C Vijayaraghavachariar Early Life & Education 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). 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 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.…
