Anjalai Ammal (1890–1961)
Introduction
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- Freedom fighter Anjalai Ammal’s birth anniversary on June 1.
- Anjalai Ammal was an Indian freedom fighter, social reformer, and politician from Cuddalore.
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- She actively participated in India’s freedom struggle.
- She spent about 7½ years in prison for her involvement in the independence movement.
- She was among the first women elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
- She was elected as a Congress MLA in 1937 and 1946.
Role in the Freedom Movement
- Joined the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921.
- Participated in:
- Neil Statue Satyagraha(1927)
- Salt Satyagraha(1930)
- Quit India Movement(1942)
- Her bravery earned her the title Jhansi Rani of South India” from Mahatma Gandhi.
Meeting with Gandhi
- When Gandhi visited Cuddalore to meet her, the British government tried to prevent the meeting.
- Anjalai Ammal successfully met Gandhi by disguising herself in a burqa.
- She encouraged her nine-year-old daughter to participate in freedom protests.
- Gandhi named her daughter Leelavathy.
Imprisonment and Sacrifices
- Arrested several times for participating in nationalist activities.
- In 1930, she was arrested for picketing foreign goods shops in Madras.
- During her court appearance, she defended herself and criticized police actions against protesters.
- In 1932, she was imprisoned in Vellore Prison while pregnant.
- Released temporarily for childbirth.
- Returned to prison within two weeks after giving birth.
- She gave birth to her last son during her period of imprisonment.
Women’s Leadership
- Presided over the All India Women Congress Meet in 1931.
- Worked to encourage women’s participation in the freedom movement.
Political Career
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- After Independence, she continued in public life.
- Elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly three times.
- Served as a Congress representative.
Family Contributions
- Her husband Murugappa, daughter Leelavathy, and son-in-law Jamadhagni were also freedom fighters.
Death
- Passed away on 20 February 1961.
- Remembered as one of Tamil Nadu’s prominent women freedom fighters and political leaders.
The Tamil Nadu Government has decided to celebrate Anjal
