- S. Kumarasamy Raja – Life and Contributions
Early Life
- P. S. Kumarasamy Raja was born on 8 July 1898 in Rajapalayam.
- Parents: Poosapadi Sanjeevi Raja and Muthammal.
Entry into Freedom Movement (Swarajya Palayam)
- He was inspired by the Home Rule Movement started by Annie Besant.
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- He organised Home Rule meetings in Srivilliputhur and Rajapalayam, where B. P. Wadia participated as the chief guest.
- He was influenced by:
- Annie Besant’s writings.
- Speeches of S. Satyamurthy.
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- After meeting Mahatma Gandhi in 1919, he actively joined the freedom struggle.
- Participated in the Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919).
- Served as the Vice-President of the Reception Committee at the first Khilafat Conference held in Madras (1920).
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- Established: Peasant Association,Harijan Sangh
- Along with his political mentor I. B. Arangasamy Raja, he took part in the Non-Cooperation Movement.
- I. B. Arangasamy Raja formed the Congress Committee in Rajapalayam.
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- Worked for:
- Removal of untouchability.
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- Promotion of Khadi products.
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- In 1925, he organised Gandhi’s birthday celebration at Rajapalayam.
- S. Srinivasa Iyengar appreciated his activities and called Rajapalayam as “Swarajya Palayam.”
Role as “Southern Gandhi”
- Established Gandhi Khaddar Vastralayam Company at Rajapalayam in 1927.
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- The company was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.
- It later merged with All India Sarka Sangh in 1929.
- Participated in the Anti-Simon Commission Protest.
- Started the first branch of All India Sarvodaya Sangh in Tamil Nadu at Rajapalayam.
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- Took part in the Civil Disobedience Movement (1931) by:
- Boycotting foreign clothes.
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- Picketing toddy shops.
- Due to his activities, the British called Rajapalayam a “Dread Town (Achamuttum Nagaram)”.
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- Participated in the Karachi Congress Session (1931).
- Proposed the idea of the No Tax Movement.
- Congress President: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
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- Arrested in 1932 and imprisoned for one year for opposing British rule.
- His book “My Introduction As a Gandhian” gained public attention.
- People of Rajapalayam honoured him with the title “Southern Gandhi.”
Political Career and Public Representation
- Elected to the Central Legislative Assembly in 1934.
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- Elected to the Madras Provincial Legislative Council in 1937.
- Organised the 40th Tamil Nadu Provincial Political Conference at Rajapalayam in 1938.
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- President: Omandur Ramasamy.
- In 1940, he was imprisoned for 9 months for participating in Individual Satyagraha at Tiruchi Jail.
From Gandhian Leader to Governor
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- In 1946, he was elected unopposed from Srivilliputhur Constituency.
- Served as Minister for: Agriculture, Public Works, Cooperation in T. Prakasam’s Cabinet.
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- Introduced Agricultural Income Tax for those earning ₹5000 or more annually from agriculture.
- Served as President of Hindustan Scout Association (Headquarters: Adyar, Chennai).
- Resigned from the ministry due to differences with Chief Minister T. Prakasam.
- Celebrated India’s Independence grandly at Rajapalayam.
- Promoted cooperative development by establishing:
- Cooperative societies.
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- Cooperative banks.
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- Important achievements:
- Bhupathi Raja Cooperative Bank, Rajapalayam.
- Rajapalayam Cooperative Housing Society (1948).
- Established Gandhi Kalai Mandram at Rajapalayam.
As Chief Minister of Madras Province (1949–1952)
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- Became Chief Minister on 6 April 1949 after the resignation of Omandur Ramasamy.
- His cabinet included leaders like: T. S. S. Rajan, M. Bhaktavatsalam, Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, K. Madhava Menon, A. P. Shetty and others.
Major Events and Reforms
- Zamindari Abolition
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- Implemented the Zamindari Abolition Act passed by Omandur Ramasamy in 1948.
- Government acquired Zamindari lands and distributed them to landless farmers with pattas.
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- Social Welfare Measures
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- Complete prohibition of liquor.
- Adi Dravidar Welfare Board.
- Land reforms.
- Judicial Reforms
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- In 1949, District Courts were separated from the executive system and placed under the High Court.
- This strengthened the independence of the judiciary.
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- Ban on Communist Party
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- The Communist Party of India was banned in Madras Province on 6 September 1949 during his tenure.
- Communal Reservation Issue
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- In the Champakam Dorairajan Case, Madras High Court declared communal reservation invalid.
- His government appealed to the Supreme Court, which upheld the High Court decision.
- He played an important role in bringing the First Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951 to continue communal reservation.
- Leaders like Periyar E. V. Ramasamy and C. N. Annadurai conducted awareness campaigns on this issue.
- Kumarasamy Raja and Kamarajar urged Congress leaders to resolve the reservation issue.
Later Life
- Lost the 1952 Legislative Assembly election.
- Served as the Governor of Odisha from 1954 to 1956.
- Established the Congress Golden Jubilee Ground at Rajapalayam in 1955.
- Inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
- Passed away on 15 March 1957.
