Mylai Ponnuswamy Sivagnanam (Aged 89) popularly known as Ma.Po.Si., was born on June 26th, 1906 in Salavankuppam, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu. At the age of 89, he was a politician, freedom fighter, and founder of the political party Tamil Arasu Kazhagam. He was also a prolific author, having written more than 100 books. His role in the demarcation of Tamil Nadu makes him an important figure in the state’s history. Through his efforts, the state was able to retain Madras (now renamed Chennai) and gain Tiruttani from Andhra Pradesh through his ‘the namade vs manade’ agitation.
Ma.Po.Si. even met with Sreeramulu during his fast, despite political differences, due to the high respect he had for him. Andhra Kesari Prakasam, who was with Sreeramulu, told Ma.Po.Si. that they wanted to keep Madras as their temporary capital, but Ma.Po.Si. denied the request. He held massive protests through his Tamil Arasu Kazhagam, demanding that Madras be within Tamil Nadu, which led to him being imprisoned at times. Sreeramulu eventually died during a fatal fast, increasing sympathy towards Andhra’s demand, and the ‘Madras Manade’ movement gained momentum.
Nehru appointed Vansu, a Rajasthan-based justice, to look into the Madras issue. Rajaji pressured Nehru, saying that he would resign from his post if Madras was given to Andhra. Ma.Po.Si. submitted historical and literary facts to Vansu to explain the reasons why he believed Thiruthani, Thirupathi, and Madras should be grouped within Tamil Nadu. Nehru got an opportunity to read the famous speech Ma.Po.Si. delivered in the Madras Corporation, and two thousand telegrams were sent to Nehru from Tamil Nadu emphasizing the need for Madras to be within Tamil Nadu. Finally, Madras was attached to Tamil Nadu through the great efforts of Ma.Po.Si. However, Tirupati was not included.
Ma.Po.Si. wanted to spread the merits of Silapathikaram throughout the world. In 1950, he conducted the ‘Silapathikara Vizha’ for the first time in Tamil History. Various books written by him, such as Veerapandia Kattabomman, Kappalottiyathamizhan, Vallalar Kanda Orumaippaadu, Kamban Kaviyin bam, Kalingaththu parani, and Bharathiyaarin Paadhaiyile, have been prescribed as textbooks for high schools, colleges, and reference books for post-graduate courses. He passed away on October 3rd, 1995 in Chennai.
Ma. Po. Sivagnanam
(1906 – 1995) – (Tamilnadu)
Mylai Ponnuswamy Sivagnanam (Aged 89) popularly known as Ma.Po.Si., was born on June 26th, 1906 in Salavankuppam, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu. At the age of 89, he was a politician, freedom fighter, and founder of the political party Tamil Arasu Kazhagam. He was also a prolific author, having written more than 100 books. His role in the demarcation of Tamil Nadu makes him an important figure in the state’s history. Through his efforts, the state was able to retain Madras (now renamed Chennai) and gain Tiruttani from Andhra Pradesh through his ‘the namade vs manade’ agitation.
Ma.Po.Si. even met with Sreeramulu during his fast, despite political differences, due to the high respect he had for him. Andhra Kesari Prakasam, who was with Sreeramulu, told Ma.Po.Si. that they wanted to keep Madras as their temporary capital, but Ma.Po.Si. denied the request. He held massive protests through his Tamil Arasu Kazhagam, demanding that Madras be within Tamil Nadu, which led to him being imprisoned at times. Sreeramulu eventually died during a fatal fast, increasing sympathy towards Andhra’s demand, and the ‘Madras Manade’ movement gained momentum.
Nehru appointed Vansu, a Rajasthan-based justice, to look into the Madras issue. Rajaji pressured Nehru, saying that he would resign from his post if Madras was given to Andhra. Ma.Po.Si. submitted historical and literary facts to Vansu to explain the reasons why he believed Thiruthani, Thirupathi, and Madras should be grouped within Tamil Nadu. Nehru got an opportunity to read the famous speech Ma.Po.Si. delivered in the Madras Corporation, and two thousand telegrams were sent to Nehru from Tamil Nadu emphasizing the need for Madras to be within Tamil Nadu. Finally, Madras was attached to Tamil Nadu through the great efforts of Ma.Po.Si. However, Tirupati was not included.
Ma.Po.Si. wanted to spread the merits of Silapathikaram throughout the world. In 1950, he conducted the ‘Silapathikara Vizha’ for the first time in Tamil History. Various books written by him, such as Veerapandia Kattabomman, Kappalottiyathamizhan, Vallalar Kanda Orumaippaadu, Kamban Kaviyin bam, Kalingaththu parani, and Bharathiyaarin Paadhaiyile, have been prescribed as textbooks for high schools, colleges, and reference books for post-graduate courses. He passed away on October 3rd, 1995 in Chennai.
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