Nallakannu

Early life

R.Nallakannu,was born in the temple town of Srivaikuntum, in VO. Chidambaranar district. Born in an affluent family, he was very patriotic from a young age and participated in the freedom struggle.

Political career

At the age of 15, Nallakannu joined in the communist movement, mainly agitated by the atrocities committed to the downtrodden people of a particular community. A firebrand politician, he belonged to the action force, and was handed over 14 years in jail. He was released after 7 years as a pact was signed by the communist leaders and the then chief minister of Tamil Nadu. A very dedicated, and sincere politician, he has set an example as to how a politician should live with simplicity and dignity. Highly respected even by the opponent parties, he uses most cultured restraint even when he voices his concerns about unpleasant occurrences.Respected as one of the last surviving leaders who founded the Communist movement in India. He is widely traveled, as his visits include the USSR, Germany, China,and lately, the United States.

Even at the age of 89+, as of September 26, he individually fought a court case in Madurai, and won in High court ordering a ban on digging sands from the Thamirabarani River of his native place. On 02.12.2010, the court ordered to ban the taking of sand from this river for subsequent 5 years He has undergone many a hunger strikes some lasting for more than 20 days. Once, the government built a dam because of his hunger strike. He was honoured by the Vice President of the People's Republic of China during his visit to Beijing.

Writer

As a writer, Nallakannu wrote many books based on social problems, river interaction possibilities in India, agricultural reforms,and about communist-based articles. He is also valued as a learned speaker, and a great social reformer,and all his life he fought for the equal opportunities for the socially most suffered communities. He stayed with them, had food with them, taught them how to fight for their own rights, from the upper classes and made considerable progress in lifting the living conditions of poor people in Nanguneri taluk and neighbouring villages, most of the period when he was spending his time in underground. He was, and he will do any sacrifice to uphold the principles of a casteless society. His role models were Lenin, Che, and Ho-chi-min.

In 1999, Nallakannu stood for Coimbatore constituency on loksabha elections. Even though he secured 43.21 percent of total votes, he was defeated by CP Radhakrishnan. On 14 August 2007, Nallakannu receives "Sahayogi Puraskar" award from Governor Surjit Singh Barnala of Tamil Nadu. In 2008, the state government of Tamil Nadu headed by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has chosen senior Communist Party of India leader Nallakannu for the 2007 "Ambedkar Award" for his outstanding contribution to public life, especially to the poor and the downtrodden. On 3 October 2008, Nallakannu receives "Gandhian award" for social service from All India Mahatma Gandhi Social Welfare Forum. Nallakannu was honored by "Jeeva Award" from District Writers Association on 21 January 2009 at Thiruchirapalli.