“Who was P. S. Kumaraswamy Raja?” I bet you are asking yourself that right now. Well, get ready to discover the story behind the name of P S Kumaraswamy Raja Road.
P S Kumaraswamy Raja Road is named after a significant figure in Indian history. He was more than just a politician. Poosapati Sanjeevi Kumaraswamy Raja was born in 1898. His early life was marked by hardship. Both his parents died when he was a child. His grandmother stepped in to raise him.
He went to an Anglo-Vernacular School. He later attended high school in Srivilliputur. His passion for newspapers and journals grew. However, he discontinued his studies in 1919.
P S Kumaraswamy Raja became deeply involved with the Indian National Congress. He served in various local government roles. These included President of Rajapalayam Union and Panchayat Court. He was also part of the District Board of Ramanathapuram.
In 1932, he was arrested for disobeying laws. In 1934, he won a seat in the central legislature. This constituency included Tirunelveli Madurai and Ramanathapuram. By 1936, he was an MLA during Rajaji’s time.
He dedicated his wealth to helping the poor. He also supported public causes. In 1946, he became a minister under T. Prakasam. He oversaw agriculture and related areas. By April 1949, he rose to become the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency. He held this office until 1952. Later, in 1954, he became the Governor of Orissa.
Annie Besant’s and Satyamurthy’s writings deeply influenced him. In 1919, he met Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi’s life and struggles inspired him.
He championed the cooperative movement. He established the Bhupathi Raju Cooperative Credit Bank. This helped local people and farmers. He also built the Congress Ponvizha Grounds. This commemorated 50 years of the All India Congress Party.
P S Kumaraswamy Raja was a proponent of separating the judiciary from the executive. He also supported prohibition and Khadi promotion. Temple entry legislation was another achievement. He donated his house to start the Gandhi Kalai Mandram. He died in 1957 in Madras.
Today P S Kumaraswamy Raja is remembered for his service. A postal stamp commemorated him. In 1998, a centenary marriage hall opened in his honor. So, as we traverse this road, remember the legacy of P. S. Kumaraswamy Raja.