Thillaiyadi Valliammai

The story of freedom struggle of our country is full of many a chapter of unsung valour and sacrifices. The turn of events in the early 20th century in South Africa added a new dimension to the Indian freedom struggle. It also started a huge churning process against colonial rules in a large part of the world and which, almost half a century later gave birth to a number of independent nation states, thereby changing the world map for good.

The story of Thillaiyadi Valliammai is about one tiny indomitable flame of bravery that held against the mighty blows of colonial rule in South Africa.

Born in Johannesburg on 22.2.1898  to Indian migrants from Tamilnadu, Munusamy and Janaki Ammal, she was deeply influenced by the Civil Disobedience Movement started by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa and its spectacular effect on the Indian and other communities there.

On 14th March, 1913 a controversial judgment was passed rendering all marriages not covered under the Marriages Registration Act of South Africa null and void. This created a widespread apprehension among the migrant  Indians. Mahatma Gandhi started an agitation to protest this judgment. Thillaiyadi Valliammai  actively canvassed and traveled extensively. On 28th Oct. 1913 Satyagraha was launched by Kasturba in which Thillaiyadi Valliammai took the plunge. On 22nd December, 1913 she was arrested and imprisoned in Maritzburg. The rigours of the prison took a toll on her health and though released on 11th February, 1914, she died on 22nd February, 1914 at the tender age of sixteen.