Death Anniversary of Thiru Subramania Siva
- Context: Vice-President of India paid floral tributes to the freedom fighter Thiru Subramania Siva on the occasion of his death anniversary (23rd July).
About Subramania Siva
- Subramania Siva was born on 4 October 1884 at Batlagundu, in the present day Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu.
Literary and Cultural Contributions
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- He was one of the early leaders of the Tanittamil (Pure Tamil) Movement, which encouraged the use of Tamil with very little Sanskrit influence.
- In 1902, he became a disciple of Sadananda Swami. After this, he adopted the name “Sivam” and developed a strong combination of spiritual and nationalist ideas.
- In 1913, he started the nationalist magazine Gnanabhanu.
- During his lifetime, he wrote more than 30 books, including Ramanuja Vijayam, Madhva Vijayam, and Vitutalaipporil Tamil Valarnta Varalaru.
Role in Nationalist Awakening
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- Siva was inspired by the speeches of Arya Samaj leader Thakur Kahan Chandra Verma, which motivated him to join the freedom movement.
- He became a well-known public speaker who spread nationalist ideas.
- Along with V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and Subramania Bharati, he supported and promoted the nationalist views of Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
- In 1906, he founded the Dharma Paripalana Samajam to encourage social reform and create patriotic awareness among the people.
Role in the Freedom Movement
- Subramania Siva played an important role in the Swadeshi Movement and worked closely with V.O. Chidambaram Pillai.
- He organised and inspired workers during the famous Coral Mill Strike (1908) at Thoothukudi.
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- Even though the British government banned public meetings, he continued to organise gatherings and deliver patriotic speeches.
- His speeches made Tirunelveli an important centre of the freedom movement.
- He was arrested on charges of sedition, becoming the first recognised political prisoner of the Madras Presidency.
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- In 1923, he laid the foundation stone for the Bharat Mata Temple at Papparapatti (Dharmapuri), showing his belief in cultural nationalism.
- Due to the harsh conditions in British prisons, he contracted leprosy.
- Despite poor health, he continued to work for India’s freedom until his death on 23 July 1925.
