Centenary Celebration of Freedom Fighter and CPI Leader R. Nallakannu
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Chennai, Dec 26 (NationPress) The esteemed freedom fighter and CPI leader R. Nallakannu commemorates his 100th birthday today (December 26).
Born in Srivaikuntam, located in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district, Nallakannu was the third among 10 siblings of Ramasamy and Karupai. Motivated by the freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi, he began engaging in Congress activities during his school years, despite facing resistance from his father.
At the age of 17, in 1943, he embraced Communist ideology and joined the CPI while studying at The Hindu College in Madurai, part of Tirunelveli.
In 1948, following the ban on the Communist Party in Independent India, Nallakannu was apprehended on December 20, 1949, and endured torture while in police custody.
As stated by CPI Tamil Nadu state assistant secretary M. Veerapandian, Nallakannu faced brutal treatment, including having his moustache burned with a cigarette by an officer.
He was implicated in the Nellai Conspiracy Case with other Communist leaders, such as P. Manickam and Mayandi Bharathi. Nallakannu received a life sentence and spent seven years in prison before his release in 1956. He played a crucial role in founding farmers’ movements in Tamil Nadu.
In 1946, he was assigned to work for Janashakti, the CPI party's publication, but he requested to return to grassroots engagement with farmers.
Nallakannu served as the state secretary of the CPI’s farmers’ wing for 25 years. He also led the CPI’s Odukkapattor Vazhvurimai Iyakkam (Oppressed People’s Movement for Right to Live) and was a lifelong advocate against untouchability, promoting inter-caste and inter-religious marriages.
During caste riots in southern Tamil Nadu, Nallakannu undertook a padayatra through the affected districts to foster peace. Despite the murder of his father-in-law, Annasami, during the riots, he utilized the financial assistance from the government for his father-in-law’s death to support children from both affected communities.
His suggestion led to the DMK government renaming districts and transport corporations named after political leaders, which helped alleviate caste-related tensions.
Renowned for his unwavering integrity, Nallakannu is respected across political spectra.
Former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi once remarked, “Thanthai Periyar is one eye, and Nallakannu is the other.”
Unlike many politicians, Nallakannu has never sought personal wealth. When the CPI’s Tamil Nadu unit raised Rs 1 crore for his 80th birthday, he redirected the contributions to the party.
He also donated the Rs 10 lakh cash prize from the Thagaisal Thamizhar Award to the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund and split the Rs 1 lakh cash prize from the Ambedkar Award in 2008 between the party and its farmers’ organization.
Nallakannu is an avid reader and writer who collaborated with key figures in Tamil Nadu’s Communist movement, including Jeevanandham, K.T.K. Thangamani, K. Baladhandayutham, and C. Subramaniam.
As he celebrates his 100th birthday today, Nallakannu is honored as a model leader of integrity, dedication, and selflessness -- a living testament to Tamil Nadu’s political and social legacy.
