Indian freedom fighter, Tamil patriot, scholar and a statesman, Ma Po Sivagnanam Pillai fondly known as MaPoSi, emerged as emerged as a key figure in Tamil Nadu (then Madras state) whose contributions have unfortunately been overlooked by Dravidianists. His contributions across multiple domains were pivotal, significantly shaping Tamil Nadu’s cultural and social fabric. Without his efforts, Chennai might not have become a part of Tamil Nadu, underscoring his enduring impact on the region.

MaPoSi was born on 26 June 1906, in Saluvankuppam, a town in the former Madras district. He came from a deeply religious family with a strong connection to culture and heritage. Despite his education being halted after completing the 3rd class, this early period laid the groundwork for his intellectual pursuits, which later illuminated the paths of many. His mother, Sivagami, a devout woman, is credited for instilling these values in him.

Facing poverty, MaPoSi initially worked as a weaver and later as a compositor in a printing press. Through diligence and a profound attachment to his homeland, he emerged as a respected scholar and statesman. He was easily recognizable by his distinctive walrus mustache. Despite his prominence, he never reached the pinnacle of state politics. Currently, his nationalist ideology has been obscured and his legacy marginalized in Tamil Nadu, as efforts to promote a singular lineage of Dravidian ideologies prevail.

Champion Of Madras

He is most renowned for his pivotal role in the demarcation of Tamil Nadu and his efforts to ensure that Madras remained the state capital, during a time when Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu were embroiled in a contentious struggle over it.

Madras, marking its 300th anniversary, faced its second major challenge since the French invasion. The issue of the capital of the presidency became a point of contention between two ethnic and linguistic groups that had coexisted for centuries but were now neighboring states in newly independent India.

The Telugu population’s agitation, known as the “Madras Manathe” movement, had historical roots. Madras had originally been leased from a Telugu king of Chandragiri, and some argued that the demographic composition of the region had significantly shifted after railways encouraged large-scale Tamil migration to the presidency’s capital. The fate of Madras was crucial, as its identity would have been markedly different had it become part of Andhra Pradesh. The decision that Madras would define Tamil Nadu’s future was fiercely debated in parliament and on the streets where both factions protested.

For various reasons, there were no widespread movements advocating for Madras to remain Tamil. Figures like EV Ramasamy Naicker (EVR) were involved in other campaigns, the DMK was still emerging, and the Congress, focused on national issues, did not prioritize Tamil interests.

Meanwhile, spurred by freedom fighter Potti Sreeramulu’s hunger strike for a separate Andhra Pradesh based on linguistic lines, and under the leadership of Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam, the aggressive “Madras Manathe” campaign gained momentum among Telugu speakers in the presidency. MaPoSi played a crucial role in keeping the issue alive until Tamil support could be mobilized. Eventually, other Tamil politicians joined the cause. Potti Sreeramulu’s hunger strike intensified the demand for linguistic states. Despite his firm stance on the capital issue and leadership of the North Border Protection Group, MaPoSi shared a poignant reunion with Potti Sreeramulu in Vellore, where they were both imprisoned.

However, his reunion with his friends across all political parties caused embarrassment. Nevertheless, MaPoSi maintained a firm stance on the Madras takeover issue. He went as far as raising a point of order in the legislature to have the fasting Potti Sreeramulu arrested and force-fed, to safeguard the relationship between the Telugu and Tamil communities. He even opposed a council mention expressing condolences on Sreeramulu’s untimely death in December 1952, fearing it might incite violence against Tamils.

Following these events, on 1 October 1953, eleven districts of the Telugu-speaking region were carved out of Madras State to form the new Andhra State with Kurnool as its capital. After further state reorganization in 1956, the remaining portion of Madras State was renamed Tamil Nadu on 14 January 1969. Before the formation of Tamil Nadu, MaPoSi spent two decades in the freedom struggle and endured six imprisonments, facing near-death at one point. During his incarceration, he lost 31 kilograms and became so emaciated that even Rajaji failed to recognize him at a public event. Once identified, Rajaji promptly arranged for MaPoSi’s hospitalization and treatment.

A True Nationalist

Inspired by Mahakavi Bharati, MaPoSi balanced his love for the Tamil language with devotion to his motherland. His nationalism was rooted in spiritualism rather than jingoism, advocating unity in diversity. He looked to Gandhi as his political mentor and participated in peaceful protests (satyagraha), enduring over 700 days in various jails as a satyagrahi. His book “Spirituality and Politics” delves into this intersection. His writings on Veera Pandiya Kattabomman and Kappalottiya Thamizhan, which later inspired films, continue to nurture nationalist sentiments.

He later founded the Tamizharasu Kazhakam political party, challenging the superficiality of Dravidian movements that claimed to champion Tamil causes without true dedication. His party’s official organ, “Sengol,” symbolized his commitment to a political system based on righteous values

MaPoSi also played a crucial role in preserving the legacies of two prominent freedom fighters from different eras, Veerapandiya Kattabomman and VO Chidambaram. Despite initial resistance, he succeeded in erecting a statue of VOC within the Congress office, after gathering funds from various sources, including firewood merchants along the Buckingham Canal. He was dedicated to commemorating Tamil freedom fighters and was the first to publish their stories, including those of forgotten figures like Annie Besant, in his newspaper on Independence Day in 1947. Similarly, his efforts to support the filming of Veerapandiya Kattabomman’s story faced criticism but eventually revitalized interest in Southern India’s independence struggle. MaPoSi’s influence extended to cultural and political realms as well. He advocated for replacing British symbols in Madras with Tamil icons and proposed renaming Madras State to Tamil Nadu years before it was officially changed.

MaPoSi demonstrated his nationalist spirit throughout his life. For instance, during the British era, the flag of the Madras Corporation featured symbols like the sea, a boat, three lions, and two fishes. The three lions symbolized the British rule, while the sea, boat, and fishes represented the coastline of Madras. After India gained independence, there was a call to change this flag. MaPoSi, who led the education wing of the corporation proposed replacing the old symbols with those representing the ancient Tamil kingdoms of Pandya, Chola, and Chera: the fish, tiger, and bow. This suggestion was endorsed by Rajaji, marking a symbolic shift towards embracing Tamil heritage under Indian independence. In another instance of his nationalist fervor, MaPoSi always declared himself as “Indian Tamil” race in the magazine Sengol. This declaration resonated deeply, illustrating his deep-seated pride in his identity as an Indian and a Tamil.

Literary Contributions

Inspired by the nationalist fervor of the time, he immersed himself in Tamil literature and began writing poetry and essays in Amaravathi prison, driven by a passion for social justice and Tamil resurgence. blending classical Tamil literary traditions with modern themes of social justice and reform. His works resonated with the aspirations of the Tamil people for cultural revival and social equality. His writing style was marked by clarity, depth of emotion, and a keen sense of social critique.

Through his writings, he introduced the richness of Tamil literature to the youth at a time when English held sway due to British rule and its associated commercial advantages. His literary works span a wide range, from the Sangam Era to contemporary times. It is evident that he held Ilangoadigal, Kambar, and Bharathi—the three timeless poets—in high esteem.  Ilango Adigal, once a prince turned ascetic, penned Silapadikaaram, one of Tamil’s five great epics. His enthusiasm for Silapadikaaram was evident in his extensive writings and discussions, earning him the title “Silambu Chelvar” among scholars. Kavichakravarti Kambar, renowned for Ramavataram, the Tamil rendition of the Ramayana, was another poet who captivated him. Ma Po Si authored four books on Kambar, exploring his poetry’s essence, philosophy, influence on Mahatma Gandhi, and political teachings. Mahakavi Bharati, a towering figure from the 19th-20th century, also greatly influenced Ma Po Si. He delved deep into Bharati’s vast literary legacy through seven books, which shaped his lifestyle, political perspectives, and writings.

MaPoSi  deeply enamored by the works of Subramanya Bharathi, wrote extensively to promote and explore the poet’s legacy. His books on Bharathi spanned several decades, covering various facets of Bharathi’s life and ideology. Titles like “Vallalarum Bharathiyum” (1965), “Engal Kavi Bharathi” (1953), “Bharathiyum Aangilamum” (1961), and others delve into Bharathi’s poetry, philosophy, and his influence on Indian nationalism. Ma.Po.Si.’s profound admiration for Bharathi shaped his political and literary endeavors, influencing his approach to Tamil Nadu’s cultural and social landscape.

Similarly, MaPoSi dedicated numerous works to “Silapathikaram,” another cornerstone of Tamil literature. His writings such as “Silappatikaramum Thamizharum” (1947), “Kannagi Vazhipadu” (1950), and “Madhaviyin Manbu” (1968) aimed to propagate the epic’s moral and cultural significance. He organized the inaugural “Silapathikara Vizha” in 1950, a groundbreaking event celebrating Tamil culture and literature, which became an annual tradition under his Tamil Arasu Kazhagam.

Beyond literature, MaPoSi also highlighted the contributions of historical figures like V.O. Chidambaram Pillai through his biography “Kappalottiya Thamizhan” (1944). This work not only immortalized Pillai’s role in India’s freedom struggle but also inspired a popular Tamil film of the same name. Additionally, Ma.Po.Si.’s writings on Veerapandiya Kattabomman and Thiruvalluvar further underscore his commitment to preserving and promoting Tamil heritage and nationalist ideals.

It’s worth noting from an early age, Ma Po Si inherited faith in God and a commitment to virtuous living from his mother. These teachings fortified him against life’s challenges. He revered Vallalar as his spiritual guide, studying his works extensively. Among his eight books on Vallalar, “Vallalaar kanda Orumaipadu” stands out as a comprehensive guide to Vallalar’s theories, particularly his strong stance against atheism.

Educational Service

Despite having only a third-grade education during the British era, MaPoSi ignited the literary passion in many, unlike today’s politicians who neglect school infrastructure while promoting the opening of numerous TASMAC liquor shops. His contributions were numerous: he served as Chairman of the Education Committee for the Corporation of Madras from 1952 to 1953, and was a member of the Senate at Madras University from 1952 to 1954, among other prestigious positions. He also held roles such as member of the Senate at Madurai Kamaraj University from 1957 to 1969, and was part of the Syndicate at Madras University from 1972 to 1976. In addition, he served as a member of the Senate at Annamalai University in 1978. MaPoSi chaired numerous committees and commissions established by Madras University, and many of his books have been prescribed as textbooks in high schools and colleges, as well as reference books for postgraduate courses.

MaPoSi was also a champion of the library movement. He served as Chairman of the Madras District Local Library Authority from 1952 to 1954, and again from 1970 to 1973. Additionally, he was a member of the Tamil Nadu State Local Library Authority from 1972 to 1974. His efforts led to the establishment of a separate department for libraries in Tamil Nadu and the appointment of a Director for Libraries. He was instrumental in increasing the Library Cess from 3 paise to 5 paise, thereby enhancing library infrastructure and access to literary resources across the state.

In conclusion, MaPoSi stands as a towering figure among nationalists in Tamil Nadu, celebrated for his intellectual brilliance, literary excellence, and steadfast dedication to the nation will be remembered. His life and achievements inspire ongoing movements for language rights, social equality, and cultural revitalization in the state. His legacy continues to shine as a guiding light for Tamil identity and progressive ideals. In essence, his spirit embodies Nationalism, Divinity, and Tamil Literature, paving the path for a more inclusive and equitable future, influencing generations to come.

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