The 15th Anniversary of Marathiya Manila Thevar Munnetra Peravai

T he 15th Anniversary of Marathiya Manila Thevar Munnetra Peravai, the apex organization representing the Thevar community was held on Sunday, 17th April at Shanmukhananda Auditorium in the presence of Founder-President Dr. R Varadarajan & organization President Mr. P.S.K Muthuramalingam. The main aim of this function was to pay tribute to the kings, queens & soldiers, of the Thevar community, who laid the foundation for the freedom movement and became martyrs during India’s freedom struggle.

“The role played by South Indians in the freedom struggle has not been properly brought to light by historians, though they were the first to oppose British Raj, a century before the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny. The Marudhu Pandiyar brothers — Periya Marudhu and Chinna Marudhu — who were hanged due to their revolutionary acts, issued a proclamation of independence from the British in 1801”, shared Dr. R Varadarajan and Mr. P.S.K Muthuramalingam. Another freedom fighter, Pasumpon Muthuramalingam Thevar, was mentioned for the role he played in garnering support from South India for Subhash Chandra Bose.

The objective of this event was to instill patriotic fervor in the younger generation by bringing alive the heroic stories of these warriors. Respect was paid to five great warriors of Thevar Community, Puli Thevar, Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar, Marudhu Pandiyars, Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rebel Muthuramalinga Thevar.

The program included screening of a 20-min documentary titled ‘Contributions of the Thevar Community to the Indian freedom Movement’ in the presence of several dignitaries like Mr. Rahul Shewale, MP, MLA Captain Tamil Selvan and Smt Snehal Ambekar, Mayor of Mumbai. Eminent Speakers from the state of Tamil Nadu graced the occasion with their worthy presence.

A special mention was made of Rani Velu Nachiyar, a scion of a Royal family in Tamil Nadu, who was one of the early women freedom fighters to oppose the British regime. She had revolted against the British Empire almost 8 decades before the Uprising of 1857, the highlight of which was the part played by Rani of Jhansi. Dr. R. Varadarajan said, “At a time when women were oppressed, Rani Velu Nachiyar valiantly fought in the 1740s, opposing the tax levied by the British.”

Dr. R Vardarajan also added “Tamil Nadu Government is taking steps to honour these freedom fighters and their contribution to Indian Freedom Struggle. Tamil Nadu Government has already constructed memorials in honour of Vellai Thevan, Marudhu Pandiyar brothers (Periya Marudhu and Chinna Marudhu) and Rani Velu Nachiyar. In coming months, the Government will construct memorials for the other freedom fighters as well”.

On this occasion the association also took the opportunity to recognize the talent and award the needy and deserving students, teachers, industrialists, senior citizens, hearing impaired students, sportsmen and women achievers from the Thevar Community. A special felicitation was done for students of who had scored more than 90% in their school examinations. Appliances like grinders and sewing machines were donated to needy women to help them earn their livelihood.

Madhoo, Bollywood actress, of Roja fame was felicitated during the event. This event was attended by more than 3000 people from various parts of Maharashtra.

The aim of the organization is to make people aware of the contribution of the Thevar community to our society right from India’s freedom struggle to modern day industry. The Marathiya Manila Thevar Munnetra Peravai, is a Maharashtra based organization and aims to spread its wing all over the country in the near future thus gaining recognition for the community and its contribution to India.