Chennai, India chakravif@gmail.com +919962716812

Masillamani

(1886 – ★) – (Tamilnadu)

Masillamani Pillai was born in Kompadi, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu in 1886, which was the birthplace of the Indian National Congress movement. He received his education from St. Francis Xavier School in Thoothukudi. By occupation, he was a carpenter and used to make wheels for scratching in his woodshop, which he distributed free of charge to spread his message. He encouraged his family to spin the yarn at the wheel and wear it. Due to his efforts to spread the word about liberation and the need for Indian independence, he was nicknamed “Simmakkuralon” and became a well-known speaker in Tamil Nadu. Masillamani translated the speeches of famous freedom fighters like Gandhi and Nehru from English to Tamil.

In 1930, Masillamani was imprisoned for a year and fined Rs. 200 for participating in the Salt Satyagraha. The arrest of three generals from Thoothukudi created an uproar in the city. He attended the All India Congress Conference in Karachi in 1931, where he spoke in support of Gandhiji’s resolution on fundamental rights. He conducted a personal satyagraha in front of the Thoothukudi Panimaya Mata Temple in 1941, for which he was imprisoned for six months and fined Rs. 200. He was jailed for an additional two months for refusing to pay the fine. He also participated in the 1942 ‘Get Out White’ protest and was imprisoned for 30 months in Tirunelveli, Vellore, Thanjavur, Salem, and Kannanur jails.

Masillamani ran a school for the elderly at his own expense and participated in anti-World War II protests with his wife, Jepamani, who also supported the liberation struggle and mobilized women. The couple was arrested for their participation and were the first couple arrested in Thoothukudi for this cause. After Masillamani’s death, his heirs published a booklet on his life, and some streets in Thoothukudi are named ‘Masillamani Puram’ in his honor.

In conclusion, Masillamani Pillai was a courageous and dedicated patriot who spent his life fighting for Indian independence and the welfare of his community. His contributions and sacrifices have made him a beloved figure in Tamil Nadu’s Tamil Nadu’s history.