Personal Details
• Full Name: Tiruppur Subrahmanya Avinashilingam Chettiar
• Date of Birth: 5 May 1903
• Place of Birth: Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu
• Father's Name: K. Subrahmanya Chettiar
• Died: 21 November 1991
Family and Early Life
• He was born in a prominent family in Tiruppur.
• He was the nephew of noted politician T. A. Ramalingam Chettiar.
• His early education was in Tiruppur, Coimbatore, and Madras.
• He graduated in Law from Madras Law College, University of Madras.
Involvement in Freedom Struggle
• Ayya actively participated in the Indian Independence Movement.
• Took part in the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement.
• He was a strong follower of Mahatma Gandhi and embraced Gandhian principles in his life.
Political Career
• Served as the Education Minister of Madras Presidency from 1946 to 1949.
• Worked under the premiers Tanguturi Prakasam and O. P. Ramaswamy Reddiyar.
• Introduced Tamil as the medium of instruction in secondary schools across the Presidency.
• Established the Tamil Valarchi Kalagam (Tamil Academy) in 1946.
• Commissioned the creation of the first Tamil Encyclopaedia (10 parts) between 1954 and 1968.
Major Contributions to Education
• Advocated for education for all, irrespective of caste.
• Encouraged the admission of Dalit and low-caste children in his school.
• Introduced education for senior citizens.
• Championed the empowerment of women through education.
• Established the Ramakrishna Vidyalaya school in 1930 at Race Course, Coimbatore, later shifting it to Perianaickenpalayam.
• Played a major role in the nationalization of Subramania Bharathi's poems.
• Created a professorship for Tamil and other Indian languages at the University of Madras.
• Introduced Thirukkural in school curriculum from 6th grade onwards.
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Social Reforms
• Worked for the upliftment of untouchables and low-caste Hindus.
• Strongly supported widow remarriage.
• Promoted Gandhian economics and simple living.
• Advocated for social equality and unity among communities.
Literary Contributions
• Authored several books in Tamil, including one based on his pilgrimage to Tirukeedaram.
• Wrote books on economics, Gandhi’s education policy, and the Wardha scheme.
• Promoted the spread of knowledge through Tamil literature.
Religious and Spiritual Influence
• Inspired by Swami Shivananda and Swami Brahmananda of the Ramakrishna Mission.
• Followed the philosophy of the Ramakrishna Mission throughout his life.
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Awards and Recognitions
• Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1970 for his contributions to education and literature.
• Received the prestigious G. D. Birla award.
• Remembered as a visionary educationist, freedom fighter, and social reformer.
Legacy
• Ayya is remembered for his tireless work towards educational reforms, social upliftment, and Gandhian principles.
• His contribution to the Tamil language, literature, and education remains invaluable.
• The Ramakrishna Vidyalaya, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Tamil Academy, and Tamil Encyclopaedia stand as monumental contributions of his life.
• His advocacy for equality in education and social upliftment has left a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu and India.
Conclusion
Tiruppur Subrahmanya Avinashilingam Chettiar Ayya was a man of vision and principle who dedicated his life to education, social equality, and freedom movement. His efforts in promoting Tamil language, empowering women, and uplifting marginalized communities have made him an everlasting figure in India's history. His legacy continues to inspire generations in the fields of education, social service, and cultural enrichment.