{"id":63,"date":"2020-07-30T08:28:13","date_gmt":"2020-07-30T08:28:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kmchandy.org\/?page_id=63"},"modified":"2020-07-30T16:20:18","modified_gmt":"2020-07-30T16:20:18","slug":"freedom-movement-and-national-integration","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kmchandy.org\/index.php\/freedom-movement-and-national-integration\/","title":{"rendered":"Freedom movement and National integration"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Prof: K.M. Chandy<\/em> was born at Meenachil taluk of erstwhile Travancore Kingdom, which was ruled by the King, (Maharaja) under the British Empire. In his childhood days he was influenced by the social changes and the desire for democratic reforms unleashed by Sree Naryana Guru<\/em> and Mahatama Gandhi<\/em>. After Malayalam memorial the famous Niivarathana<\/em> movement for inclusion of Ezhavas, Christians and Muslims in Sree Mulam Praja sabha took place. Prof: Chandy<\/em> was only 14 years old. He happened to attend a public meeting at Pala. He was moved by the story of Yatin Das, an eighteen year old, who was on hunger strike; died in Bengal Prison. Later Nivarthana movement gave birth to Travancore Sate Congress. Mr. Pattom Thannu Pillai<\/em> was the President and Mr.T.M.Varghese <\/em>was the brain behind the formation of State Congress. Sir C.P. Rama Sawamy Iyer (Sir CP) was the Divan of Travancore and he ruled the kingdom with iron fist. There was no justice for the poor and common citizens. Sir CP devised all types of physical and mental torcher methods to suppress dissidence.  The State Congress leaders and the common people who were taken to custody were subjected to physical violence in police lock ups for several days and many lost their lives immediately or after release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sree Mulam sabha consisted of nominated members and representatives of communities based on allotted quotas for each community; elected by high land taxpaying citizens of respective communities. It never represented general public. The Sree Mulam sabha had its sessions in Victoria Jubilee memorial hall (VJT hall). The Government College was near VJT hall. After session, when the state congress leaders came out of VJT hall the students used cheer the leaders of the congress and they heckled the divan, when he was leaving hall. Infuriated CP decided to teach a lesson. On July 1938 he ordered the horse mounted army and police to enter the college campus and beat up the students. Many students were severely injured and many were arrested and tortured in lock up. Prof:<\/em> K. M. Chandy<\/em> was studying at ST. Burkmans College Changanacherry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He organized a protest march of SB College students and a protest meeting was held in Changnacherry town near boat jetty<\/em><\/strong>. Chandy and tweleve co students were expelled from college and hostels. Next day they started a satyagraha in front of college. More students joined the protest. Public figures like Prakulam Bhasi, P.R.Madhavan Pillai, A.A. Rahim, Perunna K.N. Nair<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>and large number of people visited satygraha venue offering support<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The students asked Chandy to prepare a report on satygraha and present it to News paper. He prepared the report and shown it to Sree Mammen Mapillai<\/em>, Managing editor of Malayala Manorama<\/em>. Mammen Mapillai<\/em> gave the detailed news on next day\u2019s news paper. Many students who were afraid to join the stir started to join the unrest. The news paper report drew public attention and people began to gather at changnacherry from neighboring areas The College principal called the congress leaders like Sree K.M. Kora and Sree P.J. Sebastin for discussion. <\/em>The College authorities unconditionally withdrew the expulsion order. <\/em>This was probably the first student revolt in entire Kerala. In 1938 August State Congress declared non corporation and violation of laws; students boycotted classes. K.M. Chandy participated actively in this struggle boycotting classes<\/strong>. K.M.Chandy<\/em> had close association with Mr. M.P. Paul<\/em>, who taught in SB College and later resigned from College due to differences with the Management. Mr. Paul<\/em> was a well known nationalist and worn only Khadi clothes. Wearing khadi was an offense, attracting police arrests. K.M. Chandy<\/em> started wearing Khadi clothes, which he continued till his death. In 1938 Mrs Acamma Cherian<\/em> of Karippaparambil resigned her job of Head mistress and took charge of State congress dictator, when all other congress leaders were in jail. She reached Thiruvanathapuram from Mathurai on Mharajas birth day. She led ten thousand congress volunteers and general public to Maharajas palace to submit a memorandum. Horse mounted army and armed police attacked the procession and Colonel Walots took revolver and pointed to the procession. Miss Acamma<\/em> told the Colonel \u201cif you want to shoot; you shoot me first\u201d.  Hearing this public became very bold and courageous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Tagore Academy : KM Chandy (green circle), KR narayanan(red circle), Stalwart G. Ramachandran (yellow circle), K.P. Hormis (violet circle)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Prof: K.M.Chandy<\/em> joined Government Arts College (University College) Thiruvanathapuram for BA (Hon\u2019s) English literature. Mr.G. Ramachandran<\/em> happened to visit University College for recruiting students to the Congress Organization.  He could impress Chandy and Chandy<\/em> became a regular visitor to Ramachandran\u2019s residence. Mr. G. Ramachandran<\/em> took MA degree from Ravindranath Tagore\u2019s Viswa<\/em> Bharati University<\/em> and underwent training at Gandhi Ashram<\/em>. Evenings Chandy<\/em> brought several students to Ramachandrans<\/em> residence at Thycaddu. They discussed Gandhian ideology, nationalism, Tagore literature and Tagore\u2019s poems. Dr.Soundram Ramachandran<\/em> wife of Ramachandran was an active participant. She showed her motherly affection towards the students. These meetings were later led to the formation of Tagore Academy<\/em><\/strong>. Mr.Chandy <\/em>could manage to enroll several students, who were not involved in politics in Tagore Academy. Sree K.R Naryan<\/em> (Former President of India) was one among them. The Divan sensed the danger from the activity of the Academy and banned Tagore academy. However, Chandy<\/em> continued the operation of the Academy secretively. The university union elections were manipulated by the Divan. Only supporters of Kings Rule were elected. They Put sons of high ranking bureaucrats or relatives of ruling class as candidates and secretly threatened the students. Mr.<\/em> K. Balakrishanan<\/em> son of C. Kesavan<\/em> was in the University College. They decided to challenge this procedure. Mr. Balakrishnan<\/em> contested for president\u2019s post of University union and Chand<\/em>y canvassed for him. Balakrishan <\/em>won the contest and infuriated Divan and University authorities; expelled Balakrisha<\/em>n and debarred him from university. During the university days Chandy<\/em> used to attend many political meetings and interacted with congress leaders.  These interactions inculcated deep national fervor in him. In those days Sree C.R. Das<\/em>, Sree M.K. Kumaran<\/em> and Sree Ravindra Verma<\/em> were students at Arts College and they also participated in political activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prof: K.M. Chandy<\/em> passed BA (Hon) with good marks. He did not apply for Government jobs though it was very easy to get a job with the University degree. Many of erstwhile colleagues joined government services. His father Sree Mathai Chandy<\/em> was a leading hill produce merchant at Pala town market<\/em>. Mathai Chandy<\/em> had to apply for permits and licenses because he was a leading merchant and business man of Pala. He educated his son for helping him to draft letters to government authorities. On returning to Pala he started working with local congress workers. His father was so affectionate to his son, so it was unthinkable for him to see his son suffer under police custody. His fears were further enhanced by fellow merchants, who taunted him, whenever reports appeared about police brutality and arrests of congress members. They would taunt him that the next victim would be his son. However, his father appreciated son\u2019s activity in his heart. He was a regular reader of Malayala Manoroma<\/em>, which was supporting the State congress. Prof: K. M. Chandy<\/em> and his younger brother Sree K.M.Zacharia<\/em> were sent to Malabar for starting cultivation of agriculture land. Mr. Zacharia<\/em> was also actively involved in 1938 students\u2019 boycott of classes. They purchased land at Kulluthuvayil<\/em> of Kozhikode district<\/em>. However, chand<\/em>y took this opportunity to participate in national movement. Though the Travancore state<\/em> Congress <\/em>was sympathetic to national freedom movement led by Indian National Congress<\/em> it never directly involved in it. The State Congress was rather interested in securing democratic rule in Travncore. Mr. chandy<\/em> spend most of his time visiting Congress leaders of Malabar and attending congress meetings. Sree K. Kelappan, Sree Moidu Molouvi, Sree Kozhipurath Madhava Menon, Sree K.Damodhra Menon <\/em>and large number Congress leaders interacted with Mr. Chandy<\/em>. Large number of peasants from Travancore were migrating to Malabar due to poverty and deprivation. These people faced lot of difficulty. Chandy brought plight of migrants to congress leaders. Meanwhile Mr. Chandy<\/em> was down with Malaria. His father asked his sons to sell the land and immediately return to Pala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 During this period Communist Party of India started different attitude towards national movement. They started anti Jap movement in Travancore. In Pala also they opened a Branch of anti Jap movement. Many congress workers attended their classes. Comrade Shri M.N. Govindan Nair<\/em> regularly conducted classes. They did it for garnering support for Allied forces of Second World War of which Soviet Union was a part. Initially Chandy<\/em> attended the meetings; he and others left it, when communists condemned \u201cQuit India Movemnt\u201d. The anti Jap movement considerably weakened Meenachil Taluk congress. Some left congress and Joined Communist Party. Mathai Chandy\u2019s<\/em> health started deterioting and he stopped his business at Pala town and moved the business to his residence. He obtained a license for ration shop. Soon Mathai Chandy\u2019s<\/em> health deteriorated further.  He expired in July 1945 and Chandy had to bear the burden of entire family at the age of 24. Chandy<\/em> changed ration shops licence in his name. Those days ration distribution involved lot of corrupt practices. Chandy<\/em> fought against these corrupt practices. Huge amount of donations were collected from dealers for Maharajas birth day. Chandy <\/em>refused to Pay. Travancore State secretary issued a notification cancelling Chandy\u2019s ration license; citing Mr. Chandy was engaged in subversive activities against State of Travancore<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Mr.R. V. Thomas<\/em> was dictator of State Congress in Meenachil Taluk committee. Mr. P .T. Chacko<\/em> was the secretary.  He moved to Kottayam for his law practice. R .V. Thomas appointed <\/strong>Prof: K. M. Chandy<\/em><\/strong> as the secretary of Meenachil Taluk committee of State Congress<\/strong>. Sree R. V. Thomas and Prof: K. M. chandy<\/em> actively organized the freedom struggle in the taluk. They successfully conducted public congress meeting at Pala. This gave boost to congress organization. Divan immediately racked up an old case against Mr. Thomas; arrested and punished him for addressing Maharaja \u201chim\u201d (adhem in Malayalam).  Chandy<\/em> was also a speaker in meetings addressed by R. V. Thomas<\/em>. After his arrest the full responsibility of Taluk State Congress committee fell on the shoulders of Mr. Chandy<\/em>. The arrest R. V. Thomas<\/em> actually energized the congress. The congress workers became very active. There were several congress leaders in Pala and adjoining places. They were Mr. David Maha Pillai<\/em>,who was trained in Mahatama Gandhi Asram and Dr. N. K. warrier<\/em>, who participated in salt march and satyagraha. The youth leaders of Menachil taluk were Mr. T.V.  Joseph Thumbassery; Mr. I. D. Chacko Machianni; Mr. P. T. Chacko; Mr. R .T. Thomas; Mr. Chacko Kadambukattil; Mr. P. S. Gopalapillai; Mr. Mani J. Vettom; Mr. Vettoor , Raman Nair;Mr. K. V. John Koickal; Prof: V. J. Mathai;Mr. P. R. Achuthan; Dr. Thomas Ellamthottum; Mr. P. C. Joseph Puvathunkal<\/em> and innumerable number of youngsters. The State Congress faced considerable financial crunch. The Second World War caused recession and scarcity. C.P. used these for tactical movement to weaken the Congress. Major Communal organization like NSS and SNDP moved out of the congress agitation for representative rule and religious leadership of Christian communities were not ready to oppose CP.  In these circumstances a large number youth began to move towards communists. I.D. Chacko<\/em> was one that moved to anti Jap program of Communist Party of India. Sir C. P. Ramaswamy Iyer understood that the British rule is going to end soon. Sir C.P had good knowledge about laws. He argued that once British left India all covenants and agreement British Government entered with native rulers became null and void. Hence Travancore would become free. On 16th<\/sup> January of 1946 he proposed \u2018American model of administrative Reform\u2019, which envisaged the Divan would be executive head, with an elected assembly. A swantra Travancore (Independent Travancore) without joining Indian Union was the idea behind this. Soon an order issued on 21st<\/sup> January extending the term of Divan Sir C.P. Ramaswamy  Iyer for five years. By this time Prof: Chandy<\/em> moved from local politics to state level. He and other youth leaders argued that at any cost they should oppose this move. Many old leaders in the State Congress were not very keen to oppose Divan\u2019s move for separate country. However, large numbers of Congress leaders were of the view a strong agitation and even a violent agitation was necessary to get democratic rule. These leaders included Mr. C. Kesavan; Mr. Kumblathu Sankupillai; Mr. P.T. Chacko; Prof: K. M. Chandy; Mr. Mathew Manniangadan; Ponnara Sreedharn; Mr. Cherian, J. Kappan and Mr. N. Sreekandan Nair<\/em><\/strong>. This group was of the opinion that the support of any group, which opposed CP should be sought. They even suggested that they could support Communist party, which already began organizing the labour and peasant community against Independent Travncore and \u2018American Model.\u2019 Senior leaders like Pattom Thannu pillai and T.M Verghes<\/em>e were of opinion that Communists would unleash violent agitation.  Mean while Meenachil Taluk Congress committee passed a resolution asking reorganization of state committee with Kumbaluthu Sanku Pilla as president and C. Kesevan secretary.<\/em><\/strong>  CP was carefully watching the situation and he thought of creating wedge between moderates and extremist. He selectively released leaders who were opposing Communist connection and arresting others one by one. Youth including Prof: Chandy<\/em> came to the view that a showdown with the Government and Sir CP was inevitable and to prepare the congress workers they organized training camp at Koottickal near Mundakayam. The Congress workers of Meenachill and Kanjirapilli taluks attended the camp; R.V. Thomas also attended the camp. Several such camps were organized in different parts of the state.  Finally congress leaders agreed that Sir C.P was playing tricks to continue as Divan and delay democratic rule. They decided to oppose the \u2018American Model\u2019. Chandy moved around; organized several public meetings; and spoke against \u201cIndependent Travancore\u201d and asked people to oppose it. By this time Divan decided to take action against Prof: Chandy<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Prof: K.M. Chandy<\/em> passed BA (Hon) with good marks. He did not apply for Government jobs though it was very easy to get a job with the University degree. Many of erstwhile colleagues joined government services. His father Sree Mathai Chandy<\/em> was a leading hill produce merchant at Pala town market<\/em>. Mathai Chandy<\/em> had to apply for permits and licenses because he was a leading merchant and business man of Pala. He educated his son for helping him to draft letters to government authorities. On returning to Pala he started working with local congress workers. His father was so affectionate to his son, so it was unthinkable for him to see his son suffer under police custody. His fears were further enhanced by fellow merchants, who taunted him, whenever reports appeared about police brutality and arrests of congress members. They would taunt him that the next victim would be his son. However, his father appreciated son\u2019s activity in his heart. He was a regular reader of Malayala Manoroma<\/em>, which was supporting the State congress. Prof: K. M. Chandy<\/em> and his younger brother Sree K.M.Zacharia<\/em> were sent to Malabar for starting cultivation of agriculture land. Mr. Zacharia<\/em> was also actively involved in 1938 students\u2019 boycott of classes. They purchased land at Kulluthuvayil<\/em> of Kozhikode district<\/em>. However, chand<\/em>y took this opportunity to participate in national movement. Though the Travancore state<\/em> Congress <\/em>was sympathetic to national freedom movement led by Indian National Congress<\/em> it never directly involved in it. The State Congress was rather interested in securing democratic rule in Travncore. Mr. chandy<\/em> spend most of his time visiting Congress leaders of Malabar and attending congress meetings. Sree K. Kelappan, Sree Moidu Molouvi, Sree Kozhipurath Madhava Menon, Sree K.Damodhra Menon <\/em>and large number Congress leaders interacted with Mr. Chandy<\/em>. Large number of peasants from Travancore were migrating to Malabar due to poverty and deprivation. These people faced lot of difficulty. Chandy brought plight of migrants to congress leaders. Meanwhile Mr. Chandy<\/em> was down with Malaria. His father asked his sons to sell the land and immediately return to Pala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 During this period Communist Party of India started different attitude towards national movement. They started anti Jap movement in Travancore. In Pala also they opened a Branch of anti Jap movement. Many congress workers attended their classes. Comrade Shri M.N. Govindan Nair<\/em> regularly conducted classes. They did it for garnering support for Allied forces of Second World War of which Soviet Union was a part. Initially Chandy<\/em> attended the meetings; he and others left it, when communists condemned \u201cQuit India Movemnt\u201d. The anti Jap movement considerably weakened Meenachil Taluk congress. Some left congress and Joined Communist Party. Mathai Chandy\u2019s<\/em> health started deterioting and he stopped his business at Pala town and moved the business to his residence. He obtained a license for ration shop. Soon Mathai Chandy\u2019s<\/em> health deteriorated further.  He expired in July 1945 and Chandy had to bear the burden of entire family at the age of 24. Chandy<\/em> changed ration shops licence in his name. Those days ration distribution involved lot of corrupt practices. Chandy<\/em> fought against these corrupt practices. Huge amount of donations were collected from dealers for Maharajas birth day. Chandy <\/em>refused to Pay. Travancore State secretary issued a notification cancelling Chandy\u2019s ration license; citing Mr. Chandy was engaged in subversive activities against State of Travancore<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Mr.R. V. Thomas<\/em> was dictator of State Congress in Meenachil Taluk committee. Mr. P .T. Chacko<\/em> was the secretary.  He moved to Kottayam for his law practice. R .V. Thomas appointed <\/strong>Prof: K. M. Chandy<\/em><\/strong> as the secretary of Meenachil Taluk committee of State Congress<\/strong>. Sree R. V. Thomas and Prof: K. M. chandy<\/em> actively organized the freedom struggle in the taluk. They successfully conducted public congress meeting at Pala. This gave boost to congress organization. Divan immediately racked up an old case against Mr. Thomas; arrested and punished him for addressing Maharaja \u201chim\u201d (adhem in Malayalam).  Chandy<\/em> was also a speaker in meetings addressed by R. V. Thomas<\/em>. After his arrest the full responsibility of Taluk State Congress committee fell on the shoulders of Mr. Chandy<\/em>. The arrest R. V. Thomas<\/em> actually energized the congress. The congress workers became very active. There were several congress leaders in Pala and adjoining places. They were Mr. David Maha Pillai<\/em>,who was trained in Mahatama Gandhi Asram and Dr. N. K. warrier<\/em>, who participated in salt march and satyagraha. The youth leaders of Menachil taluk were Mr. T.V.  Joseph Thumbassery; Mr. I. D. Chacko Machianni; Mr. P. T. Chacko; Mr. R .T. Thomas; Mr. Chacko Kadambukattil; Mr. P. S. Gopalapillai; Mr. Mani J. Vettom; Mr. Vettoor , Raman Nair;Mr. K. V. John Koickal; Prof: V. J. Mathai;Mr. P. R. Achuthan; Dr. Thomas Ellamthottum; Mr. P. C. Joseph Puvathunkal<\/em> and innumerable number of youngsters. The State Congress faced considerable financial crunch. The Second World War caused recession and scarcity. C.P. used these for tactical movement to weaken the Congress. Major Communal organization like NSS and SNDP moved out of the congress agitation for representative rule and religious leadership of Christian communities were not ready to oppose CP.  In these circumstances a large number youth began to move towards communists. I.D. Chacko<\/em> was one that moved to anti Jap program of Communist Party of India. Sir C. P. Ramaswamy Iyer understood that the British rule is going to end soon. Sir C.P had good knowledge about laws. He argued that once British left India all covenants and agreement British Government entered with native rulers became null and void. Hence Travancore would become free. On 16th<\/sup> January of 1946 he proposed \u2018American model of administrative Reform\u2019, which envisaged the Divan would be executive head, with an elected assembly. A swantra Travancore (Independent Travancore) without joining Indian Union was the idea behind this. Soon an order issued on 21st<\/sup> January extending the term of Divan Sir C.P. Ramaswamy  Iyer for five years. By this time Prof: Chandy<\/em> moved from local politics to state level. He and other youth leaders argued that at any cost they should oppose this move. Many old leaders in the State Congress were not very keen to oppose Divan\u2019s move for separate country. However, large numbers of Congress leaders were of the view a strong agitation and even a violent agitation was necessary to get democratic rule. These leaders included Mr. C. Kesavan; Mr. Kumblathu Sankupillai; Mr. P.T. Chacko; Prof: K. M. Chandy; Mr. Mathew Manniangadan; Ponnara Sreedharn; Mr. Cherian, J. Kappan and Mr. N. Sreekandan Nair<\/em><\/strong>. This group was of the opinion that the support of any group, which opposed CP should be sought. They even suggested that they could support Communist party, which already began organizing the labour and peasant community against Independent Travncore and \u2018American Model.\u2019 Senior leaders like Pattom Thannu pillai and T.M Verghes<\/em>e were of opinion that Communists would unleash violent agitation.  Mean while Meenachil Taluk Congress committee passed a resolution asking reorganization of state committee with Kumbaluthu Sanku Pilla as president and C. Kesevan secretary.<\/em><\/strong>  CP was carefully watching the situation and he thought of creating wedge between moderates and extremist. He selectively released leaders who were opposing Communist connection and arresting others one by one. Youth including Prof: Chandy<\/em> came to the view that a showdown with the Government and Sir CP was inevitable and to prepare the congress workers they organized training camp at Koottickal near Mundakayam. The Congress workers of Meenachill and Kanjirapilli taluks attended the camp; R.V. Thomas also attended the camp. Several such camps were organized in different parts of the state.  Finally congress leaders agreed that Sir C.P was playing tricks to continue as Divan and delay democratic rule. They decided to oppose the \u2018American Model\u2019. Chandy moved around; organized several public meetings; and spoke against \u201cIndependent Travancore\u201d and asked people to oppose it. By this time Divan decided to take action against Prof: Chandy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Prof: K.M. Chandy<\/em> passed BA (Hon) with good marks. He did not apply for Government jobs though it was very easy to get a job with the University degree. Many of erstwhile colleagues joined government services. His father Sree Mathai Chandy<\/em> was a leading hill produce merchant at Pala town market<\/em>. Mathai Chandy<\/em> had to apply for permits and licenses because he was a leading merchant and business man of Pala. He educated his son for helping him to draft letters to government authorities. On returning to Pala he started working with local congress workers. His father was so affectionate to his son, so it was unthinkable for him to see his son suffer under police custody. His fears were further enhanced by fellow merchants, who taunted him, whenever reports appeared about police brutality and arrests of congress members. They would taunt him that the next victim would be his son. However, his father appreciated son\u2019s activity in his heart. He was a regular reader of Malayala Manoroma<\/em>, which was supporting the State congress. Prof: K. M. Chandy<\/em> and his younger brother Sree K.M.Zacharia<\/em> were sent to Malabar for starting cultivation of agriculture land. Mr. Zacharia<\/em> was also actively involved in 1938 students\u2019 boycott of classes. They purchased land at Kulluthuvayil<\/em> of Kozhikode district<\/em>. However, chand<\/em>y took this opportunity to participate in national movement. Though the Travancore state<\/em> Congress <\/em>was sympathetic to national freedom movement led by Indian National Congress<\/em> it never directly involved in it. The State Congress was rather interested in securing democratic rule in Travncore. Mr. chandy<\/em> spend most of his time visiting Congress leaders of Malabar and attending congress meetings. Sree K. Kelappan, Sree Moidu Molouvi, Sree Kozhipurath Madhava Menon, Sree K.Damodhra Menon <\/em>and large number Congress leaders interacted with Mr. Chandy<\/em>. Large number of peasants from Travancore were migrating to Malabar due to poverty and deprivation. These people faced lot of difficulty. Chandy brought plight of migrants to congress leaders. Meanwhile Mr. Chandy<\/em> was down with Malaria. His father asked his sons to sell the land and immediately return to Pala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

During this period Communist Party of India started different attitude towards national movement. They started anti Jap movement in Travancore. In Pala also they opened a Branch of anti Jap movement. Many congress workers attended their classes. Comrade Shri M.N. Govindan Nair<\/em> regularly conducted classes. They did it for garnering support for Allied forces of Second World War of which Soviet Union was a part. Initially Chandy<\/em> attended the meetings; he and others left it, when communists condemned \u201cQuit India Movemnt\u201d. The anti Jap movement considerably weakened Meenachil Taluk congress. Some left congress and Joined Communist Party. Mathai Chandy\u2019s<\/em> health started deterioting and he stopped his business at Pala town and moved the business to his residence. He obtained a license for ration shop. Soon Mathai Chandy\u2019s<\/em> health deteriorated further.  He expired in July 1945 and Chandy had to bear the burden of entire family at the age of 24. Chandy<\/em> changed ration shops licence in his name. Those days ration distribution involved lot of corrupt practices. Chandy<\/em> fought against these corrupt practices. Huge amount of donations were collected from dealers for Maharajas birth day. Chandy <\/em>refused to Pay. Travancore State secretary issued a notification cancelling Chandy\u2019s ration license; citing Mr. Chandy was engaged in subversive activities against State of Travancore<\/em><\/strong>.Mr.R. V. Thomas<\/em> was dictator of State Congress in Meenachil Taluk committee. Mr. P .T. Chacko<\/em> was the secretary.  He moved to Kottayam for his law practice. R .V. Thomas appointed <\/strong>Prof: K. M. Chandy<\/em><\/strong> as the secretary of Meenachil Taluk committee of State Congress<\/strong>. Sree R. V. Thomas and Prof: K. M. chandy<\/em> actively organized the freedom struggle in the taluk. They successfully conducted public congress meeting at Pala. This gave boost to congress organization. Divan immediately racked up an old case against Mr. Thomas; arrested and punished him for addressing Maharaja \u201chim\u201d (adhem in Malayalam).  Chandy<\/em> was also a speaker in meetings addressed by R. V. Thomas<\/em>. After his arrest the full responsibility of Taluk State Congress committee fell on the shoulders of Mr. Chandy<\/em>. The arrest R. V. Thomas<\/em> actually energized the congress. The congress workers became very active. There were several congress leaders in Pala and adjoining places. They were Mr. David Maha Pillai<\/em>,who was trained in Mahatama Gandhi Asram and Dr. N. K. warrier<\/em>, who participated in salt march and satyagraha. The youth leaders of Menachil taluk were Mr. T.V.  Joseph Thumbassery; Mr. I. D. Chacko Machianni; Mr. P. T. Chacko; Mr. R .T. Thomas; Mr. Chacko Kadambukattil; Mr. P. S. Gopalapillai; Mr. Mani J. Vettom; Mr. Vettoor , Raman Nair;Mr. K. V. John Koickal; Prof: V. J. Mathai;Mr. P. R. Achuthan; Dr. Thomas Ellamthottum; Mr. P. C. Joseph Puvathunkal<\/em> and innumerable number of youngsters. The State Congress faced considerable financial crunch. The Second World War caused recession and scarcity. C.P. used these for tactical movement to weaken the Congress. Major Communal organization like NSS and SNDP moved out of the congress agitation for representative rule and religious leadership of Christian communities were not ready to oppose CP.  In these circumstances a large number youth began to move towards communists. I.D. Chacko<\/em> was one that moved to anti Jap program of Communist Party of India. Sir C. P. Ramaswamy Iyer understood that the British rule is going to end soon. Sir C.P had good knowledge about laws. He argued that once British left India all covenants and agreement British Government entered with native rulers became null and void. Hence Travancore would become free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On 16th<\/sup> January of 1946 he proposed \u2018American model of administrative Reform\u2019, which envisaged the Divan would be executive head, with an elected assembly. A swantra Travancore (Independent Travancore) without joining Indian Union was the idea behind this. Soon an order issued on 21st<\/sup> January extending the term of Divan Sir C.P. Ramaswamy  Iyer for five years. By this time Prof: Chandy<\/em> moved from local politics to state level. He and other youth leaders argued that at any cost they should oppose this move. Many old leaders in the State Congress were not very keen to oppose Divan\u2019s move for separate country. However, large numbers of Congress leaders were of the view a strong agitation and even a violent agitation was necessary to get democratic rule. These leaders included Mr. C. Kesavan; Mr. Kumblathu Sankupillai; Mr. P.T. Chacko; Prof: K. M. Chandy; Mr. Mathew Manniangadan; Ponnara Sreedharn; Mr. Cherian, J. Kappan and Mr. N. Sreekandan Nair<\/em><\/strong>. This group was of the opinion that the support of any group, which opposed CP should be sought. They even suggested that they could support Communist party, which already began organizing the labour and peasant community against Independent Travncore and \u2018American Model.\u2019 Senior leaders like Pattom Thannu pillai and T.M Verghes<\/em>e were of opinion that Communists would unleash violent agitation.  Mean while Meenachil Taluk Congress committee passed a resolution asking reorganization of state committee with Kumbaluthu Sanku Pilla as president and C. Kesevan secretary.<\/em><\/strong>  CP was carefully watching the situation and he thought of creating wedge between moderates and extremist. He selectively released leaders who were opposing Communist connection and arresting others one by one. Youth including Prof: Chandy<\/em> came to the view that a showdown with the Government and Sir CP was inevitable and to prepare the congress workers they organized training camp at Koottickal near Mundakayam. The Congress workers of Meenachill and Kanjirapilli taluks attended the camp; R.V. Thomas also attended the camp. Several such camps were organized in different parts of the state.  Finally congress leaders agreed that Sir C.P was playing tricks to continue as Divan and delay democratic rule. They decided to oppose the \u2018American Model\u2019. Chandy moved around; organized several public meetings; and spoke against \u201cIndependent Travancore\u201d and asked people to oppose it. By this time Divan decided to take action against Prof: Chandy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A large number of Malayalam writers came forward supporting anti Swantra Travancore agitation. Sir CP became angry and banned their works. The writers were Mr. Ponnkunnam Varkey; Mr. Abhayadev; Mr. Kuttandu Ramakrishna pillai; Mr. Bodeswaran; Mr. Pandalam, K.P. Ambshi Naryana Pillai<\/em>. C P announced new reforms for Private Educational institutions. This infuriated Christian managements. They were preparing for an agitation against Government. Congress decided to link agitation for democratic reforms with the agitation of Christian Managements so that large section non committed public could be brought under congress flag. Mr. P. T. Chacko and Justice Thriathu Kunji Thoman were arrested for taking part in the agitation. On January 20th<\/sup> a public protest rally took place at Pala. It was proposed that Justice Thariathu Kunji Thoman would preside. Justice Kunji Thoman was released from prison on the previous day in order to pacify the Christian community but Mr.Chacko remained in prison. Three lakh people participated in the rally. This was followed by public rally at Kanjiirapilli in which, Prof: Chandy <\/em>proposed a pilgrimage to the tomb of St Thomas<\/em> for the change of mind in Sir, CP. Mylapore, where tomb is situated happened to be CP\u2019s native place. For this purpose a committee was constituted with Mr. Cherian J. Kappen as President. Prof: Chandy and Mathachan Kuruvinakunnel<\/em> were entrusted with task of organizing pilgrimage on foot from Nagarcoil up to Ernakulam and then by Train. On 12th<\/sup> April 1946 the pilgrimage started with priests. Immediately the Government prohibited it. The priests were reluctant violet the order and court arrest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the middle of April 1946 Prof: Chandy received two orders from magistrates; one from Thiruvanathapuram magistrate and other from Kottayam magistrate. Both orders banned him from organizing public meeting and processions. In the first week of May Home Secretary Travancore Government issued an order prohibiting Prof: Chandy from meeting political leaders\/workers` and any type of political or public activity. In Pala a public meeting was organized to protest against it. Defying the order Prof: Chandy attended the meeting. Soon another Congress meeting was also organized at Pala. Veteran National Congress leader Mr.Salve presided the meet. Prof: chandy attended this meeting too. On July Prof: Chandy was arrested from Pala. Mr. Kumbathu Sanku Pillai; Mr. C.Kesavan;  Mr.G. Nilakanta Pillai; Mr. Ponnkunnam Varkey ; Mr. D.C. Kizhakkemuri; Mr. Cheran J. Kappen and Mr.Mathew Manniankadan were also arrested. All these people had argued for starting agitation against Government along with Communist agitation.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prof: Chandy<\/strong> was arrested on charges of violating prohibitory orders. The Pala court denied bail to chandy. Prof: Chandy was moved to Kottayam. He had to remain in Kottayam lock up till he got bail from high court. After two weeks he was again arrested under preventive custody rules and send to Pujappura central jail Thiruvanthapuram. When he arrived at central jail congress leaders like Mr. C, Kesavan; Mr. Kumblath Sanku Pillai; and Mr. G. Nilakanda Pillai were already there. Soon Matew, Maniangandan, Mr, Cherian J. Kappan; D. C. Kizhakkemuri, Ponnkunnam Varkey, Kottayam Bhasi<\/strong> and others arrived.  Prof: Chandy was the youngest among the prisoners. He was only 24 years old<\/strong>, when he became a prisoner.  Prof: Chandy got an opportunity to meet the senior leaders and interact closely with them. Mr C. Kesavan used to recite revolutionary songs to young prisoners, while Mr. Kumblam gave training in wrestling. The authorities decided to take Prof: Chandy to Kottayam to stand trial in court. The Co-prisoners collected money from their daily allowance and prepared feast with Prdaman\/Payasam . Mr. Ponnkunnam Varkey was in charge of the fare well meeting and Mr. D. C. Kizhakkemuri made arrangement for feast. Prof: Chandy was kept in Kottayam Sub jail for two months. Mr. Thankappan and Mr. Sugunanthan were his co prisoners, who shared the same cell with him. They were Communist workers arrested on suspecting their involvement in Poonnappura-Vayalar apprising. They became friends. Prof: Chandy got opportunity acquaint with a number of communist leaders during his stay at Kottayam prison. This included Mr. K. C. Mathew and Mr. P.S.Sreenivasan. In Prof: Chandy\u2019s opinion Poonnappura Vayalar up rising was due to social and economic causes; it deserved all respect as a freedom movement. Prof: Chandy was convicted for one and half year prison life in the month of Noember. He was moved to Thuvanathapuram Central jail. This time all his earlier jail mates were moved to B class cells. Soon his old friend Mr. K. Balakrishanan arrived and they were together in one cell. On 15th<\/sup> August 1947 India became independent. They celebrated the occassio in the jail. Since Travancore had not become part of independent India political prisoners were not released. Sir CP was coining with the idea of \u2018independent Travancore\u2019 and canvassed other native Kings for this. But the fate was against him. He was attending the Swathi Thirunnal Music Festival. Only royal family members and invited guest were allowed to attend the concert. The programme was conducted under strict police security. However, suddenly the electricity in the entire city went off; some brave fellow attacked Sir C.P.Ramaswamy Iyer with sword. He struck two times. CP escaped because he was wearing protective metal coat under his clothes. The light was on after five minutes. Sir CP\u2019s ear was injured and it was bleeding profusely. Immediately the armed police and army started combing operation. They arrested many and they could not get any trace.  After a few days; Sir C.P. Rama Swamy Iyer resigned secretly and left the Travancore Kingdom. All political prisoners released Prof: K.M. Chandy obtained his freedom in September1947. <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Prof: K.M. Chandy was born at Meenachil taluk of erstwhile Travancore Kingdom, which was ruled by the King, (Maharaja) under the British Empire. In his childhood days he was influenced by the social changes and the desire for democratic reforms unleashed by Sree Naryana Guru and Mahatama Gandhi. After Malayalam memorial the famous Niivarathana movement […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-63","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kmchandy.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/63","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kmchandy.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kmchandy.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kmchandy.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kmchandy.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=63"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/kmchandy.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/63\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":119,"href":"https:\/\/kmchandy.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/63\/revisions\/119"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kmchandy.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=63"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}