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. 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. 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). 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. Worked for: Removal of untouchability. Promotion of Khadi products. 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. 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. Took part in the Civil Disobedience Movement (1931) by: Boycotting foreign clothes. Picketing toddy shops. Due to his activities, the British called Rajapalayam a “Dread Town (Achamuttum Nagaram)”. Participated in the Karachi Congress Session (1931). Proposed the idea of the No Tax Movement. Congress President: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. 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…
