V Subbiah

V. Subbiah was born on 07th February 1911 to Shri Varatharajalu and Smt Bangaru Ammal. He began his education career in Calve College High School in Puducherry, and his political career dates from his student days by participating in the Congress Conference held at Chennai in 1927-28. His urge for nationalism made him think of Puducherry’s independence from the French.

In 1933, he started Harijan Welfare Association and arranged for the first visit of Mahatma Gandhi to Puducherry. In 1934; he started a magazine in Tamil called “Swathanthiram” (Independence). It was in this period that he came in touch with Arneer Hyder Khan and S.V. Chellam and joined the communist movement. He launched an agitation demanding the workers right to work for 8 hours per day, wage rise and trade union rights. Because of his tireless efforts, the system of 8 hours work was introduced.

In 1938, on the advice of Jawaharlal Nehru he started Mahajana Sabha, a United Political Front. He fought against fascist principles by starting a movement called ‘Combat’. He intensified the struggle from 1936-1954 for the freedom of Puducherry, from the French.

Several times he was jailed by the then British and French Governments. Puducherry achieved independence in 1954 from the French. He was elected to the first Puducherry Legislative Assembly and remained its Member till 1978 and was also Minister. He visited several foreign countries and attended various conferences. His interest in writing is evident from his several books. In 1986, Government of India listed him among 97 original thinking Freedom Fighters all over India.

V. Subbiah regarded by the people of Puducherry as ‘Leader of People, passed away on 12th October 1993.

India Post is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on V. Subbiah.