Vanchinatha Iyer (Sankara Iyer) Context: Vice President paid floral tributes to Freedom Fighter Vanchinathan on his death anniversary at Uprashtrapati Bhavan. Early Life and Background: Birthplace: Shenkottai, Tamil Nadu. Family: He was the son of Shri Raghupathy Iyer Education: He studied up to primary school level Occupation: After completing his schooling, he worked in the Forest Department Role in the Freedom Struggle He took part in revolutionary movements against British rule in India Assassination of Robert Ashe and Its Consequences Assassination of Robert Ashe: On 17 June 1911, at the age of 25, Vanchinatha Iyer shot and killed Robert Ashe, the District Collector of Tirunelveli, also called “Collector Dorai” The incident occurred at Maniyachi Railway Station when Ashe was travelling to kodaikanal. Aftermath: Soon after carrying out the attack, Vanchinatha Iyer ended his life. Revolutionary Network and Bharatha Matha Sangam Nilakanta Brahmachari played a major role in recruiting revolutionaries across the Madras Presidency and planning attacks on British officials. Connections: Shankar Krishna Iyer, who was Vanchinatha’s brother-in-law, introduced him to Nilakanta Brahmachari. Organization: Vanchinatha Iyer, along with Nilakanta Brahmachari, Shankar Krishna Iyer, and others, established the Bharatha Matha Sangam This group was involved in planning assassinations of important British officials. Honour and Remembrance The Maniyachi Railway Station, where the assassination took place, was later renamed Vanchi Maniyachi in his memory. Rani Lakshmibai Context: Home Minister paid homage to the great warrior queen Rani Lakshmibai on her martyrdom day. Early Life She was born on 19 November 1828 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Her father was Moropant Tambe. Her birth name was Manikarnika, and she was lovingly called “Manu.” She had a son named Damodar Rao, who passed away within four months of his birth. After this loss, the Maharaja adopted a relative’s child, Anand Rao, who was renamed Damodar Rao…
