T. M. Kaliyannan Gounder (10 January 1921 – 28 May 2021) was an Indian politician who served as a member of the Provisional Parliament of India and as a member of the Legislative Assembly MLA, Member of the Legislative Council MLC of Tamil Nadu. He was the last surviving member of the first parliament of India (Provisional Parliament 1950–1952) and was one of the few surviving members of the first assembly of Tamil Nadu (formerly Madras) State (MLA 1952 Rasipuram, MLA 1957 Tiruchengode, MLA 1962 Tiruchengode).[1] He played a crucial role in the development of Gandhi Ashram at Tiruchengode and in nurturing Gandhian values among the people of Tamil Nadu.[2]
T. M. Kaliyannan | |
|---|---|
| Kaliyannan Gounder | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 January 1921 Thiruchengode, India |
| Died | 28 May 2021 (aged 100) Thiruchengode, India |
| Political party | Indian National Congress |
| Spouse | Mrs. Parvathiammal |
| Children | 3 daughters and 2 sons |
| Alma mater | Loyola College Madras (University of Madras) |
Career
editHe was awarded Master of Arts (in English literature) from Loyola College (Madras) and Bachelor of Commerce (Pachaiyappa's College, Madras). He belonged to the Kumaramangalam Zamindar family of TN.[citation needed] However, he fought against the Zamindari system.[3] In 1942, TMK got a real taste of Independence activism and public life when he participated in the Quit India movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi. This and many meetings with nationalist leaders like Gandhi, C. Rajagopalachari and S. Satyamurti paved the way for dedicating his life to public service. He was studying English literature at Loyola College in Chennai when he joined the revolution against the British. He was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and Kamaraj’s ideology.[4]
On 28 January 1950, he was sworn in as a member of the Provisional Parliament of India.[5][6]
He held many posts during his public career, including being the President of the Salem District Board. A keen educator, Kaliyannan Gounder is said to have started more than a thousand schools during his public life. He also opened several temples and charitable organisations in Tiruchengode. Construction projects he helped bring to fruition included the Kolli Malai road network through the Kolli Hills in Namakkal Dt,[citation needed] Tamil Nadu. There are 70 hair pin bends in this engineering marvel. The entire ghat section was built with extremely limited funding and limited faith in the route but all went well and today the mountainous sections of the road are still in excellent condition. The Pallipalayam[7] bridge near Erode was also constructed with his support.
He was the vice president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) when Thiru K. Kamaraj was president. A person who avoided the spotlight TMK firmly believes in the principle of "Do Good and throw it into the well". He never hankered after public glory, name or fame. His hard work and approachability made him a favourite among those who sought genuine political advice but his self-effacing approach meant that his work went unnoticed by his own party[8] and the government.[9][10][8]
He also held the position of Director, Indian Bank, and Director, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (Trichy) among other posts. He was elected to the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly as an Indian National Congress candidate from Rasipuram constituency in 1952 election, from Tiruchengode constituency in 1957, and 1962 elections. He was one of the two winners in the 1957 election, the other being R. Kandaswami from the Congress party.[11][12][13][14] For more than 65 years, Kaliannan has been running a free school ‘Avvai Kalvi Nilayam’ at Tiruchengode town.[2]
Recognition
editThe Tamil Nadu Government recently felicitated T.M. Kaliyannan Gounder and a few other members of the first Assembly of Tamil Nadu.[15] He has also been conferred the honorific title of "KONGU VEL" by the Kongu Association.[16] On his 99th birthday (10 Jan 2020) he was inducted as an Honorary member of Rotary Club of Tiruchengode. He was instrumental in opening 2000 schools and 3000 public libraries.[2]
Personal life
editT.M. Kaliyannan was married to Parvathi from Kilambadi, Erode, and they had five children. He died in Thiruchengode in 28 May 2021 at the age of 100.[17][18]
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and party leaders condoled his death, celebrating his actions throughout his political career.[19]
References
edit- ^ Mahotsav, Amrit. "T. M. Kalliannan Gounder". Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
- ^ a b c "Kaliannan, last surviving member of 1st CA, dies at 101". DT Next. 28 May 2021.
- ^ "Kaliannan: A zamindar who fought against zamindari". The Times of India. 29 May 2021.
- ^ "Unsung Heroes Detail".
- ^ "Members Sworn" (PDF). Provisional Parliament Debates (Part II). 1 (1): 3. 5 February 1951. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
- ^ Parliament of India: Who's Who (1950) (PDF). 1950. p. 138.
- ^ Pallipalayam
- ^ a b Rajan, M.C. (23 May 2012). "Congress stares at a deep abyss in Tamil Nadu". India Today.
- ^ Ananth, M. K. (12 May 2012). "Surviving member to miss special sitting". The Hindu. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
- ^ Sasidharan, S. (24 November 2012). "Memories come alive in black & white". The Asian Age.
- ^ Tamil Nadu Legislative Council Who is Who 1970-1971. Legislative Council Department Fort St. George. January 1971. p. 19.
- ^ 1951/52 Madras State Election Results, Election Commission of India
- ^ 1957 Madras State Election Results, Election Commission of India
- ^ 1962 Madras State Election Results, Election Commission of India
- ^ "Speaker honours veteran Parliamentarian Kaliannan". Archived from the original on 30 June 2013.
- ^ "Kongu Vellalar Sangagal Koottamaippu". konguassociation.com. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016.
- ^ "T.M. Kaliannan, last surviving member of Constituent Assembly, no more". The Hindu. 28 May 2021.
- ^ "T.M. Kaliannan: Last Surviving Member Of The Constituent Assembly, Passes Away". Chronicle India. 4 June 2021.
- ^ "Freedom fighter TM Kaliannan Gounder dead; Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, leaders condole death". The New Indian Express. 28 May 2021.