A Symbol of Simplicity and Ideological Integrity.

Comrade R. Nallakannu – Life and Character

In Tamil Nadu politics, Comrade R. Nallakannu stood as a leader who practiced simplicity, honesty, and ideological commitment in real life. The way he lived itself is considered a lesson in politics.

1️⃣ Birth and Education

Date of Birth: 26 December 1925
Place: Srivaikuntam (then Tirunelveli district)
Parents: Ramasamy – Karuppayi

He was born as the third son in a large agricultural family.

Education:
✔️ Karanesan School, Srivaikuntam – SSLC
✔️ MDT Hindu College, Tirunelveli – Intermediate
✔️ Studied B.O.L. (Bachelor of Oriental Learning) in Tamil (discontinued midway)

👉 Due to his patriotism and sensitivity to social injustice, he left his studies and entered political life.

2️⃣ Influence of the Freedom Movement

During his school days, he participated in activities against British rule.

✔️ Gathered children and created awareness by singing Bharathiyar songs
✔️ Introduced to communist ideology through his teacher Balavesam

1943–44:
✔️ Founded the organization “Kalai Thondar Kazhagam”
✔️ Collected funds to build the Bharathi Memorial Hall at Ettayapuram

3️⃣ Joining the Communist Movement (1944)

In 1944, he became a member of the Communist Party of India.

✔️ Worked in the editorial team at the Chennai “Janasakthi” office
✔️ Later left city life and engaged in the Tirunelveli District Agricultural Workers Union activities

👉 He chose to live among rural people instead of urban comforts.

4️⃣ Ban Period and Torture

1948: Went underground after the Communist Party was banned.
1949: Arrested.

Police torture included:
✔️ Pulling out his moustache
✔️ Tearing his hair

Even when pressured to reveal comrades’ hideouts, he protected the secrets.

👉 Firm ideology – unshakable mindset.

5️⃣ Prison Life

✔️ Nanguneri Sub-Jail – 1 year
✔️ Linked to the Nellai conspiracy case
✔️ Life imprisonment at the age of 29
✔️ 7 years in prison
✔️ Released in 1956

👉 Prison life itself became a part of his struggle.

6️⃣ Family Life

Marriage: 5 June 1958 – Ranjitham
(Daughter of anti-caste activist Annachamy)

His wife was a teacher and supported his public life.
2016: Ranjitham passed away

Daughters: Kasi Bharathi, Andal

7️⃣ Political Responsibilities

✔️ 25 years – President, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Workers Union
✔️ 13 years – State Secretary, Communist Party of India (Tamil Nadu)
✔️ Member of the party’s Central Committee
✔️ National Control Commission Chairman

👉 He served as the voice of farmers and workers’ rights.

8️⃣ Symbol of Simplicity

Important incidents reflecting his simplicity:

✔️ 80th birthday – ₹1 crore collected → donated to the party
✔️ 2007 Ambedkar Award ₹1 lakh → half to the party, half to the farmers’ union
✔️ A gifted car → donated to the party
✔️ 2022 “Thagaisal Tamilar” Award ₹10 lakh → ₹10,05,000 donated to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund

👉 A leader who kept nothing for himself.

9️⃣ Political Character

✔️ Respected by leaders of all parties including former Chief Ministers Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa
✔️ Maintained ideological firmness till the end
✔️ Integrity in public life and simplicity in personal life

🔟 Historical Significance

R. Nallakannu:

✔️ Inspired by the freedom movement
✔️ Firm in Marxist ideology
✔️ Prison, torture, and bans never changed his convictions
✔️ A model of political ethics

Summary

Comrade R. Nallakannu:

✔️ Embodiment of simplicity
✔️ Leader with strong ideological commitment
✔️ Selfless politician
✔️ Voice of farmers and workers’ movements

He was a great personality who proved through his life the values rarely seen in today’s politics.