- C Vijayaraghavachariar
Early Life & Education
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- Born in Pon Vilaindha Kalathur near Chengalpattu.
- Father Sadagopachariar was a Sanskrit scholar, but he chose a different path.
- Mastered the Vedas early, yet developed a strong passion for English.
- Left home and stayed with his uncle in Madurantakam to pursue studies.
- Graduated from Presidency College, Madras.
Early Career & Turning Point
- Worked as a lecturer in a government college in Mangaluru.
- Resigned in protest against racial discrimination by a European principal.
- Moved to Salem and qualified for the Bar privately.
Rise to National Prominence
- Gained fame through success in the Salem riots case.
- Earned titles like “Hero of Salem” and “Lion of South India.”
- Became a member of the committee drafting the constitution of the Indian National Congress.
Role in Freedom Movement
- Supported Bal Gangadhar Tilak during the Congress split (moderates vs extremists).
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- Returned to active politics after the 1916 Congress reunification.
- Influenced Mahatma Gandhi to demand Swaraj (self-rule) beyond specific issues.
- Presided over the 1920 Nagpur Session of Congress where Non-Cooperation was adopted.
Contribution to Constitutional Development
- Played a key role in drafting the Swaraj Constitution.
- Member of the committee led by Motilal Nehru.
- Responded to the constitutional challenge posed by Lord Birkenhead.
Social Reform Efforts
Advocated:
- Post-puberty marriage for women
- Property rights for daughters
- Reform in Hindu personal law
- Campaigned against untouchability.
- Promoted upliftment of minorities and encouraged Muslim participation in Congress.
Principles & Values
- Opposed racial discrimination.
- Supported labour rights.
- Rejected titles and positions of power, staying committed to ideals over office.
Andaman Sentence & Legal Victory
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- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known as “Kala Paani”, served as a dreaded colonial penal settlement.
- Many freedom fighters like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and Bhai Parmanand were imprisoned there.
- Vijayaraghavachariar was sentenced to 10 years of transportation after the 1882 Salem riots case.
- He appealed to the Madras High Court and got his conviction quashed on January 9, 1883.
- Continued legal efforts helped secure the release of other accused persons as well.
Resistance Against British Authority
- Removed from the Salem Municipal Council for being labeled an “undesirable person.”
- Challenged the decision legally and won the case, receiving ₹100 as damages.
- His actions demonstrated strong resistance to colonial injustice and abuse of power.
Role in Indian National Congress
- Became the first Tamil President of the AICC at the Nagpur Session of Congress.
- Played a major leadership role in shaping the Congress during a critical phase of the freedom movement.
Support from Press
- Received strong backing from newspapers like The Hindu and Amrita Bazar Patrika.
- Media support amplified his fight against colonial injustice.
Ideals & Influence
- C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) recalled his guiding principle:
- Lawyers must engage in public life.
- They should defend people against unjust authority.
- Known for his independence, courage, and commitment to justice.
Memorial Library & Public Hall
- The C. Vijiaraghavachariar Memorial Library Public Hall was established in Salem.
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- Built on land gifted by the local municipal body.
- Functioning since July 1951.
- Opened by P. S. Kumaraswami Raja.
- Foundation stone laid in August 1950 by T. Prakasam.
Statues in Salem
- Library statue unveiled in 1982 by former Union Finance Minister R. Venkataraman.
- Second statue unveiled in 1984 by M. G. Ramachandran.
Recognition & Tribute
- R. Venkataraman praised him as a “pioneer of fundamental rights.”
- Widely remembered for his contributions to constitutional development and civil liberties.
Legacy
- Served as a symbol of legal brilliance and fearless nationalis
