Eminent Personalities in India
2. Leader from South India
1. A.K. Gopalan :
A Congress Socialist leader from Malabar, joined CPI in 1940, was arrested after independence, but moved a Habeas Corpus petition, this secured his release and legal recognition of CPI.
2. C. Sankaran Nair :
An ardent social reformer, Congress leader, journalist and educationist, was appointed the first Indian Advocate General of Madras. Owing to his disapproval of Gandhi's political programme he discontinued his connection with Congress.
3. Chakravati Vijiraghavachari (1852-1944) :
In 1882 was the first Indian leader to suffer jail term. One of the founding members of INC, he was the President of 1920 Congress session, that adopted Non Co-operation resolution.
4. Conjeevaram Natarajan Annadurai :
A scholar, social reformer and a political leader, became a member of Justice Party. Edited 'Kudi Arasu' and 'Viduthalai', started his own weekly 'Dravida Nadu'. Later he organized DMK and became the Chief Minister of Madras.
5. C. Raja Gopalachari (1879-1972) :
Led a salt march from Trichinopoly to Vedaranniyam during Civil Disobedience Movement. He along with Bhulabhai Desai was in favour of recognizing the rights of Muslim majority provinces to secede. Became the first Indian Governor General of India. 6. C.Y. Chintamani (1880-1941) A founding member of Liberal Party and represented it at the Round Table Conference. He worked as an editor for 'The Leader', 'The Indian People' and 'The Hindustan Review'
7. EMS Namboodripad (1909-1998) :
Headed the first communist government in India in Kerela in 1957. It was also the first communist government in the world which came to power through democratic elections.
8. G. Subramanya Aiyar :
Founded 'The Hindu' as a weekly to influence public opinion in South India. Subsequently started 'Swadesh Mitran' for spreading nationalist ideas among the Tamils.
9. Jidu Krishnamurti (1895-1986) :
Besant and Theosophical society identified him as Lord Maitreya, whose arrival was awaited. An 'order of the star of the east' was created in 1911 with Jidu as its head, in 1929 it was dissolved and Jidu claimed no authority, no religion, no ideology and no programme.
10. Nageshwar Rao :
The earliest leader who wanted the creation of a separate Andhra Pradesh to fulfill Telegu speaking people's aspirations, was also the President of Andhra Mahasabha. He worked for popularizing art and culture of the region.
11. N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar (1874-1941) :
Helped in preparing the Sapru Report and later the Constitution of India. Succeded Sardar Patel as the Minister of States. An authority over Kashmir affairs he led India's case in the United Nations.
12. P. Ananda Charlu (1843 -1908) :
Co-founder of Madras Mahajan Sabha (1884), organized political campaigns in South India before INC was formed. Charlu was one of the 72 delegates who attended first session of INC.
13. Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramayya :
Nationalist and official historian of INC. In 1939 he lost the Presidential election to Subash Chandra Bose. He launched an English Journal 'Janmabhumi' He became the Governor of Madhya Pardesh.
14. S. Subramaniya lyer (1842-1924) :
Populary known as the 'Grand Old Man of South India. 'He was one of the founders of INC. Closely associated with Annie Besant. He was the first Indian to be appointed Vice Chancellor of Madras University.
15. S. Satyamurti (1887-1943) :
Known as the fireband of South India. He propogated the nationalist views in the south, became the Mayor of Madras, he prepared details of 'Poondi Dam' now known as Satyamurti Sagar. Died in detention during Quit India Movement.
16. S. Srinivasa lyengar :
Fought communal injustice in Madras as the President of Madras Social Reform Association, was also the Advocate General of Madras. He resigned from both in protest against Jallianwala Bagh massacre Later, founded Independence of India League.
17. Subba Rao Pantulu :
One of the 4 founders of English daily 'The Hindu' A freedom fighter and social reformer, one of the prime builders of modern Andhra.
18. S. Kasturi Ranga Iyengar (1859-1923) :
Well known journalist, social reformer, and political leader. Acquired 'The Hindu' in 1905. Launched powerful campaigns to rouse political sentiments through his newspaper.
19. Tangutri Prakasam (1872-1957) :
Fondly regarded as 'Andra kesari 'Lion of Andra'. He undertook the movement in Andra delta region. After independence he was the first CM of Andra Pradesh.
20. V.K. Krishana Menon (1896-1974) :
Launched an Indian Independence league in London to influence British opinion. After Independence became the High Commissioner in London & Republic of Ireland (1947-1952). He lead the Indian delegation in United Nations and was Defence Minister at the time of Chinese aggression.
21. V.S. Srinivas Shastri (1869-1946) :
Presided over the Madras session of INC (1908). Used his diplomatic skills in negotiating Lucknow pact (1916) with Muslim League. Also made lecture tours to different European countries to obtain rights for Indians settled there.