Person in News: Subramanya Siva
Context:
Subramanya Siva from Tamil Nadu is remembered for his significant contributions to the Indian independence movement.
A memorial honoring his legacy, which includes a recently inaugurated library and a bronze icon of Bharat Mata stands in Dharmapuri district fulfilling a dream he envisioned nearly a century ago.
Contributions to Freedom Movement:
Siva was a powerful orator who became deeply involved in the freedom struggle.
He was a close associate of V. O. Chidambaram Pillai and together they organized strikes and rallies, including the 1908 Coral Mills Strike in Tuticorin.
For his seditious speeches and anti-British activities, he was arrested along with VOC in 1908 and sentenced to a harsh prison term.
He was treated inhumanely and unfortunately contracted leprosy while in Coimbatore jail.
Literary Contributions:
He ran newspapers like 'Gnana Bhanu', which was highly acclaimed for its literary merit and published some of the patriotic songs of the poet Subramania Bharati.
He also authored books such as Ramanuja Vijayam and Madhva Vijayam.
Bharat Mata Temple:
In his final years, he moved to Papparapatti and envisioned the construction of a temple dedicated to Bharat Mata.
The foundation stone was laid by Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, though Siva did not live to see the project completed.