing complexity of
the modern economic system, and with the vast embrace of government. The Dra-
vidian Movement has served to expand the horizons of the Tamilian, to give him
cultural pride and self-respect. But, the Tamilian is a part of many worlds: he is at
once a member of a family unit, a caste community, a religious sect, a linguistic com-
munity. He is a citizen of a town, a taluq, a district, and a state, as well as a citizen of
India. The traditions unique to each level of identity serve to provide a richer and
more varied texture to the wider universe of which it is a part: one is not necessarily
incompatible with the other. Indeed, for all its long years of unity, Great Britain, for
example, embraces within its boundaries a variety of local traditions, which, togeth-
er have enriched the culture of the contemporary nation. So, with India, the richness
of its culture arises in part from the vitality of its regional traditions.

The Dravidian Movement, in molding a sense of Tamil nationality, has given strength
to a language and culture of remarkable richness and antiquity. All India, not the
people of Tamilnad alone, is the beneficiary of this vitality. A nation is not created
by reducing its varied populations to a common culture and language, by destroying
the richness of its plural character. Rather, it is built through the establishment of ef-
fective channels of communication by which regional identities are extended but not
extinguished. The creation of these paths to understanding and community are dif-
ficult, and it cannot be doubted that the tensions between regional communities may
well impose severe strain and carry with them grave dangers to national unity. The
sense of Tamil identity, the product of the Renaissance movement, is not, however, a
violation of a greater Indian identity-rather it is an integral part of it, for which India
as a nation is all the richer.

305
 
       
  ..   50     ,
 -     :

1. . K. P.     .C. .

. K. P.       
,     
. K.   .    
 ,   ,   
     .)

2. . .  . ,

  ,  , .

3. ,   , .

4. . M. ,  ,

     . .

5. . K. ,   , .

6. . E. ,   , .

7. . S.  ,  ,

   , 

8. . ,    ,

 , .

9. . M.,   , , .

10.  .  .

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  
1. JUSTICE PARTY GOLDEN JUBILEE SOUVENIR, 1968
2. Sir P.T Rajan 82nd Birthday Souvenir, 1973
3. ..  - 23-     , 1997
4.  ,  .. , 2004
5.   , K.P. , 1999
6.   , K.P. , 2005
7.      , 1956
8.  , 1968
9. SRI MEENAKSHI KUMBABISHEKAM SOUVENIR, P.T. RAJAN, 1963
10.  ', , "' .. , 1971
11. New Justice Party, A.S Venu, 1973
12. The Modernity of Tradition-Political Development in India, Lloyd I.
Rudolph, Susanne Hoeber Rudolph, University of Chicago, 1984
13. .., A.S., 1992
14. ...,. ., 1997
15.     , 1997
16. JUSTICE PARTY, Dr.J.STELLA MARY, 2009
17   , . 
18. 
19. 
20. 
21. 
22.
23.
24.
25.The Indian Express
26.The Hindu.

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