Namakkal V. Ramalingam Pillai (1888–1972) was a prominentfreedom fighter fromNamakkal, a town known for its Anjaneya temple, situated betweenSalem andMadurai. Ramalingam was born into theChozhia Vellalar community.
His father, a senior officer in the British police service, was honored by the colonial government, which offered Ramalingam the position of sub-inspector. However, he declined this offer, choosing a different path.Inspired byMahatma Gandhi, Leo Tolstoy, andSubramania Bharatiyar, Ramalingam became an active participant in Tamil Nadu's freedom movement, particularly in the areas of Namakkal and Karur.
He advocated for non-cooperation alongside leaders such asSabhapati Mudaliyar and Nagaraja Iyengar. During theVedaranyam Salt Satyagraha, he wrote a song with the refrain,"கத்தியின்றி ரத்தமின்றி யுத்தம் ஒன்று வருகுது" (translated as "without sword, without bloodshed, a war is coming") embodying the spirit of peaceful resistance. Throughout the independence struggle, from 1930 to 1947, Ramalingam was involved through his speeches, writings, and artwork. His pen drawings of nationalist leaders gained recognition in post-independence India, earning him several awards.[1]
is one of the most iconic lines written by Ramalingam Pillai during theIndian independence movement. Known for his patriotic fervor, Ramalingam Pillai used his poetry to inspire anon-violent struggle for freedom, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of ahimsa (non-violence). This particular line captures the spirit of peaceful resistance, emphasizing that the fight for independence would be waged not with weapons or violence, but with the strength of resolve and unity.
The lines"தமிழன் என்று சொல்லடா, தலை நிமிர்ந்து நில்லடா" (Say proudly you are a Tamilian, stand tall with pride) by Ramalingam also inspired patriotism and Tamil identity among the people."[2]
These iconic lines emphasize the cultural pride and unity of Tamilians, serving as a rallying cry for Tamil heritage. They are often quoted in speeches, songs, and movements to evoke a sense of belonging and pride in the Tamil language and identity. This verse is celebrated inTamil literature as a symbol of the independence movement, resonating with the ethos of civil disobedience and peaceful protest that characterized India’s path to freedom.
He also participated in theSalt Satyagraha against the British government in 1930 and went to jail for one year. He received the "Padmabhushan" award in 1971 from the Indian government.[3][4]
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