CHAPTER IV

IMPACT OF BACKWARD CLASS COMMISSION AND ITS

EFFECTS ON NADAR COMMUNITY

Positive discrimination has been practiced in India under specific socto-

historic conditions. The traditional institutions such as caste, village community and

joint family are constituted according to a hierarchical design. The new economic

forces have not fully effaced this design, but have on the other hand added other

inequalities to those already in existence. 1 In the hierarchical caste structure, the

untouchable castes suffered a lot. They were also in poor economic conditions and

cultural standings are low in the society. Britishers made various attempts to

eradicate the injustices in the society and thus the concept of 'Positive

Discrimination' evolved. The social and political history of Tamil Nadu has been

dealt with by many western scholars, like Hardgrave (1969), Eugene Irshcick (1976),

Arnold (1978) and Gough (1978). From their studies we could find that the British

rule and the Justice party rule followed the policy of communal representation for the

upliftment of depressed communities. Radhakrishnan traces the origin of the

Backward Classes categories in Tamil Nadu. Stein and Srinivas believe that

collective mobility is one of the common strategies used by the Backward classes in

India to achieve a higher social and economic status. One of the factors which have

contributed to the desire for collective mobility among the Backward Classes is caste

associations which have come into existence in different parts of the country. They

aim in improving the social and economic standing of their castes through the

collection of funds for endowing scholarship and building hostels for students of their

1
Andre Beteille, The Backward classes and the New Social order, Delhi, 1981 ,p-33.
 258
2
castes and through programmes for reform of caste customs. Communal

representation and reservations were integral even to pre-British Indian society in the

sense of the numerous social closures operated by the caste system.3 This society

made a terrible mistake in the past in believing that merit was an attribute not of

individuals but of groups, that being born a Brahmin was in itself a mark of merit. 4

Nadars come under the list of Other Backward Classes.

FORMATION OF CENTRAL BACKWARD CLASSES COMMISSION

The first Backward Classes Commission was set up by the Central

Government on 29th January 1953 under Article (340) of the Indian Constitution.

Kaka Kalelkar was nominated as its chairman along with other ten members. The

commission was mandated to identify groups which can fall in the category of Other

Backward Classes.

The four critieria used by the Commission to determine backwardness were:

I. Low positon in the traditional caste hierarchy of Hindu Society;

2. Lack of general educational advancement in a caste or Community taken as a

whole;

3. In adequate or no representation in government service; and

4. Inadequate representation in the fields of trade, commerce and industry. 5

The commission listed 2,399 castes as Backward Classes. It chose 837 castes

as 'Most Backward Castes' for the purpose of development and upliftment.

2
S.N. Dubey and Ratna Murdia, Administration of Policy and programmes for Backward classes in
India, Bombay, 1976, p-31.
3
P . Radhakrishnan, Communal Representation in Tamil Nadu: 1850-1916, The pre non-Brahmanical
Movement Phase, Madras, 1992, p-1 .
4
Andre Beteille, The Backward classes and the New Social order, Delhi, 1981 , p-49.
5
Kaka Kalelkar, Report of the Backward Classes Commission, Part I, II, New Delhi 1955, p-46.
 259
Backward Class Commissions in Tamil Nadu

SATTANATHAN COMMISSION (1969)

The Government of Tamil Nadu appointed a Backward Classes Commission

in March 1969, under the Chairmanship of A.N. Sattanathan to examine the measures

required to be taken by the Government to promote the welfare of the Backward

Classes in educational and other matters. The Commission divided Backward Classes

into two categories namely (i) Backward Classes and (ii) Most Backward Classes. It

recommended 17 per cent reservation for Backward Classes and 16 per cent

reservation for Most Backward Classes.

AMBASHANKAR COMMISSION (1985)

In 1985, the Government constituted a 21 member Backward Classes

Commission under the Chairmanship of J.A. Ambashankar to review the

classification of Backward Classes in the state and to re-assess their reservation quota

of 50 percent. For determining social and educational backwardness, the

Ambashankar commission applied the criteria of social backwardness, occupational

backwardness and educational backwardness as manifested through caste/class,

occupations, poverty, educational attainments and illiteracy.

The commission submitted its report in February 1985 and recommended that

the reserved quota to be slashed to 32 per cent. The commission observed that by

whatever standard backwardness is determined, some groups will be less backward,

others more backward. So the commission recommended Compartmental

Reservation. The commission also recommended periodical review of the list of

T

Backward Classes every ten years so as to find out the communities which are

advanced due to reservation facilities, and to remove them from the list of Backward
 260
Classes. The commission also recommended the establishment of pre school centers

either in the kindergarten or Montessori model in every village where backward

classes children are in majority, which would provide a wide base for selecting

Backward Class Children to fill seats reserved for them. Apart from this, the

commission also suggested special coaching classes, recommended increased

scholarship and enough hostel accommodation for Backward Classes students.6 This

commission also noted that major communities like Nadar, Vanniakulaskshatriya,

Agamudaiyar, Nac:IM, Yadhavas and Kongu Vellala had a lower representation in

Industrial training institutes than the state average.

MANDAL COMMISSION

Though the Other Backward Classes were given reservation in education and

job by several state Governments, they were not given any reservation in education

and jobs under the control of central Government and Public Sector.

In order to identify the other Backward classes (i.e. OBCs) and suggest

measures to improve their conditions, the Janatha Government at the center had

appointed a Commission on 22-12-1978. The Chairman of the Commission was

Mr.B.P. Mandai. This Commission submitted its report to the Congress Govemme~t

on 12.2.1980. This report is called Mandai Commission Report. The Congress

Government headed by Mrs. Indhira Gandhi refused to publish the report. Struggles

by various political parties and social movements like Dravidian Kazhagam forced

Mrs. Gandhi to publish the report after some time. 7 Some of the recommendations of

Mandai Commission Report which was in 23 points are:

6
S. Sumathi, Is there a Creamy Layer among OBC? Chennai, 2001 , pp-67-68.
7
Mandai Report, Anti-Reservations Questions Answered, Periyar Centre, 1990, p- 1.
 261
( 1) Socially and Educationally Backward Classes should be accorded 27% reservation

of seats in educational institutions and in jobs under the control of Central

Government, public sector and private sectors receiving financial assistance from

the Government in one form or the other.

(2) Candidates belonging to Other Backward Classes recruited on the basis of merit in

an open competition should not be adjusted against their reservation quota of 27%.

(3) The above reservation should also be made applicable to promotion quota at all

levels.

(4) Reserved quotas remaining unfilled should be carried forward for a period of three

years and dereserved there after.

(5) Relaxation in the upper age limit for direct recruitment should be extended to the

candidates of Other Backward Classes in the same manner as alone in the case of

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

(6) A roster system for each category of post should be adopted by the concerned

authorities in the same manner as presently done in respect of SC and ST

candidates.

(7) The above scheme of reservation in its toto should also be made applicable to all

recruitment to public sector undertakings both under the central and state

Governments, as also to nationalized banks.

(8) All private sector undertakings which have received financial assistance from the

Government in one form or the other should also be obliged to recruit personnel of

the aforesaid basis.

(9) All universities and affiliated colleges should also be covered by the above scheme

of reservation.

(10) To give proper effect to these recommendations.

 262
Backward classes in Kanyakumari district and Sbencottah taluk in Tirunelveli

district

At the time of the linguistic re-organization of States, the predominantly

Tamil-speaking areas in the south ofTravancore and the Tamil part of the Shencottah

taluk were transferred to the state of Madras. In the erstwhile Travancore- Cochin

State, there was a list of Backward communities and this automatically was inherited

by the successor (Madras State). Hindu Nadar castes were also one among the eight

castes that were entitled to reservation in appointments only, though not for fee

concessions. Sometimes after the merger, the Government of Madras decided to

regularize the position regarding sharing the 25 per cent reservation appointments for

Backward classes in view of the divergence in practice in the old Travancore-Cochin

state. In consultation with the Kerala Government, which was the successor for the

major part of the old Travancore-Cochin State, a list of 35 castes which include

Hindu Nadars, was drawn up for purpose of Art.16(4) ofthe constitution.8

By a special dispensation, the five communities which were Church of South

Indian Christians who were originally members of the S.I.U.C., Hindu Nadars,

Krishnavaga, Latin Catholics and S.I.U.C. Christians, were also treated as Backward

classes for the purpose of reservation of seats in educational institutions only and not

for the grant of educational concessions.9 In respect of the last five communities the

Hindu Nadars enjoyed the educational concessions in view of their equation with the

Nadar-Shanan ofthe Madras General list.

Representatives of the Christian community met the commission and pleaded

for recognition of backwardness among them and for Government help on the same

8
G.O. Ms. No. 1024, Public (services), 28.7.1960.
9
Report ofBackward classes conunission, Tamil Nadu, Volume I, 1970, Government ofTamil Nadu,
Madras, 1974, p-219.
 263
footing as other Backward Classes. They argued that converts to Christianity,

particularly from amongst the Scheduled castes, still carry their old stigma in the

Christian fold and were subjected to social disabilities.

Nadars ofMadurai and Ramanathapuram districts

The backward class commission toured Madurai and Ramanathapuram

districts between 23rd February and 2"d March, 1970. The representatives of the

Nadar Mahajana Sangam, Madurai, claimed that nearly 70% of their people were still

tree tappers and presented a series of demands for their amelioration. These demands

included the relaxation of the terms of license for tree climbing, assignment of lands

on which the palmyrah trees stand to the actual tappers, provision of housing

facilities, and facilities for warehousing jaggery and marketing. When their attention

was drawn to the existence of several schools and colleges run by the Nadar

community and they were asked whether this was not an indication of their

comparative affluence and progress of education, they maintained that the affluence

was confined to a very small section. They were asked by the commission to give

more reliable figures of the proportion of the population engaged in purely tree

tapping and allied pursuits. It is also noted no representatives of actual toddy-tappers

even met the commission.

Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur Nadars

When the commission met Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur Sanar (Nadar)

community, the Nagapattinam representatives claimed that they were Sanar and they

could not ordinarily describe themselves as Nadar. They also claimed that 75% of

their people were tree climbers and those who were not engaged in this traditional

occupations, are engaged themselves as coolies. They did not like to be compared
 264
with the prosperous Nadars of southern districts and they have no connections with

the Nadar Mahajana Sangam, Madurai. According to them there were only three

doctors, two engineers and a handful of graduates in the whole community in the

district. The deputation which met the commission at Thiruvarur pleaded that the

toddy tappers should be allowed to tap coconut trees for conversion of juice into

Jaggery. They claimed that their community had suffered very heavily by the

enforcement ofprohibition. 10

N adars of Kanniyakumari district

One peculiar feature of Kanniyakumari district from the educational point of

view is that on account of compulsory education introduced by the old Travancore-

Cochin state and due to the influence of Christian missionaries, this district formed a

part of the percentage of literacy. In a district with a population of 996,915 as per

1961 census it is reported that there are nearly 180,000 students; Elernentay and

Higher Elementary classes alone. This is about five times the state average. So there

is no problem as far as school education is concerned. In view of the large number of

High schools (45 Government High Schools and 44 private High schools) almost

every school going boy or girl can reach the nearest High school with a radius of 3 to

5 miles. Hence there is no demand for hostels. The problem is slightly different for

collegiate education as in spite of the existence of a number of colleges, there is a

shortage for admission. As the important colleges are run by Christian Missions,

allegations were fully macflliat non-Christians find it difficult to get admissions in

some colleges. In view of the large number of schools, primary, secondary and higher

secondary schools, teaching are the most popular profession and there is an excess of

10
Report of the Backward Classes Commission, Volume II, 1970, Government ofTamil Nadu, Madras,
1975, p-166.
 265
supply over demand. Hence it is stated that even M.Sc. (Master of Science) degree

holders are available as High school teachers.

On the occupational and economic si9es, this district has peculiar problem in

that most of the educated young men and women would prefer to remain within the

district itself. This local attachment increases pressure in employment opportunities

and given rise to problems relating inadequate representation of the competing

communities. 11 The biggest and the dominant community in this district is the Nadar
o..r-cJ-
community all the others resent their growing strength in every field. Though the
I'

Nadar community is divided into Hindu and Christians there is certain amount of

cohesion between the two sections in confronting others.

There are neither major industries nor even an adequate number of medium

scale or small scale industries in this region. A proper economic survey will have to

be made to explore alternative and subsidiary employment opportunities. The main

raw materials available are palmyrah tree products and to a smaller extent coconut

tree products. The utilization of timber for manufacture of furniture and other outlets

probably will take the second place. Rubber is being planted in large acre of lands.

More important than all are the fishing resources of the coastal belt. Suggestion was

also made that the port of Colachal could be developed. This might indirectly

increase the export and imports of this region.

11
Jbid. , pp-129- 130.
 266
Major Backward Classes and their size for 1971 in Kanniyakumari

1. Chetties 9,669

2. C.S.I. 5,852

3.Nadar 358,535

4.Kammalan 40,393

5. Kerala Mudali 17, 159

6.Krishnavaka 24,435

7 .Latin Catholics 62,242

8.Mukkuva (Fishermen) 72,801

9.S.I.U.C 1,08,834

10.S.C 48,249

The Nadar community is the most numerous and it is spread fairly evenly

• through out the district. In Kanniyakumari district a considerable number of Nadars

are Christians.

District wise size ofNadar community in Tamil Nadu by 1971

District Caste Population for 1971

Thirunelveli Nadar 4,75142

Madurai Gramani, Shanan, Nadar 82,000

Ramanathapuram Nadar 2,06,780

Thanjavur Gramani, Shanan, Nadar 68,978

Chingleput Nadars 45,160

Coimbatore Gramani, Shanan, Nadar 1,34,011

Salem Gramani, Shanan, Nadar 91,892

 267
List of Nadar Persons/Associations who gave Representation to the Backward

Classes commission

Thirunelveli

1. Nadar Mahajana Sangam and Thirunelveli Dakshina Mara Nadar Sangam.

2. T. Ganapathy, B.A., B.L. ,Ex.M.L.A., and M.P., Pancayat president, Avaraikulam,

Panchayat, Tirunelveli. 12

Dharmapuri

3. M. Subrarnaniam, The President, Nadar (Sanar) Munnerta Sangam, Maharaja

Kadai.

Madras

4. Nellai Nadar Mahamai Paripalana Sangam, Madras, 56, Pantheon Road, Egmore,

Madras.

5. P.K. Chockanathan, 4, Nugarunnisa Begam Street, Mount Road, Madras-2.

6. Nadar Central Maha Sangam, 5, Collectorate Colony, Madras-29.

Madurai

7. L.S. Thangasamy Nadar, Secretary Nadar Jana Sangam, 2, South Chittira Street,

Madurai

Chinglepet

8. M. PalinisamyNadar, 21, Pandava Street, Maduranthakam, Chinglepet.

9. Munusamy Nadar, 21, Pandara Street, Maduranthakam, Chinglepet.

Kanyakumari

10. K.T. Chinnakkan Nadar,

Salem 13

12
Report of the Backward Classes Commission, Volume III, 1970, Government of Tamil Nadu,
Madras, 1975, p-19.
13
Ibid, p-28.
 268
1. M. Shanmugam, S/o Maripmoopan,Pirthi Village, Panneerkuttipalayam, P.O.,

Thiruchengodu, Salem.

Thanjavur

2. K. Srinivasan, S/o.Karuppiah, Manalmedu, Thirunageswaram Kumbakonam.

3. Kuppusamy Nadar, President, Panchayat Union, Maha-deenam.

4. D.M.K. Representative, Chinnathampu, Thanjavur.

5. K. Ganapathy, Vettangudi post, Sirkali.

6. Ganan, President, Nadar Sangam, Kaiverivayal, Comatha Nadu, Pattukottai.

7. Mnia Nadar, 50, Subramania Kovil Street, Thirukkattu Palli, Thanjavur.

Coimbatore

8. M.K. Samy, Pevur Chetty, Palayam, Coimbatore.

Christian (Nadar) 14

Kanyakumari

1. A. Gabriel Nadar, Nadar Catholic Association, Koozhimidilam, Kanyakumari.

Thanjavur

2. Anthony Swamy, Sengamedu, Kandiyore pose, Thanjavur

List of person/associations who gave oral evidence before the commission

Gramani 15

1. Representative, Gramani Community, Komarachi

2. S.G. Subramania Gramani, Arumainathan, KootuSalai, Puthur Post.

1. Ponnappa Nadar, M.L.A.

14
Report of the Backward Classes Commission, Tamil Nadu, Volume III, 1970, Government ofTamil
Nadu, Madras, 1975, p-62.
15
Ibid.p-70
16
Ibid, pp-77-78.
 269
2. T.M. Swaminathan, Secretary, Kanyakumari District, Hindu Nadar Sangam,

Nagercoil.

3. T. Ganapathy, Ex.M.P. Nagercoil.

4. S.T. Adithan, M.L.C. Thirunelveli.

5. A.M.M.S. Ganesan, Tuticorin.

6. T. Ganapathy, M.P. Palayamk:ottai.

7. M. Ratnasabhapathi, M.L.A. Vilathikulam.

8. P.R. Gangaram Durairaj and M.S. Ramasamy, Nadar Mahajana Sangam,

Madurai.

9. V.V. Ramasamy Ex. M.P. Virudhunagar

10. RamaswamyNattar, Cuddalore.

11. Nadar community, Thiruvavur.

12. Annamalai, V ellampillayarkoil.

13. Subrahmaniam, Nadar (Shanan) Munnerta Sangam, Maharaja Kadai, Krishnagiri.

14. Nadars ofTirunelveli presented representations at Madras.

15. P .K. Chokkanathan, 4, Muthannissa Beham Street, Madras-2.

16. V. Gani Nadar, Secretary, Nellai Nadar Mahamai Paripalana Sangam, 56,

Pantheon Road, Madras-8.

17. M.S. Arunachalam, Secretary, Tuticorin Nadargal Mahimai Sangam, 72,

Duvipuram I Road, Tuticorin-3.

Shanan 17

1. Kuppusamy Nadar, Mahadanam, Kalasambadi Post, Nagapattinam.

2. Thangaiyar, 90, Chinna Thambur Post, Nagapattinam.

)
3. Magarajan, Veerapandi.

17
Report of the Backward Classes Commission, Tamil Nadu, Volume III, 1970, Government ofTamil
Nadu, Madras, p-80.
 270
Ameliorative Measures Undertaken by the Department of Backward Classes

Education

I. Maintenance of schools, hostels, grant of scholarships, boarding grants, grants

to private educational institutions for the benefit of the communities eligible for

help by the Department of Backward Classes, Government of India

Scholarships to Denotified Tribes and lower income group students.

Economic Uplift

2. Supply of Plough Bulls to denotified Tribes.

3. Provisions of Irrigation wells to Denotified Tribes.

4. Maintenance of Cottage Industries for the benefit ofDenotified Tribes and

Backward classes.

5. Supply of tools to deserving Backward classes.

Apart from these, the Back ward classes commission renders facilities such as

health, housing, midday meals, clothing, books and slates, hospitals, hostels, boarding

grants and scholarships. 18 There were also Cotton Industries/Training-cum-

production centres run for the welfare of Denotified Tribes and Backward Classes. 19

The Nadar community made use of all the benefits rendered by the Backward

class commission and further developed. Almost all Nadars are aware of the

Backward class reservation facilities who came to know from the community

organizations, newspapers, political parties and other media sources. But the levels

of awareness differ among the N adars.

18
Government ofTamil Nadu Administration Report of the Department ofBackward Classes, 1970-71 ,
Government ofTamil Nadu, Madras, pp-6-13.
19
1bid., p-56.
 271
Creamy Layer

A.N. Sattanathan in an Article 'New Criteria for Backwardness' pointed out

about the steadily growing upper crust of well-to-do, educated people, who do not

need to be propped up by way of reservation, when most of the majority of the caste

still remain backward.

Among the Other Backward Classes certain groups/sections of persons utilize

the benefits of reservation and their children acquire higher socio-economic status.

Again the members/children of the same family utilize the facilities of reservation.

The steadily growing upper crust of well-to-do people among the Backward Classes

forms a Forward class within Backward Classes. This upper crust is termed as

' Creamy Layer'. This type of upper crust is prevalent in almost all the castes

included in the Other Backward Classes.

To eliminate the lapping up of certain sections of socially advanced persons

among Other Backward Classes the facilities extended by Positive discrimination,

means test is suggested for identification of Creamy layer. But it could not be

practically applicable as it is difficult to assess the real income of a person such as

business man other than persons employed in Government and Public sectors.

One view expressed against creamy layer is that protective discrimination

extended in one generation would not make the person socially advanced and hence

withdrawing the facilities during the next generation is untenable. It is further argued

that the reservation facilities should be continued for two or three generations so that

the person/family becomes socially advanced. There might also arise that there won't
 272
be adequate takers for the 27% of reservation among Other Backward Classes if the

creamy layer is excluded. 20

Very few Nadars say that the creamy layer should be eliminated. But many

Nadars say that there is no need for creamy layer concept to be applied. The Nadars

who support the creamy layer concept was mostly from the low economic conditions.

They wanted that if the concept is applied they could be benefited more. But it is

difficult to find the real economic condition of the people and the businessmen and

merchants. They may earn more than the salaried people and they might hide their

real income to enjoy the benefits of Backward class reservation. Some Nadars have

the view that the reservation of Backward classes should be in proportion to their

population.

As the Supreme Court directed the Government of India to constitute an

Expert Committee regarding exclusion of socially advanced persons/sections for

Backward Classes, an Expert committee was formed headed by Justice R.N. Prasad

and three other members comprising a social scientist and two officers to formulate

criteria for exclusion of creamy-layer for Backward Classes.

The Prasad Committee defined creamy-layer in terms of., "When a person has

been able to shed-off the attributes of social and educational backwardness and has

secured employment or has engaged himself in some trade/profession of high

status ... at that stage he is normally no longer in need of reservation for himself."21

The purpose of the positive discrimination is defeated that if the benefits are enjoyed

by only few ·communities for generations together. These people who are socially

20
S. Sumathi, Is there a Creamy Layer among OBC? Chennai, 2001 , p-109.
21
Ibid., pp-178-179.
 273
advanced and enjoy the benefits of Backward classes reservation are termed as

'creamy layer'.

69% Reservation for Backward Classes in Tamil Nadu

In 1989, when the D.M.K. party came to power, a fresh scheme of reservation

of the Backward Classes was introduced compnsmg 20% for Most

BackwardClasses, 30% for Backward Classes, 18% for Scheduled Caste and 1%

Scheduled Tribe in March 1989. Thus by 1989, the reservation quota stood in 69% in

Tamil Nadu and was still countinuing after 2000, by which all backward

communities including the Nadar community is enjoying their benefits rendered to

them through the Backward Classes reservations.

Tamil N adu Backward Classes Economic Development Corporation

With a view to improve the economic condition of the Backward Classes, the

Government have ordered the setting up of the 'Tamil Nadu Backward Classes

Economic Development Corporation" with an authorisesd share capital of Rs. l 0/-

crores divided into 10 Lakhs equilty shares of Rs.100/ each. Pon Paramaguru,l.P .S.,

Director General of Police was the Chairman and Managing Director of the

Corporation. The Corporation was functioning at Anna Salai, Madras. The objects of

the Corporation are;

1. To provide margin money to backward classes m low interest to pursue

activities for their economic uplift.

2. To undertake directly or indirectly such trading, commercial, Industrial and

general activities as may be considered necessary for the economic uplift of

the Backward Classes.

 274
The corporation will serve finances from the State Government Banks and

other institutions and sources and will also participate vigorously, in Integrated Rural

Development Programme, Small Farmers, Developmnet Agency and other economic

Programme of the State.

The Corporation has been registered under the companies Act 1956. 22

Thus the emergence of Backward class movement gave a boost to the Nadars

and for their educational upliftment. The Backward Class Commission gave little

consideration to the demands of the community because it stated that the economic

conditions ofNadars were rapidly increasing comparing to other communities. Their

development occurred due to their hard work and sincerity in their business activities.

But still the Backward Class Commission gave more awareness to the N adars for

their Socio-economic development in new dimensions and directions.

N adars urge the government to include them in Most Backward Classes list

Sattanathan Commission and Ambashankar Commission recommended 50%

reservation for the Backward classes. N adars are under the Backward classes.

Thevars and Vanniars also came under Backward class divisions. S.C.-18%, S.T.-

1%, O.C-31 %. In the 50% allotted for Backward classes, as Nadars were educated

more and they got more opportunities for their development. But as the V anniars and

some other castes requested and got a separate quota as Most Backward class, the

most backward classes were given 20% reservation which was taken from 50% of the

BCs and the reservations of Backward classes become 30%. In this 30% the Nadars

could not enjoy opportunities more as they had to compete with the Mudaliyars and

Vellalars. So many Nadar leaders and many Nadar associations urge the government

22
Adminstration Report of the Directorate ofBackward Classes, 1982-83, Government ofTarnil Nadu,
Madaras, 1984, p-56.
 275
to include the Nadars in the list of Most Backward Classes so they would get more

benefits and would improve in the society.23

Now- a -days many non-Nadars think that many Backward classes like Nadars

were improved a lot and they could be taken out from the list of Backward classes.

They quote the rich Nadars and their enterprises as example. But the Nadars say that

just because of about 3% were rich and influential it does not mean that the

community is forward. The Nadars also say that nearly 95% of the influential posts

in Government and other corporate industries are at the hands of upper castes.

The firmest caste-entrepreneurship linkage was established by the 1998

economic census conducted by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO), and it

showed the other backward castes (OBCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and scheduled

castes (SCs) well in the saddle. The census was vast, covering 30.35 million

enterprises engaged in economic activities other than crop production and plantation.

It dealt with own account enterprises and establishments, including an enterprise

employing at least one hired worker. It covered private profit and non-profit

institutions, cooperatives, and all economic activities, including the management of

temples. The Census discovered the amazing nature of so-called backward caste

entrepreneurs. As much as half of all enterprises were owned by SCs/STs/OBCs in

the rural areas and nearly thirty-eight per cent in the urban areas. The enterprises

included manufacturing, construction, trade, hotel, restaurant, transport, finance and

business, and other services.

23
Interview with C . Periasamy, President, Nellai-Tutucorin Nadar Mahamai Paripalana Sangam,
Chennai, 13.2.2005.
 276
24
Social Group of Owners of the Enterprises [%]
Name of Castes Rural Urban Combined

sc 9.0 5.8 7.7

ST 5.2 2.3 4.0

OBC 36.0 29.1 33 .

Total of above 50.2 37.2 44.8

Among the Other Backward Classes the Nadars hold a prominent position in

the ownership of many successful enterprises. The 1998 economic census also

revealed that eighty per cent of all the enterprises in the country (24.39 million) were

self-financing. Much of it would have come from informal caste networks. Attention

should, therefore, focus on enhancing credit systems for such enterprises, especially

those owned by SCI STand other backward communities. We need to recognize caste

a natural social capital present in our system. Caste based reservation is often justified

over economic quotas to remove social backwardness, despite the objections of

sociologists. Members of the backward castes work consistently for improving the

economic and social condition of their caste fellows which leads to the social

mobility. Like wise Nadars have a sense of identification with their one's own caste,

and they realize that caste mobility is essential for individual or familial mobility.

Nadar_g community is considered as a leading enterprising community m

Tamil Nadu. They have high work ethic. They dedicate themselves to their work and

they are proud of their willingness to work, and in so doing to contribute to the

advancement of their families which in tum leads to the improvement of the whole

24
Economic Census, Table 2.6,and CSO, 1998
 277
community. Their industrial activities widened in the 20th Century which also yielded

great income to the state and central governments.

Functions of Uravinmurais (local associations) after 1970

Nadars always wanted to be as a group of people rather than individuals. The

Nadars were admired by the other caste people as a more co-operative group of

people and they achieve their targets with their solidarity. In many Nadar localities,

the Nadar youth have less interest in Nadar local associations and they consider that it

is meant only for older generation. So their participation in the local association is
o.rO..
also less. But the same guys when they grew in their ag<t-with new experiences in

worldly matters they gradually began to know the importance of these associations

and later they became active and responsible members of those associations. The

judicial system of India in 1970 shadowed the judicial activities of the associations.

But however, the Nadar local associations have played a significant role in arbitrating

the business and family disputes? 5 The Uravinmurai also provide education to those

irrespective of all castes through their schools and colleges. The Uravinmurai do to

the society more than that of a government could do to it. By this way the

Uravinmurai are highly respected both by the government and by the people. In

1990's also the Uravimurai system did not face any downfall. It represents the

Nadars in the Government activities and tries to get the maximum benefit for the

Nadars. Also many Uravinmurais run medical centers and temples which provide

services for all caste people. Its arbitrary system is so powerful, the disputes do not

go to the court, and they settle it within short span of time by satisfying both parties.

It has been considered as a security council for both Nadars and non-Nadars.26

25
Dennis Templeman, Northern Nadars ofTamil Nadu, New Delhi, 1996, p-191.
26
Interview with Chezhian, Business Man, Aruppukkottai, on 26.9.2004.
 278

Clashes between Nadars and Muslim in Aruppukkottai

On 14th July 1989, long standing disputes between Nadars and Muslim

resulted in a violent clash which resulted in the murder of three Nadars. There were

three major clashes held~ in this century between the Nadars and Muslims in

Aruppukkottai. The first one was the dispute regarding the procession of Hindu god

of Nadars going through their business street which ended in the court

compromisation that the Nadars no longer staged their procession and the Muslims

are banned from weaving with 400 feet of the temple. The clash of 1953 was because

of dispute over a land. The 1989 clash was also due to the land dispute? 7 It began to

start when the Muslims moved their flag-raising ceremony closer to Nadar's

Muthumariamrnan temple and the Nadars thought it was the intention of the Muslims

to challenge them. Also they thought that this was an insult to their temple and

goddess. On the previous day of the clash only, the court had overturned a stay order

against the construction by a Aruppukkottai municipality of a new bus stand on the

principal Muslim business street in the town. The Nadars had obtained stay for this

construction and the overturning was a defeat to them. It was said some members in

the Muslim community in a celebrative mood and to make a point to the Nadars

moved the flag raising ceremony close to the Nadars' temple. Two Nadars were died

in the police firing and another Nadar was killed by a group of Muslims who were

mistakenly killed a southern Christian Nadar thinking that he was a Northern Nadar.

Nadars had lack of support from other caste Hindus.28

27
Dennis Templeman, Northern Nadars ofTamil Nadu, New Delhi, 1996, p-193.
28
Ibid, p-17 6.
 279
Immediately after the clash, Aruppukkottai Nadar leaders made prominent

Nadars and Nadar Mahajana Sangam to interfere. The General Secretary of the

NMS, Mr. Gangaram Durairaj and Mr. S. Sundaramurthy, a leader of the

Aruppukkottai Nadars made arrangements to tum over the bodies to the relatives.

Nadar-Muslim Peace Treaty of 1990

On 27 April, 1990, representatives of Aruppukottai's Nadar and Muslim

communities signed an agreement before witnesses and the District Revenue Officer

representing the Collector of Kamarajar District. Negotiations were made by officers

of the Aruppukottai Nadars' Uravinmurai The President, N.S.S.C Dharmaraj Nadar,

and the Secretary, V. Manoharan) and by officials of Aruppukottai's two mosques,

including the Trustee and Chief of the Aruppukottai Vazhavanthapuram Jumma

Mosque (Haji J. Mohaideed Musafir and Chief M. Ahmed Addas Ali), and two

representatives of the Aruppukottai Nallur Muhadeen Andavargal Jumma Mosque.

The purpose of the agreement, called a 'peace treaty by Nadars and Muslims alike,

was to settle all outstanding issues which were a source of tension and potential

conflict between the two communities.Z9 The treaty was a success that people of both

sides devoted themselves to maintain peace.

Though the migrated Nadars started their own branches of associations of

their native places, after 1970's the Nadars also started associations in their newly

settled areas with the other Nadars irrespective of their place of origin. The local

associations also maintain there accounts with that of an accountant and other staffs

to administer their activities like that of the bigger associations. In local associations,

each adult member in the locality has a right to vote. But in larger associations the

29
1bid, p-199.
 280
membership is voluntary. Now-a-days in many localities, the participations of

members in local associations is becoming a rare phenomenon.

Role of N adars in the Industrial Development of Ramanathapuram District

J.
Industrial Sector contributed only 14.84% to the district income of

Ramanathapuram as against 16.95% to the state income in 1970-71. This is a part of

the general backwardness of the Ramanathapuram district is revealed by the fact that

the share of the primary sector to district income is also low. While the proportion of

income from the primary sector was 40.5% for the state, this was only 35.7% for

Ramanathapuram district. So far as industry is concerned, the retarding factors were

said to have been absence of industrial raw materials and important minerals, lack of

infra structure facilities, lack of water and limited forest sources. Abject poverty and

illiteracy, absence of promotional institutions and infrastructural facilities, and above

all lack of entrepreneurial and managerial talent under the erstwhile zamin regime

were largely responsible for its industrial backwardness. The survey also reveals that

it is an industrial accident that the community of Rajas in Rajapalayam concentrated

on textile mills and Nadars in Virudhunagar and Sivakasi on match works and

printing.30 Industrial development began to show signs of improvement during the

sixties. As at the end of June 1971 there were about 50 large scale units comprising

ginning and spinning mills, surgical cotton mill, cement factories, textile paper cone

and tubing company, chip boards manufacture and mechanized fishing boats unit.

There were 2265 small scale registered units comprising mainly of safety matches,

fire works, litho printing, fountain pen nibs, paper tubes and embossed labels for fire

works, printing ink, tin containers, hospital requisites, insulation tapes, polythene bag,

30
Techno Economic Survey ofRamanathapuram District, Volume II, Institute for Techno Economic
Studies, Madras, 1973, pp 1-3.
 281
flat tubing, spring washers, cement products, domestic utensils, nee and oil mill

stores, shoe tacks, coffee and chicory powder, bricks and tiles. 31

Growth and Evolution of Match industry

Match industry in Tamil Nadu is also dominated by Nadars. The Safety

matches industry which was mostly run by Nadars grew gradually. In 1981 there

were 200 factories, in 1999 there were 300 and in 1998 there were 666 match

· factories were run. In one month about 35 lakhs was being paid as Kalal tax to central

government. The employees are brought even from 100 kilometers distance.

First, Lucifer Matches were made, which were made of sulphur. As these

were hazardous and catch fire easily Safety matches were made. After then colour

matches were produced. Initially, to pack the match sticks small boxes which were

made from wood and paper. After the technology improved, the base box and the

upper box which is used to pack the sticks were made of printed corrugated cardboard

boxes. Monthly 2,500 ton corrugated boxes were made in Sivakasi. 32 By using the

method of screen printing the chemicals are fixed in the rubbing side of the sticks. So

there were lot of screen printing factories emerged in Sivakasi.

The raw materials such as sticks, upper box and base box which were required

for match industry was produced in factories which was started by N adars in the

neighbouring states. P. Ayya Nadar started 'Palaniappa stick (match stick) factory' in

Alathur at Kerala in 1945 and in 1948 he started more factories in Thalaicheri,

Moovartupuzhai, Rani in Kerala. In 1964 he started factory in Hasan in Kamataka.

In 1981 in Andaman he started the raw materials factory.

31
Ibid, p-5.
32
A. Thangamani & Shyamala Thangamani, 'Kutty Japan Sivakasi Varalaru', 65th conference,
Tholilmalar,(Tamil), Nadar Mahajana Sangam, Madurai, 1999, p-131 .
 282
To meet the strong demand and competitions, 'Pandian Chemicals' a factory

was started in 1975 which produces twelve tons of Pottassiurn Chlorate daily in

Narasingampatti near Melur. After many experiments and research works, Red

phosphorous was produced in Thirumangalam Metal Powder Company in the 1974.

The Match industry is been safeguarded and protected by All India Chamber

of Match Industries.

By 1999 there were 450 fire works industries in Sivakasi. Through these

industries, the indirectly related industries and trade related industries of more than

one lakh in numbers got benefited. 33 Some amounts of crackers are also exported to

countries like America, Canada, and South Africa.

The three types of fire works produced are toy fire works, exhibition fire

works and industrial fire works.

Various banks help in industrial growth in Sivakasi, a great tribute goes to

State Bank of India. During the Second World War ( 1939-45), the British prohibited

importing crackers. In this period the growth of crackers production attained its peak.

In Sivakasi, in 1981 there were eighty-five crackers industries. In 1991 it grow up

into 150 and in 1998, it grew up into 225. 34 Sivakasi fulfills 95% of the crackers

needed for the whole India. For inventing new kinds of Crackers, A.P.R.S.

Shenbagakutti Nadar, Chinnamani Nadar, A. Chellathurai Nadar had a prominent ·

role. The Aluminium Powder and other powders needed for match and crackers

industry were produced in Metal Powder Company which was established in 1965

33
Ibid., p-132.
34
Central (kala!) Tax Department, Sivakasi, quoted from A. Thangamani & Shyamala Thangamani,
'Kutty Japan Sivakasi Varalaru', 65th conference, Tholilmalar, (Tamil), Nadar Mahajana Sangam,
Madurai, 1999,p-132,
 283
near Thirumangalam. This company introduced Aluminium paste in 1969 after

various researches. It also found out the method of making golden bronze powder

and Red Phosphorous in 1974. As this company found out these alternative powders

in the place of imported powders it received national award. The metal powders are

also been exported to foreign countries. In 1979, the Arasan group of companies

which was also a Nadar concern started the Arasan metal powder company. 35 Thus

Nadars had a significant role in rising Sivakasi into a great industrial city.

Child Labour in the Match and Crackers Industry

It was largely complained that there were child labourers widely involved in

producing matches and crackers and the Nadar entrepreneurs were responsible for it.

But many Nadars deny that they did not employ any child as a labourer. Even in

many of the labels of various industries it has been mentioned that there were no

Child labour employed in the production. From the side of the match unit owners, the
..1.

demand for child workers could be due to the following three reasons. First, the

nature of the operations undertaken may require, other things remammg

technologically unchanged, the use of children; i.e., the 'nimble fingers' argument.

Secondly, the economics of manufacture may be such that the wages payable are low

and therefore can only form part of children's supplementary earnings. Thirdly, there

may be ' non-economic' advantages in employing workers who are in any case

outside the purview of regulating labour legislation. 36

Article (24)of the constitution of India provides that 'no child between the ages of 14

shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous

employment.

35
lbid.,p-132.
36
The Match Industry ofSivakasi, Sattur , Towards Removal of Child Labour, Report of a study
present to the ministry of Labour, Government oflndia, Madras Institute ofDevelopment Studies,
Chennai, l985,p-l0.
 284
One of the important steps was taken in 1966 to protect the children in Bidi

industries when the Bidi and Cigar workers (condition of employment) Act, 1966 was

passed. This Act prohibits the employment of children under 14 in any industrial

premises.37

Capitals find cheap labour abundantly and still better, a much cheaper and

more docile child labour producing the same or greater margins of profit without any

headache of managing the industrial relations. Child labour is economically unsound,

psychologically disastrous and physically as well as morally dangerous and

harmful. 38 Child labour is not accidental. Many children are hired because they can

be paid at much lower rates than adults. In certain industries like carpet making or

electronics assembly children are more skillful because of the dexterity of their small

fingers. But Children, because of their dependent position are the most easily

exploited of all workers.39 In Sivakasi regions many children are even mortgaged to

the employers. Many governmental and organizations and non-governmental

organizations are working for the upliftment of these child labourers.

Factors Behind Geographical Concentration Of Match Factories

It is well known that the Sivakasi-Sattur area is a major concentration of the

match industry not only in Tamil Nadu but also on all-India level. This is partially

true when the index of concentration is the number of workers for the industry in this

area employs simple technology requiring a very large labour force.40 The industry

became concentrated in the match belt area because of pioneering entrepreneurship,

37
Jinesh Chandra Kulshreshta, Child Labour in India, New Delhi, 1978, p-56.
38
Gerry Rodgers and Guy Standing, ed. Childwork, Poverty and Under Development, Geneva, 1981 ,
p-183.
39
Alec Fyfe, Child Labour, U.K, 1989, p-25.
40
The Match Industry ofSivakasi, Sattur , Towards Removal of Child Labour, Report of a study
present to the ministry of Labour, Government oflndia, Madras Institute of Development Studies,
Madras, 1985,p-7.
 285
close knit caste co-operation among entrepreneurs, availability of timber from near by

Kerala, drought in the area leading to supply of cheap labour, arid climate facilitating

natural drying of match sticks and boxes and low levels of literacy and organization

among labour. The heavy concentration has been facilitated by availability of labour,

especially child labour and there are signs of the industry spreading radially outwards

of the core match belt, because of the felt labour shortage. The match belt had been

expanding to a few pockets in the neighbouring Tuticorin district and the new areas

are contiguous to the match belt. 41

Labour cost is estimated to be only around 10% of the total cost of production.

A census survey conducted during December 1994 revealed that 33% of the labour

force in match production were children of less than 14 years old (21% female

children and 12% male children) & 55% female adults. Thus women and children

constitute about 88 per cent of the total labour force in the hand made match industry.

They constitute a docile labour force involved in labour intensive processes in the

hand made match industry. 42

Tremendous Growth of Printing Industry

The demand for printing increased many number of establishment of printing

presses in Sivakasi. At present in Sivakasi, there are more than four hundred printing

presses three hundred lithographers, hundreds of letter press printers and ancillary

units such as Ink grinders, Camera and Scanner houses, Trade plate makers, V amish,

Lamination coaters Artists, Paper cutter and binding works. About 50,000 employees

are benefited from this.

41
R. Vidyasagar, Girija Kumarababu, Child Labour in the Home based Match industries of Sivakasi,
Naida, 2002, p-40.
42
Ibid, p-42.
 286
To safeguard/"printing presses/ Sivakasi Master Printers' Association was

started in 1948. Its main objective was to promote and advance the art and science of

printing industries at Sivakasi and to accomplish this object by encouraging Technical

Training of apprentices and to run one printing technical school for improving the

techniques of printing industry.4 3 There are more than three hundred members of

Master Printers enrolled in the association. The Association receives more than five

lakhs of rupees by way of subscription and donation every year. The owners of

printing presseS. unified with great solidarity. The fruits of the Association were a

marriage hall and a 'Graphic Arts School', which was started in 1977 to create job

opportunities. On 6.6.1978, the Government of Madras had accorded affiliation for

the purpose of conducting certificate courses in ' Photo Engraving and Camera

Operation ' and ' Lithographic printing and Litho graphic Platemaking.' 44 The School

developed rapidly and was renamed as ' Institute of Printing Technology' .45

Lot of notebooks, labels, Posters, books, magazines, cartoons and calendars

are printed in various presses in Sivakasi. Also they are printing on packing materials

such as butter paper and plastic bags by flexography and tin containers for oil, paint

and food industry. Notable ..such printing industries are Aum Poly bag industry,

Karthik Poly bag industry, Durga industries etc. 46 Thus Nadars had a great role in

developing the printing technology to a high standard who were of accurate foresight

and regular planning. The fame of bringing offset machines to Sivakasi goes to the

owner of 'Sivakasi Industrial printing works' S.Kalliappa Nadar. The pioneer in

43
P.Dharmar, Printing Through Ages, 65th conference, Tholilmalar, (Tamil), Nadar Mahajana Sangam,
Madurai, 1999, p-148.
44
Ibid., p-149.
45
Sivakasi Master Printers' Association Golden Jubilee Year (1998-1999) Celebration Souvenir,
Sivakasi, 1999., p-12.
46
A. Thangamani & Shyamala Thangamani, 'Kutty Japan Sivakasi Varalaru', 65th conference,
Tholilmalar, (Tamil), Nadar Mahajana Sangam, Madurai, 1999, p-134.
 287
making Calendar was Mr. Sagadevan of 'Jothi Art Calendar' industry. ' Ashok

Calendar Supplying Corparation holds a finest position in producing daily calendar.

One of the pioneers in printing notebooks is ' Orient Litho Press ' industry. This

industry also got the finest opportunity to print Lottery tickets. 47 Each printing press

produces its own printing ink. Pioneer in producing ink on their own is Senbagakutty

Nadar. His ' Kakka' (crow) ink is very famous. Nowadays, about thirty-six industries

produce ink. About three ton ink is being used every day in Sivakasi.

Other Industries in Sivakasi

In 1947, A. Sanmuga Nadar started ' Kakka Indian Fountary', an industry

which produce smaller machineries and spare parts which are required in match

industries. Now-a-days they produce hand-made pumps. A. Subash Chandrabose

started 'steel wool' industry whose products are used in Hindustan Aeronautics, Gold

mine and in Marine department. This is the first type of industry started in South

India. N.R.K.R. Ravindran started ' Standard granites' industry which exports granites

to Italy. Sivakasi people also started seven spinning mills. Mrs. Kanchana Bose,

through her Avanthika food (p) Limited exports pickles and other Masala products.

Dr. Chandragraham M.B.B.S. is very famous for diagonising diseases to safeguard

poisonous patients. His book 'Gramapaguthikalil Pambukadi ' (snake bites on village

areas), is an example for his knowledge in medical field. Late S. Thangappa Nadar

and T . Ingara Pandiya Nadar are famous for 'Thangappa Kalimbu' used for surgeries.

47
Ibid, p-133.
 288
The 'Nataraja Memorial Majestic Club' is the first sports Club in Sivaksi.

A.J. Stadium has formed by A. Subash Chandrabose. K.A.A.Arunachala Nadar

Indoor stadium is also a notable one.48

Economics of Palmyrah Industry

Mahatma Gandhi has said that palm jaggery can be easily produced where

there are palm trees, and this is the way of banishing poverty from our land. This is

an antidote ofpoverty. 49 Economic uses ofthe palm~~

Part of the Palm Uses

Root Basket Making
Timber House Construction, cot making, walking
stick
Spathe Cower(Kalanj) Brush making
Petiole of the young tree Fencing of Gardens
(karukkumattai)
Petiole
(a) Frond Fibre extension
(b) Karruku Rope for bundling
(c) Agani Cot weaving, basket making
(d) Purani Basket making
(e) Tender leaf Roofing, packing
(f) Matured leaf Fancy leaf articles
(g) Eark Brush making, Basket making, Sinnow
making etc.,
Sar Eerku - It ts used to make garland.

Sweer toddy - It is a health drink.

Nungu - It is a healthy food.

48
Ibid.,p-134.
49
Khadi and Village Industries Commission, ' Wealth from the Palms', New Delhi, 1975, p-30.
50
Report on the Socio-Economic Conditions ofPalmyrah workers, Palmyrah workers' Development
Society, Tamil Nadu, 1978,pp-13- l4.
 289
Panampalam - It is a healthy food.

Kilangu - This young Sapling used as health food .

Thavin - This is also used as healthy food.

Hard toddy -Used as liquour and yields more income.

Panai Olai - It is used to weave like mat and used as a package cover for furniture,

karuppati(palm Jaggery), Ka~andu(sugar candies), flowers etc., 51

Potentiality of a single Palmyrah Palm (per year) 52

Name of the Quantity Finished Quantity Value
Raw material Available Product Realizable
Neera 150 litres Gur 24 Kgs. Rs.40.00
Fibre 1 kg Basket 2 Numbers Rs.06.00
Eark 2.5 kg Brush 12 Numbers Rs.07.00
Leaf 8 Numbers Mats 6 Numbers Rs.04.80
Naar 16 Numbers Basket 1 Number Rs.03.00
TOTAL Rs.61 ,00

Palm Leaf Industry

In 1973, there were twenty-one palm leaf industrial co-operative societies in

the State, of which three are located in Ramanathapuram district where palm leaf

products have earned a name in the state. Fancy articles made of palm leaves

coloured with different colours and made in different sizes are being made in the

Pilgrim centres of the Ramanathapuram district. The trend of production of palm leaf

products is on the decline. It was Rs.6,500 by the co-operatives in 1967-68 and

Rs.1200 in 1971-72. The decline may due to least important given by the people in

51
P ..S.N. Rajaram Nadar, ' Panaimaramum Panaithozhilum' , 65th Conference, 'Tholil Malar', Nadar
Mahajana Sangam, Maduari, 1999, pp-112-114.
52
Report on the Socio-Economic Conditions ofPalmyrah workers, Palmyrah workers' Development
Society, Tamil Nadu, 1978, p-14.
 290
the palmyra related industries as there vanous other industrial developments in

Ramanathapuram. 53

Effects in Palm related occupations

1. The palm trees are cut down in large numbers.

2. New palm trees are not planted.

3. The unstable pricing ofPanaiolai (Palm leaf).

4. The labourers of Palm related occupations did not get money in par with their

hard work.

5. The palm related labours such as climbing and weavmg of mats are

considered as low status.

6. Those who did mat weaving shifted to other occupation and some migrated to

other areas.

7. The girls who knew mat weaving got married and went to other places.
.
(~...,~ .,..)

8. There is no fuel to make Karuppattj.. Karuppatti is not bought at a reasonable

rate.54

Thus most of the people involved in the palm related occupations are under poverty.

Unlike any other industry this palm industry lacks in technological improvement in

various activities like tapping and climbing.

Problems in Palm related occupation

For Palmyra co-operative society, M . Karunanidhi the then chief minister of

Tamil Nadu ordered to conduct elections in the late 1990's, but even after the

election, the society did not function effectively and the Palmyra labourers suffered a

lot.
53
Techno Economic Survey ofRamanathapuram District, Volume II, Institute For Techno Economic
Studies, Madras, 1973,p-58.
54
Ibid., p-114.
 291
Plans to eradicate Poverty for Palmyra workers

Like other employees the Palmyra workers should also indulge in various

movements to attract the government towards them. Co-operative meeting should be

convened regularly and awareness should be created among the workers.

Experiments should be made to get new products from Palmyra such as medicines,

oils; health drinks etc., so that its importance in the world would rise.

Social Status of Palmyra workers

Though the Palmyra workers work hard still they were in the state of poverty

in Tamil Nadu. Apart from economic deprivation they also face other problems

regarding their social status among other Nadars. Toddy tappers find it difficult to

mingle with other Nadars. Their children also are not treated well. The income

depends on the number of trees a person is climbing and number of hours a tapper

works during the season. During the off season they are jobless and always search for

employment and go for other wage labour. During the off seasons they take loans

from the owners of the tree and shops where they put jaggery and candy. The price of

the jaggery is fixed by the traders and it is not fair and reasonable. The top position

was occupied by the big industrialists and they always call the toddy tappers as

Shanars. Regarding the marriage alliances, if any of the members of a family were

involved in Palmyra climbing preference is not given to that family by the other

Nadars.

Nadars in the manufacture of Biscuits

Many Nadars manufacture Biscuits and other bakery confectionaries. There

are many biscuit factories in Usilampatti in Madurai. The biscuits produced in

Usilampatti are being sent to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andaman, Maldives and other
 292
places. In 1912 T.D. Thiruvannamalai Nadar and K.K. Palanikumar Nadar started a

biscuits producing unit in Usilampatti in a small room. They made biscuits with

moulds by handling in hand. This was the first one to produce biscuits in Usilampatti

which had the quality of foreign biscuits.

Due to the sudden death ofT.P. Thiruvannamalai Nadar, his younger brother

T.P. Periyasamy Nadar took charge of the biscuits company and it became Peri & Co.

In 1940, T.P. Thiruvannamalai's son T.P.T Duraisamy Nadar with great effort and

hardwork started a biscuit and mittai (candy) company called Charlie&co., He also

produced the famous snuffing powder, 'M.S.Pattanam Podi ' . In his young age he

excelled in various business activities in Usilampatti, Madurai, Tuticorin and

Chennai. Later T.P.T. Duraisamy Nadar started Kirra &Co., in Theni for his sons

which produced biscuits and candies in a modernize way. In Usilampatti, he started

Cherry&co, Newton&co, J.K.&co., and various other companies and gave

employment opportunities to many people. For his grandsons, he started offset

printing industry called 'M.S. Printers' in Sivakasi. Thus the four generations of a

Nadar family runs successful biscuit factories. 55

Nadars in Textile Industry

The Nadars run spinning mills in and around Sivakasi. They also successfully

run Processing units which involves in consuming of more water. Many textile

industries are constructed by hypothecation of 'SIDCO' which leads to have capital

investment to start industries economically and thus enabling to earn profit within

short terms. The textile industry offers more opportunity for the employment of

unskilled labour and many women workers are involved in this industry.

55
65th Conference, 'Tholil Malar', (Tamil), Nadar Mahajana Sangam, Maduari, 1999, p-119.
 293
N adars export Sea Foods

Very little Nadars involve in trade activities related to sea food. One among

them is the Diamond Sea food exporter group. Devanesa Nadar, father of Palpandi

initially did Sambai business from Tuticorin to Srilanka. Devanesa Nadar established

a Co-operatiive society for fishermen in V embar and he was also leader of V embar

Nadar Sangam. Due to the schemes of Kamaraj, their family got a free motor boat.

With that boa; they grew in their fishing business starting from fishing in

Ramanathapuram sea coast and then supplying prawns to the exporters of Cochin.

Later they started the Diamond Sea Food Exports in 1977. In 1979, they started their

own prawn storage industry and exported to foreign countries. They also run 'Kadal

Kanni Deva Frozen foods' , Deva & co, King Ice plant, Idayam Frozen foods private

limited. They export their sea food to all parts of the world. As the best Sea Food

Exproter in India, they received the 'National Productivity Award ' from the President

of India for the five consecutive years. Their brand ' kanni ' is very famous world

wide. 56 Nila Sea Foods is another famous brand of sea food which is exported to

many countries.

Nadars paved the leading way for the Tamil Nadu to rise in economy

The factors influenced in the consolidation of occupation ofNadars were, the

Nadars could take advantage of the dry climate and poor rainfall of their regions so

that it became easy for them in solar drying of various agricultural products. In the

processes like grading, segregation, sieving, assorting, smoking for preservation of

agro products and packing etc. they could able to provide numerous manual labour

including their family members.

56
D. Palpandi, Diamond Sea Food Exporters Group, Vernbar, Tutocorin, 661h conference, Manattu
Thirappalar Urai, Tholil Malar, (Tamil), Nadar Mahajana Sangarn, Madurai, 2003,p-65.
 294
For Nadars beginning with the trading of Palmyrah products, their range of

innovations included the following·_:.. ~ .: -= ~ •· ~-·~"~:

• Trading of palm jaggery and other Palmyra products which later grew in to trading

ofproduc~related r··idt ""{!) to sugarcane

• Trading of small grains and millets grew to dealing with paddy and rice and later to

derivatives of wheat based products.

• Also their trade activities included cotton and chillies and all varieties of whole

pulses for processmg to broken pulses. Dhaniya, Shombu etc from the far off

Northern states came for processing and the N adars distributed to the southern states

of India.

• Nadars also were engaging in drying of oil seeds like copra, groundnut, sesame etc.
VJ~'<:..k...-&>¥
from different parts of India for processing and oil extraction
;<-.

• Nadars also deals with arecanut, cardamom, pepper etc, especially from estates of

Kerala, coffee from Karnataka, Chicory from northern states for distribution to other

states.

• Businesses ofChaambirani, (Sambirani), Hing etc were under Nadars' control.

• The other innovative businesses of Nadars are soda water bottling, cool drinks

bottling in the early years.

0.."""-
• A large number of families who started with dealing palymyra wood for roofI""beams

quickly diversified to timber and various wood products and later to all types of

construction materials.

• J N adars also did scrap metal trading that later bring their presence in

different metal recovery/ foundry units and ever-silver (alloy of steel) stores retailing.

• The Nadars were also pioneers in various packaging materials like from palymyra

based packing material to jute based sack material, paper based packings, tin based

containers and recently different varieties of plastic packaging.

 295

These wide spread trade activities of Nadars created a greater exposure to them
0.. rd.. \p k.Cl.J\)<2.
through their lot of contacts in different states and this mobility resulted in spreading

the Nadar families to different towns of other states in the early 20th centuries.

The Nadars have their own trade associations that supported members for

financial strengths, identify space/ building for continuing their common business and

social interests.

Successful Nadar Retail Shops In Cities And Towns

While the Nadars pioneered the economy development in a dry belt area by

controlling the market prices for the agricultural produces of extremely far off states

/countries and marketed to the entire state and adjacent states, they could neither

capitalize on much on Industrial sector nor continue the innovative business trends.

Nadars of Thirunelveli and Tuticorin established several retail shops in Chennai

metro and also in other cities and towns like Coimbatore, Tirupur, Madurai,

Villupuram, Vellore and Chidamabram. It remains to be seen how this section will

emerge successful with competitive structure from modem trends of corporate rate.

Sivakasi besides meeting printing needs, it has printing ink formulation technologies

and also lead to the development of cern, paints varnishes and related chemicals.
~
The~ types of retail shops the Nadars run includes the shops for provisions,

vegetables, fire wood, other types of wood, textiles, materials needed for building

construction, spare parts required for electrical appliances and very recently the

Nadars are successful in running jewellery shops.

Nadars in Real Estate Business

Chennai is a small city. If there were no Nadars this city would have just risen

with multi-storied buildings, but would not have been expanded. One of the first
 296
occupations of the N adar who came to Chennai was the real estate business. Most of

the epicircle areas of the Chennai city like Valasaravakkam, Saligramam,

Sitlapakkam etc., was bought by Nadars and they sell these plots to the public.

Kamaraj too utilized this idea and he put forth the housing board schemes for the poor

people in Tamil Nadu. The first officer in charge of this scheme was Gnanaoli Nadar

who functioned effectively. 57 As many Nadars indulged in fire wood business when

they go to the suburbs to get the fire wood as there were lot of trees, they began to

buy those lands.

Different occupations of Nadars of Southern districts

The N adars of Tutucorin and Thirunleveli indulge in occupations other than

agriculture as there is little rain and shortage of water. For development of

communication in rural areas further more feasible, the National Highways

department is giving importance in increasing the Highways. Many Nadars took

advantage of this and they earn more by becoming the contractors of highway

construction.

Thus Nadars were successful in diverse range of occupation. The Nadars

monopolized the fire works industry and printing industry. Occupations relating to

palmyra are on the decline. Nadars make use of the backward class reservations while

pursuing their education and rise in the society. Nadars are not the creamy layers as

economically well off Nadars are few than that of middle class Nadars and poor

Nadars.

57
Interview with C. Periasamy, President, Nellai-Tutucorin Nadar Mahamai Paripalana Sangam,
Chennai, 29.6.2005.
 CHAPTERV

CHANGES IN SOCO-ECONOMIC LIFE OF NADARS

Since the latter half of the 20th Century the Socio - Economic conditions of

Nadar community changed rapidly due to their involvements in trade and commerce

and industries. The establishment of educational institutions both higher and

professionals added another source for their development in education which paved

the way for their socio - economic upliftrnent in their different dimensions and

directions.

In this economic sphere they made remarkable achievements by means of

their small and large scale industries. Besides a large number of personalities ·. ~ ,.

contributed major share for the socio- economic development of the Nadar

community by engaging themselves into academic administration, industries, cinema,

politics, social reforms and business.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS RUN BY NADARS

Schools

Many of the Schools in Tamil Nadu are run effectively by the Nadars. With

out the role of Nadars in School education, giving education to all would have

become difficult to the Tamil Nadu Government. Some of the successful Schools

run by N adars are:

Nadar Higher Secondary School, South Gate, Madurai.

Sivakasi Nadars Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Madurai.

Virdhunagar Hindu Nadar Higher Secondary School, Madurai.

Virudhunagar Manickam Nadar Janaki Ammal High School, Madurai.

 298
MSP Solai Nadar Memorial Higher Secondary School, Dindigul.

M.N.U. Jayaraj Nadar Higher Secondary School, Madurai.

Karapettai Nadar Boys Higher Secondary School, Tuticorin.

Karapettai Nadar Girls Higher Secondary School, Tuticorin.

Virudhunagar Nadar Kamarajar Matriculation High School, Tuticorin.

Nadar Saraswathi Girls Higher Secondary School, Theni.

Nadar Saraswathi Higher Secondary Schools, Theni.

A.M.M. Sinnamani Nadar Middle School, Tuticorin.

A.M.M. Sinnamani N adar High School, Tuticorin.

Nadar Middle School, Kovilpatti.

Nadar Higher Secondary School, Kovilpatti.

Kamaraj Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Kovilpatti.

South Street Hindu Nadar Higher Secondary School, Muhavoor.

Nadar Higher Secondary School, Rajapalayam.

A.V.M.Marimuthu Nadar Higher Secondary School, Vilampatti, Sivakasi.

K.C. Sankaralinga Nadar Higher Secondary School, Madras.

Sivakasi Hindu Nadar Victoria Higher Secondary School, Sivakasi.

Sivakasi Hindu Nadar Victoria Matriculation School, Sivakasi.

Sivakasi Hindu Nadar Girls higher Secondary School, Sivakasi.

K.V.S. Higher Secondary School, Virudhunagar.

Kshatriya Vidya Sala Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Virudhunagar.

K.V.K. Sathriya Vidhyasala for Girls, Virudhunagar.

K.V.K. Sathriya Vidhyasala for Boys, Virudhunagar.

P.S.Chidambara Nadar Senior English School, Virudhunagar.

S. H. N. Edward Higher Secondary School, Sattur.

 299
PKN (Pandiyakula Kshatriya Nadar) Boys Higher Secondary Schoool,

Thirumangalarn, Madurai District.

PKN Girls Higher Secondary School, Thirumangalarn, Madurai District. 1

PKN Matriculation School, Thirumangalarn Madurai District.

TPKN School Pasumalai, Madurai, Theni Nadar School, Theni.

Nadar Higher Secondary School, Bodianyakanur.

Scism Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Bodianyakanur.

Sri Duraiappa Matriculation School, Bodianyakanur.

Jothi Matriculation School, Bodianyakanur.

Nadar Middle School, PuliYuran, Aruppukottai.

Nadar Matriculation School, Kilakarai.

WBA Soundarapandi Nadar HS School, Ayanavararn.

MK. V. Kandasarny Nadar Matric School, Tenkasi.

T.N.P.M. Nadar Higher Secondary School, Thalavai Purarn.

Nadar Higher Secondary School, Porayar.

Karnuthi Nadar School, Kamuthi.

TVA.Nallalagu Nadar Higher Secondary School, Perilovanpatti, Vilathikulam Taluk.

Nadar Uravinrnurai Matriculation School,-65, Annanagar, Madurai-20.

Ayyanadar Jeyalakshmi Ammal English Medium School, Teppakulam, Madurai-9.

Nadar Uravinrnurai Thirugnanam Middle School,East Sandaipettai, Madurai.

Nadar High School, South Gate, Madurai.

Palayarnpatti Nadars Uravinmurai Higher Sec. School,-Madurai.

Pallayappa Nadar Uravinmurai APT Durairaj Higher Secondary School, Madurai-1 .

Sivakasi Nadar Matriculation Higher Secondary Schoolar, Madurai-1 0.

1
G.O. No. 881 , Education Department, 3.6.1968.
 300
Virudhunagar Hindu Nadar Higher Secondary School,Madurai-9.

Virudunagar Hindu Nadar Hr. Sec. School, Madurai-9.

Nadar Sarawathy Hr. Sec. School, Usilampatti.

Kamarajar Matriculation School, Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu, India.

ldhayam Rajendran Residential School, Madurai-625 009.

K.S.S. Periakaruppa Nadar, K.S.S. Palaniappa Nadar Sivakasi Jaycees Junior School,

Sivakasi.

K.P.A.T. Dhannaraj Nadar, Rojapputhayarnmal Sivakasi Jaycees Matriculation

School, Sivakasi.

P.S. Chidambara Nadar Senior English School, Virudhunagar - 626001.

D.M.N.S. Sivanthi Adithanar Higher Secondary School, Navalady, Tirunelveli.

St. John's Senior Secondary School, Mandaveli, Chennai.

St. John's Senior Secondary School, Baba Nagar, Chennai.

St. John's Junior College, Besant Nagar, Chennai.

Dr.Sivanthi Adithanar Matriculation School, Thoothukudi - 628003.

COLLEGES

Nadars give importance to higher education also. Many colleges were run by

the Nadars which provides quality education to the people of all communities. Some

of the Colleges run by Nadars are:

V.H.N.S.N. College, Virudhunagar.

Kamaraj Engineering College, Virudhunagar.

V. V. V. College, Virudhunagar.

Kamaraj College, Tuticorin.

Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal Collage (Autonomous), Sivakasi.

MEPCO Schlenk Engineering College, Sivakasi.

 301
MEPCO Schlenk Dental College, Sivakasi.

S. Vellaichaami Nadar College, Nagamalaipudukkotai, Madurai.

Jeyaraj Annapackiam College ofNursing, Madurai.

Tirunelveli Dakshinamara Nadar Sangam College, T. Kallikulam -627113.

Nadar Mahajana Sangam Sermathai Vasan College for Women, Samanatham,

Madurai.

Thiruthangal Nadar College for Women, Selavayal, Chennai.

S.S. Duraisamy Nadar Mariammal College, Kovilpatti- 628 501.

Nadar Saraswathi College of Arts and Science, Vadupudupatti, Theni- 625 531.

Madurai Sivakasi Nadar Pioneer Meenakshi College of women, Poovanthi-630611,

Madurai.

PKN Arts and Science College, Thirumangalam Madurai District.

V.A.P. Nadars Accountancy College,Madurai.

V .A.P N adars College Of Commerce,Madurai.

Thiruthangal Nadar College, Washermenpet, Madras.

Sri Sivasubraminya Nadar College of Engineering, Madras.

Standard Fireworks Rajarathinam College for Women, Sivakasi.

Aditanar College of Engineering, Tiruchendur, Tqtiocorin.

Aditanar College of Arts and Science, Tiruchendur, Tuticorin. 2

Govindarnmal College of Arts and Science for women, Tiruchendur, Tuticorin.

POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTIONS

Kamaraj Polytechnic, Pazhavilai & Post Kanyakumari District.

Nadar Mahajan Sangam Kamaraja Polytecic, Pazhavilai, Nagercoil.

Vellaichamy Nadar Polytechnic, Virudhunagar.

2
G.O. Ms. 274, Education Department, 5.3.1964.
 302
Arasan Ganesan Polytechnic, Sivakasi.

Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal Womens Polytechnic, Sivakasi.

SOME OF THE BUSINESS EMPIRES RUN BY NADARS

Usually the N adars prefer to do start their own business than working for

other. The Nadar's business centres include from the grocery shops to Information

Technology. Nadar community is termed as business community. Some of the well

known instiutions ofNadars are;

Tamilnad Merchantile Bank

South India Shipping Corporation

Hindustan Computers Limited

National Institute of Information Technology {NIIT)

The Daily Thandhi Newspaper

The Malai Murasu Newspaper

V G P Group of Companies

M G M Group of Companies

The Standard Fireworks, Sivakasi.

The Kaleeswari Fireworks, Sivakasi.

Ayyan Fireworks (formerly National Fireworks), Sivakasi.

Arasan Group of Industries, Sivakasi.

Sivakasi Institute of Printing Technology, Sivakasi.

Hotel Saravana Bhavan, Madras.

Saravana Stores, Madras.

Jeyachandran Textiles, Madras.

Idayam Gingely Oil.

V V D Group of Companies.
 303
AD J Group of Companies, Nagapattinam.

AD Jawahar Hospitals, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

A V M Jewellers, Tuticorin.

Ram Softs India P Ltd, Sivakasi.

Srinath Fine Arts, Sivakasi.

Coronation Fire works, Sivakasi.

Srinivas Fine Arts, Sivakasi.

Satire Printographs, Sivakasi.

Thangamani Theatre, Sivakasi.

Palani Andavar Theatre, Sivakasi.

K.V.S. Sulakkarai, Virudhunagar.

Indian Foods Pvt Limited, Madurai.

Nadar Parasakthi Milk Society, Bodianyakanur.

Pathrakaliamrnan Milk Society, Bodianyakanur.

Duraiappa Chemicals, Bodianyakanur.

Virudhunagar Nadar Mansion, (BOARDING & LODGING), Chennai, Tamil Nadu,

India

R.S.V.Nadar & Co,Tuticorin.

Indian Food Park, Virudhunagar.

Arasan Soaps, Coimbatore.

Merit Nonstick Cookware, Chennai.

Nadar community provided a lot of well known personalities to the world.

Some of them are listed below. They could be grouped as politicians business man,

industrialists, sportsmen,
 304

Na dar Politicians

Some of the renowned N adar polticians of India are:

K.Kamaraj- A well known Fredom Fighter and former Chief Minister ofTamilnadu

Adithanar & his Sons - Founder of the leading Tamil Daily - Dinathandi - One of

India's most successful newspaper empires.

WPA.Soundra Pandian Nadar of Pattiveeranpatti - Famous Freedom fighter and self

respect movement leader.

Kumari Anandan- Former Chief of Tamil Nadu Congress party.

Tamaraikani - Famous Tamilnadu Politician.

Mrs. Sarguna Pandian- Famous Tamil Nadu Politician.

N.Soundrapandian -Former M.L.A (member of Legislative Assembly) representing

Radhapuram Constituency.

Mani Nadar-Former M.L.A , representing Sathankulam constituency.

Aladi Aruna, Former Law Minister of Tamil Nadu.

P.H. Pandian M .P- Former Speaker ofTamilnadu Assembly.

K.P.Kandasamy- Former Minister ofTarnilnadu.

Pon. Radhakrishnan - Former Minister for State (Youth Affiars).

Some of the other Nadar Politicians are:

B.P.Rajan M.S. Ramasami

P.R. Muthusami Marxist Rathinam
V.V. Ramasami Chandira pal
A. Sathiamurthi T. Ganapathi
Sadu Subramaniyam M. Madyas
,..,.
A.V. Thomas Nanjil Vincent
 305
P. Thanulingam S.P. Sargunam
R. Santhosam V.P.M. Namasivayam
K.V.K. Sami Chinnasami
M.S. Sivasami Aru.Shankar
llamvazhuthi T.K.Pazhanichami
Thangappalam P.Kannan
Nathigam Ramasamy Poraiyar Sambu
Mayandi Nadar Karai Sivam
P. Ramasamy P. Rajamany
Nellai Jebamany P.A.K. Pazhanichami

K.P. Kandasamy Murugadanuskodi

P.H. Pandian Valarmathi Jebaraj
K.T. Somasundaram Sarathkumar
T. Vellaiyan Esra Sargunam
Nazereth Durai Datho Samuel
A.P. Ponrasan V. Appadurai
Miller Seyapandiannagai
Pethannan Neelalogidas
P.A.N. Rasarathinam SanguGanesan Nadar
S.N.Rajendran Ponpandian
S. Aranganayakam A.Y.S. Parisutha Nadar
Natesan Palraj Danuskodi Aditan
Thalamuthu P. Sanmugam Chengai
P.P.N. Nalla Thambi G. Perumal
P. Chinnasami Nachimuthi Erode
S. Chellachami Subbaia Sivakasi
R. Sokkar V.V.V. Anandan
Sangaralinganar Kasirajan-Rasagopalan
P. Devasagayam T. Kunjan Nadar
Larenz R.P.Aditan
K. Parvathi S. Thangamani Nadar
T.S. Adimolam Nagasundaram
S.S. Pazhanichami Kunjukrishna Dr. Kumaradas
 306
V.M.S. Seluchami Nadar S.P.Jeyaram Nadar
R.M.D.S. Soundarapandian C.N. Rathinam
S. Needimanikka Nadar T.G. Darmar
T. Chidambaranatha Nadar Danushkodi
K. Arumugasami G. Karikolraj
Aladi Aruna Periasamy
Thamaraikani Anitha RadhaKrishnan 3
llanchezhian V.P. Vadivel
K.T.K. Chinnamani E.L.M. Soundarapandiyan
M.S. Selvaraj K.P. Maduram
Pon. Vijayaragavan C. Navamani
K.T. Janaki Raman M.K.T. Subramaniyan
Vannai Kalaidasan MadanaGopal
Martin

COLLECTORS, ARMY, NAVY AND POLICE PERSONNELS

Sailendra Babu ,1. P. S.(Indian Police Service)

Ratnasamy Nadar- Former Deputy Collector ofMadurai

Walter Devavram, Former Deputy General of Police ofTamilnadu

Devasahayam IPS, Former Inspector General of Police Madras.

Newton Devasahayam IPS, D.I.G. Former Inspector Deputy General of Police. Mr.

Arul, Former Inspector General ofTamilnadu Police.

Ravi Arumugam I.P.S- Former Inspector General of Police.

Suzhil Kumar - Indian Army Chief.

Sunil Kumar - Former Chief of Indian Navy.

Nadar Business Magnates and other famous Nadar personalities

A. D. Jeyeveerapandia Nadar- Famous Business Man ofNagapattinam

3
S.S. Magalingam, 'Nadargal Thortamum Varalarum', Manasathi Koodam, Chennai, 2002,pp-203-
204.
 307
Rao Sahib M. Abraham Pandithar- Music Legend

Ayya Nadar- Famous Business Man of Sivakasi

V.G. Paneer Das- Founder ofV G P Grop of Companies, Madras

P.Raja Gopal Nadar- Founder of Hotel Saravana Bhavan Chain ofRestaurants

Arasan A.M .S. G Vijayakumar- Arasan Group of Companies, Sivakasi

Dr. Chandra Graham - The famous Doctor in Sivakasi Town

Vasantha Kumar- Mls Vasanth & CO

V.V.Dhanushkodi Nadar- Founder ofV. V. D Group of companies, Tuticorin

V. K. Chelliah Nadar- Famous Business Man of Burma

Gnana Sekaran, Chairman of Sivakasi City & Former TMC Senior Leader

Nellai Kavinesan- Orator

Dr. A. Besant C. Raj - Managing Director, Besant Raj International Ltd

Sharath Kumar - Tamil Film Actor

Mr. Muthu - M/s Idhayam Gingelly Oil

K. T. K Thangamani-a barrister and communist leader of standing

V. S .Azariah, the first Indian Bishop consecrated by the Church of England

Admiral 0. S. Dawson-Former Chief of the Naval Staff.

M. S. S Pandian-renowned social scientist David Davidar-CEO and publisher of

Penguin Books and Prominent writer

Manuel Aron-India's first International Chess Master and the first chess player to be

honoured with the Aljuna Award

Ranjan Roy Daniel- Physicist conferred Padma Bhushan

Sam Rajappa- distinguished journalist

V.P.S.Ayyemperumal Nadar- Virudhunagar Businessman

M.V.Shanmugavel Nadar- First Chairman ofTamilnad Merchantile Bank

 308
T.V.Balagurusamy Nadar- First President ofTamilnad Merchantile Bank

Kiran Nadar-National Bridge Champion

Paul Raj ,- President's Best School Headmaster Award Winner, Former Headmaster

S.H.N.V Hr Sec School, Sivakasi

A. Pown Raja- President's Best School Principal Award Winner, Former Principal,

A.N.J.A College

Vijay Amirtha Raj -Famous Tennis player

Dr. Maduram-Inventor of Guru Thailam (Balm), Madurai

Dr. B.P.Rajan - Famous Dentist and Former Vice Chancellor MGR Medical

University

Ma.Po.Sivagnanm ( Ma.Po.Si) - Tamil writer and freedom fighter

Dr.R.R. Daniel -Famous Scientist, Padmabhushan, Dean ofTata Institute of

Fundamental Research.

Nadars established the press media and made it grow. The Nadars were the

monopoly regarding press industry as almost the whole press media is in the hands of

the Nadar

Dailies and Journals run by Nadars

Dinathanthi, Malai Murasu, Rani, Kadiravan, Devi, Dinakaran, V asuki, Malai

Malar, Dinaboomi, Adirshtam, Navasakthi, Dinachaidi, Thani Arasu, Malai Chudar,

Dinachudar, Deccan Herald, Thamil kodi, Valar tholil, Nathigam, Munnerta Arasu,

Chengol, Pagutharivu, Kilarchi, Thamilthendal, Udayasuriyan, Sigappu Nada, Then

Koodu, Thenaruvi, Karumbu, Peravai, Mugam, Magilchi, V anangamudi, Indraya

Indiayan, Vasantham, Pudumai, Ejaman, Manasatchi, Dravida Mayyam,

Mullaicharam, Nadar Kural, Vazhikatti, Padithen, Maratiya Murasu, Nadar Murasu,

 309
Sandamarutham, Sanroruravu, India Nadar Murasu, Thamilan madal, Mahajanam,

Munvandavai, Vijayavikatan, Kshatriya mithiran, Dakshina deepam, Gramani kulam,

Mara Nadu, Samuga orrtumai, Sivakasi Murasu, Sachidanandam, Ananda Vijayan,

Bharatha Langa, Nadar Kula Mithiran, Dravida Abimani, Pandiyakula Deepam,

Gnanodayam, Suyamariathai chuddar, Nadar Nanban, Nadar Kulam etc.,4

The following are some of the leading Nadar writers:

T.P. Meenathci Sundaranar Aa.Ma.Sami
Narana Duraikannan Aru. Shankar
S.Samithiram S.T. Kasirajan
Nellai Nedumaran P. Kannan
A.C. Pal Nadar P.T. Sami
Thamarai Manalan] S.V. Perumal
Salai llandiraiyan Sakthi Perumal
Salini llandiraiyan M. Abraham Pandithar
M. llamaran S.A. Sami
.c. llamkamban K. Rajayyan
Ponneelan Arunageedayan
M.P. Gurusamy T.C. Selvaraj
Thamarai Chendurpandi Nellai S. llangovan
Thamilpithan A. Kesavamoorthy
A. Sanmugakani Mervin
T. Rathinavel Mugam Mamani
Manamedu Gurunathan M. llanchezhian
M.A. Gnanasekaran K. Karthikeyan
Guru. Manogaran Kandasami Kavirayar
E. Chinnappan Sanmuga Gramaniyar
Senduran Na. Pugalendi
K. Arangasami S.V. Suyambu lingam
A. Sathiyamurthi Dasarataharaman
Kumari Maindan A. Bhaskarapandian

4
S.S. Magalingam, 'Nadargal Thortamum Varalarum', Chennai, 2002, p-206.
 310
K. Jayakrishnan Nanjil Nedumaran
Vanangamudi S. Ganapathyramam
Madurai Mannan T. Vellathurai
P.M. Rasamani P. Bose
Navaneedakrishnan P. Rasadurai
Vazhipokkan Usilai somanathan
S. Manoharan Kayilai Mannan
Ravi Arumugam M.K.Thayanban
O.K. Vallivel J.J. Das
Ramani Chandiran Dassundararajan
Vadilai Soundar Melanmai Ponnuchami
V.P. Amirthalingam Kadalur Vasanthakokilam
llandottam Sukumaran Kristhudas
Pulavar C. Gnanamani Pazhani Balasundaranar
Gnana Soundari Jaisingh
Prabanjan Sundararasan Pulavar5

Some ofthe successful Nadar Industrialists are the following:

T.P.S. Hariram Set S.G. Jeyaraj Nadar
N.R. Danapalan A.R.A. Senbaga Nadar
K.P.Maduram Thiruchi P.V. Balasubramaniyam
K.A.S. Sekar Ammayappa Nadar & Brothers
S.S. Pandian P. Surendran
Visayaraj Amirtharaj(U.S.A) S.P.S Muthu Nadar
G.S.R. Boomipalan S.V. Sivalinga Nadar
N.V. Sanmugam M.S.P. Solai Nadar
T.A.S. Rathinam N.P.V. Gurusami Nadar
P.S. Chidambara Nadar V.V.D. Nithiyanandam
P. Rajagopal S. Vivekanandan
Munusami (Goldwinner) V.V. DanushkodiNadar

5
S.S. Magalingam, 'Nadargal Thortamum Varalarum', Chennai, 2002, p-207.
 311
K.V.P. Boominathan K.S. Sanmugavel Nadar
H. Chellathurai S.A. Marthanda Nadar
Pradab Singh P. Sanmugam
K. Ganapathy Nadar K. Sanmugam
Sivanesa Nadar (premier) Nanjil C.S. Durai
K.S.P. Ganesan (Arun Ice) Muthu(idayam)
P. Subramaniyam L. Chinnamani Nadar
T.S. Adimoolam A.N. Seenivasaga Nadar
Selvarthinam K.S.M.G.M. Nadar
A. Narayan R.N.C. Rao Sahib Masilamani
K.A.S. Ramdas R. llango Nadar
P.K. Mani S.C. Sekar
A.V.M.V. Mani T.N.U Nagarasan
S. Darmaseelan Vasantha Kumar (Vasant & co.)
R.H.R. Kovai Arunachalam
Jaya (Ponvandu) D. Koil Pillai Nadar
Y.S. Gnanam P. Magendravel
Jt/. Pon Subbaia T.M.K. Selvaraj
Veeramani R. Muraganandam Raj Mahal
A. Kumerasa Pandian N. Alaguvel
S. Ganesan (Sathy Deluxe) M.S.R. Natarajan & Brothers
A. Danam S.C. Pandian6

Short account of some of the successful Nadar personalities and Nadar concerns

Sivanthi Adithanar

Sivanthi Adithanar, the second son of Si.Pa. Aditanar runs effectively the

Dinathanthi news paper in 14 cities with great passion. He also render his great

services in the field of education and sports. He helped in educating people and thus

strengthened the weakened society. Also he helps the other educational institutions

financially. He received three doctoral degrees. In 1994 he received doctoral degree

6
S.S. Magalingam, 'Nadargal Thortamum Varalarum', Chennai, 2002, p-205.
 312
from Madurai Kamaraj University, in 1995 from Annamalai University, in 2004 from

Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. 7

Ramachandra Adithanar

Ramachandra Adithanar, the first son of Si.Pa. Aditnar and a media baron in

Tamil Nadu running evening daily ' Malai Murasu' and many other journals like Devi

and Kanmani. He spearheaded the Nadar community' s battle as the Bank Retrieval

Committee chairman to reclaim the Tuticorin based Tamilnad Mercantile Bank

(TNMB). It was Nadar community's fierce battle to buy back the 67 per cent stake in

TNMB that the Rs 3,300-crore Essar Group (Essar) picked up in October, 1994, and

subsequently sold to non-resident Indian businessman C. Sivasankaran in October,

1997. Due to the efforts taken by Ramachandra Adithanar, the Nadars have virtually

regained control of the Tamilnadu Mercantile Bank from Sivashankaran of Sterling

Computers.

Admiral Sushil Kumar

He was the Marshal of Indian Navy. Sushil kumar is from Neyyor in

Kanniyakumari district. In 1961 he joined the Navy. Sushil Kumar took part in the

Goa military activities inl961 , in 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan. He became the

chief of Indian Navy. World wide he was in fourth place in playing polo.

Aruda(na)kkutty Kavirayar

*-" In the southern regions of Tamil Nadu, in the districts of Nellai, Kumari

Districts, there was no practice of temple worship as today. The small deities in

temples did not have proper history. Those who worshipped deities performed their

pooja with drum beats and animal sacrifices. The process of ballad songs was

7
Dinathanthi, Madras, 2.9.2004, p-13.
 313
introduced by Arudhanakkutty Nadar. His songs explicit the history of the village

deities. He lived in Thangaiyur near Udangudi in Nellai district. For ballad songs, he

selected the stories and wrote songs. Books written by him in Tamil are Villisai

Thuvakka Padalgal, Vinayagar Thudi( 10 volumes), Chidambaran Andadi, Perumal

Thambiran or Padmanaban Swami Kadai, Chenbaga Nachiar Kadai, Andaramudaiyar

Kadai, Kalabakaraswami Kadai, V annara Madan Kadai, Pagadaiswami Kadai,

Seevaga Sindamani Ammanai.

Apart from these books he had also written many ballad songs for the small

deities in the villages. With ballad team group he conducted concerts in various

villages during the festival of the Muthararnman, Mariamman, Isakiarnman,

Pathirakali Amman and Sudalai Madan deities. Also for other small deities in the

villages also, then and there he used to write lyrics and sing and made the villagers

happy. Later in all the temple festivals ballad songs took place.8

Raja Palavesamuthu Nadar

The first leader of the Dakshina Mara Nadar Sangam was P.S. Raja Palavesamuthu

Nadar who was elected unanimously. 9 With his leadership, the Sangam attained its

highest peak. He had a firm belief that with the growth of the Sangam Nadar
/

community would also develop. He traveled different places in Tamil Nadu and

made many Nadars to join as members in the Sangam. He helped the Nadars who

were in need through the Sangam. He had put his great efforts in getting many rights

and privileges from the government for the sake of N adar and did not bring politics

into the Sangam. There were many reasons for the Pettais to get merged. As he has

8
A. Karuppasamy & A. Thasarathan, 'Thennattu Koilgalil Villisaikku vithittavar, Arudanakutti Nadar
Kavirayar V aralaru' , Dakshina Mara Nadar Sangam College, 1972-1997, Silver Jubiliee Magaine,
Thirunelveli, 1997 ,pp-204-207.
9
P.Murugesan, 'P.S. Raja Palavesamuthu Nadar' , Dakshina Mara Nadar Sangam, Golden Jubilee, Kallikulam,
1994, p-233.
 314
the capacity to move friendly and efficiently with others, he was able t&b0 t~ leader
1'-

for 37 consecutive years.

Apart from maintaining the Pettais with his skills he also formed many new

Pettais. During his administration, he never allowed the religious feeling or regional

feeling to interfere in to the Sangam activities. He was very much interested in the

education ofNadar community. For that he helped in many ways. He was the main

cause for the establishment of a college in Kallikulam.

K.T.KOSALRAM

K.T.Kosalram was born on December 22"d 1915, in Arumuganeri to K.T.

Nadar and Poovammal. From 1930, he actively participated in politics. At the very

young age he was very patriotic and he distributed bits of paper against the British.

He was against the liquor shops and he used to involve in the movements to stress the

prohibition of liquor. Due to this he was put in jail many times, even up to one week.

Later he became the leader of the Sangam of Salt employees. In the 1942 Quit India

movement he was arrested and punished for 1 Y2 year imprisonment. He was also the

first accused in Kurumbur conspiracy case and was put in sub-jail for 21 months and

was greatly tortured. He was released later as there was no evidence. Then he was

arrested for security reasons and was put in Tanjore and V ellore Jail. Later he was

freed in 1945.

~~ ~e~~
Before the enactment of temple entry act he t6ok untouchables,, into

Thiruchendur temple. He imposed socialistic activities in the salt factory lease right,

from the central government to employees association. He formed co-operative

societies and made the employees as directors. In 1966, he brought resolutions to give

pensions for the freedom fighters, which was accepted by the then Chief Minister M.
 315
Bhakthavachalam. In 1970, in All India Congress Karya Committee, he brought the

resolution that the central government should give pension to the freedom fighter and

made Prime Minister Indhira Gandhi to give consent. From 1946 to 1967 he was an

M.L.C. in Tamil Nadu assembly and he was one of the person responsible for the bills

to be pass such as Jamindari abolition Bill, Hindu religion Partition Bill, Land

resettlement Bill etc., He was also the editor of 'pudumai' and 'dinachaidi'. In Nellai

district for the benefit of four Taluks, he collected one crore and twenty-five lakhs

from public to build Manimutharu dam. He brought drinking water facilities for

thirteen villages in 1948 from Punnakkayal to Alandalai. 10

G. Devasahayam

An infantry officer in the army (he participated in the Indo-Pak War of 1965),

M G Devasahayam joined the lAS (Haryana Cadre). In 1985, he took voluntary

retirement from the lAS and has since been in NGO work and, for a while, in politics.

As Member of the High Power Committee on Agricultural Policies and Programmes

that went into the issue of "transforming Agriculture into an Industry", he wrote the

theme chapter. He also became closely associated with Mother Teresa and

Jayaprakash Narayan . He helped the Missionaries of Charity to set up the 'Home for

the abandoned and dying destitutes' (Shanti-Dan) at the heart of Chandigarh and a

sanctuary for lepers in the City's outskirts.

David Davidar

At the age of 43, David Davidar had become the most famous name in Indian

publishing. As Publisher of Penguin Books India, he notched up many firsts to his

credit. He was the youngest publisher in the world when he took charge at the age of

10
Thiruchendur Taluka Sudandira Poratta veerargal Ninaivu malar, Thiruchendur, 1972, pp-25-26.
 316
26. He is reputed to have played a catalyst's role in the writing careers of some of

India's most celebrated authors. He became one himself with the release in early 2002

of his novel 'The House of Blue Mangoes.' This is a generational saga spread over

more than a hundred years in the life of a Nadar family settled in Nagercoil in

Kanyakumari district.

Shiv Nadar

When Microsoft Chief Bill Gates first visited India in 1996, the first person he

met soon after having breakfast with the Prime Minister was a man who proudly

retained 'Nadar' in his name - Shiv Nadar, Chief of HCL Group. His friends call

him by another name - Magus, Persian for wizard.

Shiv Nadar, aged 53, began making computers in his garage 24 years ago and

rose to head a company with a net worth of about US $1.2 billion. Graduating in

electrical engineering in 1967, Nadar began his career as a system analyst with

Cooper Engineering. From 1968 to 1975, he was a senior management trainee at the

Data Products Division of DCM. It was in 1975 that he persuaded six of his

colleagues to join him to launch HCL. It began by making office products like

copiers, and then stepped into the computer supply business until it came out with its

own computer. Nadar's achievements in IT can be attributed to his human resources

management skills. The company has a large workforce, well-trained and committed.

The emphasis on training led to the setting up of the software training firm NIIT.

Aru. Shankar

Aru. Shankar was born in Virudhunagar, and his family settled in

Vannarappettai in Chennai. As a leading dhal business man, he had larger role in the
 317
associations of traders. He actively involved in Dravidian movement and he has

conducted large number of Self-respect marriages than any other Nadars.

W .P.A. Soundarapandiyanar

He is considered as the one who safeguarded the Nadar community. He

criticised the Sanskritic behaviours ofNadaras and urged the Nadars to give up those

sanskritic practices. He supported widow remarriages and he strongly encouraged

self-respect marriages. Because ofhim Dravidian movement grew largely. He was a

member of MLC in 1942 and 1953. The first Nadar member in the assembly is

Soundara Pandianar. In the years 1928-30, he was the president ofRamanathapuram,

from 1943-47 he had been the president of Madurai district board. He had also a

main role in coffee board. He formed the Sugar factory in Pandiarasapuram. He had

been referred as 'Suyamariyadhai Singam'. He had been the general Secretary of

Nadar Sangam for four years. In the year 1920, he transferred the Nadar Mahajan
· ·II
S angam to P attiveeranpatti.

Kumari Ananthan

He had been the leader of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee. With his great
1
speech, he strengthened the Congress party in Tamil Nadu, by trav~ing all over

Tamil Nadu. So he is considered as the pillar of Congress party in Tamil Nadu. He

fought for the right to ask question in the mother tongue, in the Parliament. He was
dJ:>
also elected,....a Member of Legislative Assembly for four times. 12

11
S.S. Magalingam, 'Nadargal Thortamum Varalarum ', Chennai, 2002, p-163 .
12
S.S. Magalingam, 'Nadargal Thortamum Varalarum', Chennai, 2002, p-171.
 318
K.T. K. Thangamani

K.T.K. Thangamani studied in London and he also formed a Tamil Sangam in

London. He was an active communist and gave all his property to Communist party.

K.A.S. Sekar

He did Lottery business successfully. He got the right to sell the Lottery

tickets of various states. He also runs a daily 'adhirshtam'. Through his 'Kamarajar

Trust', 'Mariamma Welfare Committee' and 'K.A.S. Sekar-Valarmathi welfare

service' served the poor people and contributed lot for education, temples, marriage

halls and other social welfare activities. 13

Prof. T. Pandian

Prof. T . J. Pandian, in his younger years undertook research in energetics and

subsequently genetics of fishes. He was conferred with the Citation Classic status to

his very first paper by the Institute for Scientific Information, Philadelphia, an honour

received by a very few Indian Biologists. He was also conferred with the Hooker

Award by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi {1978) for his out

standing research work in Energetics and Fish Production. He was also conferred

with the Bhatnakar Award by the council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New

Delhi (1984) for his significant contributions to modelling in energetics. National

Lectureship (1985-86) and National Fellowship (1989-91) by the University Grant

Commission, New Delhi for his out standing contribution of Biology. Naga Award by

the International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management, Manila ( 1991)

for his impact-making research contributions to Fishery Biology in Asia. Also

received K.N . Bahi Memorial Gold Metal by the society of Biosciences, New Delhi

13
S.S. Magalingam, ' Nadargal Thortamum Varalarum ', (Tamil), Chennai, 2002, p-181.
 319
(1994) for his excellent contributions to Biology and National Professor ship by the

Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi in recognition of his proven

competence and dynamic leadership in Fishery Science(1996). He received Tamil

Nadu Scientist Award by the State Council for Science and Technology, Chennai

( 1997), for his contribution to teaching and research and research in Biology. He had

also been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, Allahabad (1984), Indian

Academy of Sciences, Bangalore (1985), Asian Fisheries Society, Manila, Philippines

(1986), the Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi (1987) and National

Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi (1992). 14

Manuel Aaron

When chess was hardly known as a sport in India, Manuel Aaron became the

first Indian to become an International Master. He still holds the record for winning

the maximum number of National titles (nine times) at the senior level. Grandmaster

Pravin Thipsay is the second best with seven National titles. Aaron, who has also won

the Arjuna Award, competed in many Chess Olympiads. Aaron's strong points were

his steely determination and pragmatic approach in chess. He never gave up till the

end. After retirement, he turned his focus to coaching and organising. He runs an

academy in Adyar and is the secretary of the Tamil Nadu Chess Association. His

most famous Olympiad victory was over Dutch Max Euwe, one of the best players in

the history of chess and world champion for a short period in 1930's. 15

14
Major Achievements of Prof. T . Pandian, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj
University, Madurai, 65th conferene, ' Tholil Malar' ,(Tamil), Nadar Mahajan Sangam, Madurai,
l999,pp-38l-382.
15
The New Indian Express, Madras, November 24, 2002.
 320
P.S.S. Krishanmurthi

Krishnamurthi was the chairman and managing director of P.S.S.

Krishnamurthy Exports (p) Ltd., He received the meritorious award for the Export of

highest volume of Export of Medicinal Herbs from Tuticorin for the year 1995-96 and

also received NACOSI-IHFD National Award at Madras. He also received Industrial

award Presented for outstanding services achievements and contributions at

Bangalore and conferred a title Bharat Jyothi Award by International Integrity Peace

and friendship Society for the export performance. He also received a Silver Trophy

and Gold Medal Award for the year 1997-98 from Indian Council of Small and

Medium Exporters, New Delhi in 1998. He was the founder of All India Chamber of

Commerce & Industries, Tuticorin. 16

Aa.Ma. Samy

Dr. Aa.Ma. Samy, Editor of Rani weekly, Rani Muthu and Rani comics is the

disciple ofSi.Pa. Aditanatar. In his book ' History ofTarniljournals' (19th century) 17,

brought out the fact that the Tamil is the first language in India to adopt the print

medium and the Indian Language Journalism originated from Tamil Nadu by giving a

number of illustrations, photocopies of the magazines and the scripts published in

Tamil, during 19th Century. ~ thls book was a chronicle of important historical

events which brought out many facts of the history of Tamil Journalism. His first

attempt to draw the history of Tamil journalism was, 'Tamil Journals-Origin and

Growth' which was published in 1987. He has written hundreds of short stories and

more than forty novels which were all published in Dinathanthi and Rani. He had his

pen name as 'Kurumbur Kuppusami'. He is also famous for his travelogues.

16
65th conferene, 'Tholil Malar', Nadar Mahajan Sangam, (Tamil), Madurai, 1999, pp-379-380.
17
A.Ma. Samy, History ofTamil Journals (19th century), Chennai, 2000, p-1.
 321

AV Thomas and Company

The founder of AVT estate in Idukki District, Kerala was Mr.A.V.Thomas,.

He had the experience as a manager in tea estates in southern districts of Kerala. He

came at Pasupapri in early years of 19th century and started planting of tea in the

waste land there. A V Thomas collected shares from workers and refunded the same

during their retirement.

He belonged to Tamil Nadar Community. He converted to Christianity (CSI).

Even now majority of middle management staff and a significant share of workers in

A VT estates belong to Nadar or CSI Community. Some of the prominent estates of

the group include Pasupari estate Amakkal tea estate, Karadigudy tea estate (both are

in V andiperiyar panchayat. Idukki district), Rajagiri Rubber estate in Kollam district

and estates in Nilgiris mountain. Starting from 1925, till now, The A.V.THOMAS

GROUP is a conglomerate with an annual turnover of Rs 400 Crores and employing

over 12000 people. The A VT Group of plantations have major . interests in TEA,

CARDAMOM, RUBBER, COFFEE and PEPPER and various other industries in

Biotechnology, Leather, Rubber products and Oleoresins.

In 1984-1985, the A. V. Thomas group initiated commercial production of

cardamom through tissue culture. Kerala started intercropping vanilla with crops like

coconut, coffee, pepper, areca nut etc. The cost of cultivating vanilla is almost

negligible and processing companies like A VT and SYNTHITE are coming to the

farmers' doorstep to purchase vanilla. A VT group successfully operates, Oleoresins

plants extracted from various spices and the primary product being yellow colouring

powder from MARIGOLD flowers. AVT group has excellent tie up with farmers in
 322
Tamil Nadu (around Sathyamangalam) and Madhya Pradesh for obtaining quality

marigold crop yields for their factory.

VGP Group of Companies

V.G Panneerdas, a renowned Christian was born to poor parents, in a village

called 'Azhagappapuram' in Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. He was the eldest.

Young Panneerdas, even while going to primary school, did odd jobs during spare

hours, like errand boy in a provision store, carrying load on his head, etc. The village

lad of 12, V.G Panneerdas, quickly gathered his wits and decided to go Madras (now

Chennai), the big city and the land of his dreams to try his luck and mitigate the

sufferings of his family. He just had Rs.25/ in his pocket, given by an old lady in the
18
village, with blessings to excel.

After reaching Chennai, some of the odd jobs Mr. Panneerdas did were, to

• work in a provision shop, sleeping on gunny bag spread out in the night. Eating and

living frugal means, he saved money to set up a Tea shop with an adjunct Betel nut

shop and then took to Newspaper vending, door to door along with his brother, V.G.

Santhosam. In the year 1955, V.G Panneerdas started his own shop, 12 by 10 size to

sell alarm clocks, watches, wall clocks etc. A little later, he added bicycles to his

range. He had one over riding principle, i.e., belief and faith in people. He targeted

small people like way side travelers, shopkeepers, salaried people, rickshaw pullers,

all of whom had a need to own things but could not shell out the cost across the

counter. He thought he could give these people products by monthly installments,

some times as little as for Re 1. Thus he became the pioneer in the nation to sell

products by the installment system of selling.

18
The Hindu, Madras, October 27, 2005 .
 323

By 1964, VGP was well established in business, and he thought as to do

y
something different. From being one of the first organized~etailers , VGP opened the

first full fledged three storied 'VG Panneerdas and Co', consumer durables,

showroom with all leading products and brands under one roof, at Saidapet, Madras.

VGP became National bestsellers for 'Murphy' brand radios. They won an all India

Campaign Competition by portraying a 'gypsy' couple boarding a flight with Murphy

radio in hand. VGP also thought of novel ideas of publicity and promotion by wall

paintings on railway walls and other places, painting on overhead tanks and the like.

Even today some of these old paintings could be seen.

VGP Golden Beach

During one of his trips abroad, V.G. Panneerdas was fascinated by Disney

land and he wanted to replicate such a tourist marvel with authentic Indian theme.

The place became an instant hit with visitors. VGP Golden Beach remains a much

sought after tourist haunt till today. VGP Golden Beach has been a ' first of its kind'

facility, much replicated today, but having a charm, all its own.

The saga of success of VGP continued with the start of 'Video Vision of

India' in Bombay, with state of the art equipments, VGP Video Vision, has once

again, been a pioneer in duplicating, converting into video format and language

dubbing of various Indian films and serials for a grateful Indian market abroad.

'Transporting Indian Culture' was thus achieved with the warmth of emotions and

met with remarkable success. Another step that showed VGP in brighter light was the

commissioning ofVGP Digital Audio Studio in 1994 at VGP Victor.

Role of VGP in Township Development with Modern Layouts

 324
More than conforming to statutory stipulations, they also employed the ' Buy

Now, Play Later' concept in real estate. Till date, more than 200 Townships have

been developed, a record by itself.

Not just in Tamil Nadu, VGP pioneered marketing of real estate through

conduct of Exhibitions in large halls and major Hotels in all major cities of India and

abroad, like USA, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, South Africa, Dubai, Middle

East, Hong Kong, Mauritius and so on. The ' Flavour of Home soil' concept caught

on famously with people of Indian origin everywhere. Today VGP Housing has

thousands of satisfied customers.

The same year, 1994 also saw the opening of another company, the VGP

Property Developers Ltd. It has built some of the finest Beach Villas for the elite,

like VGP Designer Homes, near Madras Beach, VGP Garden Homes, near Banglore,

luxurious Apartment complexes like Sowmya Springs, Sai Goku, Lakshmi

Apartments, Lake View Apartments, and City Homes etc.

VGP Universal Kingdom

This is a distinctive amusement wing of the VGP Golden Beach with separate

entry, lovely layouts, more exciting rides, food courts, etc. Yet another significant

step taken in 2002 was the beginning of conducting international thrill events, for the

first time in India, at the VGP Universal Kingdom.

VGP is now getting in large mall concept and it is going to be getting started.

VGP victory hous~ the largest of all VGP showrooms is been transformed into a huge

shopping spree one stop shop. In Bangalore there are already six chain of retailing
 325
19
shops established and the seventh one in going to get started. Thus VGP does

things differently, doing things for a cause and have a multifaceted approach.

HCL Enterprise

HCL Enterprise, started by Shiv Nadar is a leading global technology and IT

enterprise, comprising two companies listed in lndia-HCL Technologies & HCL

Infosystems. Initially HCL was a leader in computer Hardware supplr0 •

The three-decade-old enterprise, founded in 1976, is one of India's original IT garage

start-ups. Its range of offering~span product engineering, technology and application

services, BPO, infrastructure services, IT hardware, systems integration, and

distribution of technology and telecom products. The HCL team comprises of over

30,000 professionals of diverse nationalities, operating out of 15 countries, including

300 points of presence in India alone. HCL has global partnerships with several

leading Fortune 1000 firms, including leading IT and Technology firms. HCL

Technologies offers a unique bundle of integrated services around a triad of Software,

BPO and Remote IT Infrastructure management.

They are ranked amongst the top 5 Indian IT companies across all service

lines. They achieved this through Zero defect delivery for mission critical testing

across domains; Requisite rare skills in legacy applications; Full service enterprise

package management; Strong mindshare in enterprise content management in Asia;

Unique concept-to-manufacture capability across hardware, embedded and

mechanical engineering; They have the largest BPO centre in Northern Ireland and

amongst the top 10 employers with multilingual capability. They also possess

complex infra management for over 50,000 devices and 350,000 end users

19
Advertiser's Feature, The Hindu, October 27, 2005.
20
The Hindu, 22.6.2006.
 326
worldwide. HCL and Microsoft enter strategic alliance to market Microsoft Dynamics

- in Asia Pacific.

HCL Tech revenues up 28% to USD 252 million

HCL Technologies is one of India's leading global IT Services companies,

providing software-led IT solutions, BPO and remote infrastructure management

services. Having made a foray into the services domain in 1997-98, HCL

Technologies focuses on technology and R&D outsourcing, working with clients in

areas at the core of their business. The company leverages an extensive offshore

infrastructure and its global network of 26 offices in 15 countries to deliver solutions

across select verticals including Banking, Insurance, Retail & Consumer, Aerospace,

Automotive, Semiconductors, Telecom and Life Sciences. For the twelve-month

period ended 31 March 2006, HCL Technologies, along with its subsidiaries, had

revenues ofUS $919 million (Rs 4,102 crore) and employed 29,948 professionals.

National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT)

NIIT is the India's largest Information Technology Trainer. Founded in 1981 ,

with the mission of "Bringing People and Computers Together... Successfully," NIIT

services enterprises and individuals in 42 countries with its wide ranging Learning

Solutions. The NIIT Group is also positioned strongly in the software and services

space through NIIT Technologies. NIIT's vast education delivery network spread

over 30 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa and

Australia/Oceania, blends classroom and on-line learning. The company provides a

comprehensive education environment to individuals and enterprises, offerings

training that is customized to the varied needs of audiences with diverse backgrounds.
 327
Computer Software College (CSC)

CSC Computer education is the largest and the best computer training centre

m Chennai, Coimbatore, Salem, and Tiruchy with 56 centres. It was started by

lyemperumal Nadar. They have more than 600 professionals with extensive

experience in almost every aspect of application software. Their Consultancy division

is currently engaged in 30 different projects. Their master piece of work can be

experienced with companies like H.C.Kothari Group, India cements, LMW, Textool,

etc. They have made real-life projects as an integral component in their course design . .

They expose students to real-life situations and prepare them for undertaking

challenging assignments in an actual work environment.

Tamilnadu Mercantile Bank Limited

The history of Tamilnadu Mercantile Bank Ltd., the then Nadar Bank Ltd.,

dates back to 1921 . As a leading Private Sector Bank with more than eight decades of

presence in the banking industry and a completely computerized network with

Centralised Core Banking Solutions. 21 The thought of establishing a bank under the

guidance of the able Nadar business community was mooted out in the Anniversary

of Nadar Mahajana Sangam held at Tuticorin in 1920. The proposal was effected

soon. The bank was registered on 11.05.1921 as "The Nadar Bank Ltd"

A group of dedicated men with shrewd acumen and sound integrity had been

constituted as Board of Directors and they elected M.V.Shanmugavel Nadar as

Chairman on 04.11.1921. The bank was opened by T.V.Balagurusamy Nadar, the

then president of the Nadar Mahajana Sangam and the bank threw open its door to the

21
The Hindu, 26.7.2006.
 328
public on 11.11.1921 at 9 a.m. in Ana Mavanna Building at South Raja Street,

Tuticorin.

The Founder Directors of the Tamilnadu Mercantile Bank Group are listed

below:

• M .V.Shanmugavel Nadar

• A.M.M.Sinnamani Nadar

• AR.A.Shenbaga Nadar

• K.A.M.A.Kalliapa Nadar

• M.VE.Rathnasami Nadar

• AR.A.S.Arumugasamy Nadar

• T.V.Balagurusamy Nadar

• P.K.S.A.Arumuga Nadar

• M.S.P .A.Chidambara Nadar

The bank became a Scheduled Bank under the Reserve Bank of India Act on

11.05.1935. The Nadar Bank Ltd., changed its name to the Tamilnadu Mercantile

Bank Ltd., on 26th November 1962. Ever since the bank stands pre-eminently among

the galaxy of banks in the private sector depicting scientific and sound functioning.

The bank has been fortunate in having very eminent and honest men of vision and

great talent as Board of Directors and Executives. The ever increasing profit figures

of the bank depict the efficiency of the management. The bank, which was opened

with a small capital of Rs.5 lakhs, has an impeccable record of having a net worth of

Rs. 558.84 Crores as on 31.03.2005 making it a strong and sound bank.

 329
Tamilnadu Mercantile Bank Ltd., focused its attention on the customers from

the very beginning and the bank is known for its personalized service. The team of

management and staff members of the bank are having the practice of meeting people

from various walks of life and hear their requirements on a regular basis.

The bank was having only 4 branches in the year 1947 at Tuticorin, Madurai,

Sivakasi and Virudhunagar. The bank had also a branch at Colombo in the year 1937

and the same was closed in the year 1939. The bank has now 173 full fledged

branches all over India, 7 Regional Offices and 18 Extension Counters. All the 173

branches branches are computerised and all the 173 branches are interconnected. The

first branch outside the State ofTamilnadu was opened in the year 1976 at Bangalore.

The first fully computerized branch was opened at WGC Road, Tuticorin on

09.12.1984. The bank had established its first currency chest in 1993 at Madurai and

has the industrial finance branches at Coimbatore, Chennai and Secunderabad.

Hotel Saravana Bhavan

P Rajagopal, founder of Hotel Saravana Bhavan, is the son of a farmer who

had a wholesale trade in onions. Affectionately called "Annachi" (brother), he was

born in a small village called Punnaiyadi, Tirunelveli District, in 1947.

In 1973, a few years after he came to Chennai, he started a general provisions store in

K K Nagar. In 1981, he started a small hotel inK K Nagar. Today, over 70,000

people step into the 14 branches of Hotel Saravana Bhavan from 6.00 am to 11.30 pm

every day. Human Resource policies are one of the most talked about aspects of this

Restaurant chain's approach to business. Innovative incentive and welfare schemes,

including Educational, Medical and House Rent Allowances and productivity-linked

bonuses, are being implemented for the benefit of employees and their families.
 330
Rarely does an employee leave after he has joined the organisation. Rajagopal sets

apart five hours every day to speak to his workforce. He has been awarded the "Best

Employer- Employee Realationship Award" by the Rotary Club of Chenna Patna in

.1996. Saravana Bhavan has branches in: K. K. Nagar, T. Nagar, Anna Nagar, Ashok

Nagar, George Town, Purasawalkam, Vadapalani, Peters Road, Dr. Radhakrishnan

Road, Shanthi Theatre and Kancheepuram and also in many foreign count:Iies. 22

M.G.M. Dizee world

M.G.M. Dizzee World, Asia's No, 1 Amusement Park, is located in

Chennaioa.They provide qualitative entertainment by their rides The futuristic fun

rides will take people to the frontiers of space. The rides at Dizee World not only

entertain the adults but also the children. Mary World, a haven for children, is full of

kiddy rides and nursery rhyme characters. Giant boot, Humpty Dumpty, Pumpkins

are some of the nursery rhyme characters which are in place startling as real life

characters. The Zip Dip, Giant Octopus, Aqua Tube are some of the attractions in the

Water World.

Hatsun Agro Product

Hatsun Agro Product Limited entered the dairy industry by manufacturing and

marketing Arun Icecreams in 1970. Hatsun is at present Indias largest dairy in the

private sector having a host of products that stand up to the very best of global

standards. Today Hatsun is an INR.4.75 billion corporation listed at the National

Stock Exchange (NSE). Hatsun also has its presence in Seychelles, Sri Lanka and

Middle East markets. Hatsuns brands include Arun in ice creams and Arokya and

Komatha in the fresh milk segment. Arun Icecreams is Indias largest selling brand

22
Interview with Arumugam, Manager, Hotel Saravana Bhavan, Chennai, l4.4.2005.
 331
through exclusive parlors. Arokya Standardized Milk and Komatha Toned Milk is

consumed by over 30 million consumers daily. Hatsun also produces high quality

milk powder that is at par with the best of international products.

Hatsun milk powder is made from farm fresh milk procured hygienically from

farmers directly. Hatsun has a team of dairy specialists that include veterinary doctors

and other qualified professionals, who ensure the right feed and health of livestock

resulting in procurement of high quality milk. Today, Hatsun has a growing

international business in exporting Milk Powder to various Middle East markets.

Hatsun is committed to meet your milk powder requirements at competitive prices.

To this end, Hatsun has the necessary infrastructure, expertise and production

capacity to deliver to your satisfaction.

Bell Pins

Bell pms company was established in the year 1952, primarily to offer

employment opportunities to the people of Palayarnkottai. Mr. A. Chelladhurai the

founder and the then proprietor of the company had gained enough experience in the

manufacture of pyrotechnics and provoked by his curiosity, he started a wire

product-manufacturing unit. The Company was originally started with a small office

and workers with less than 10 people. The Company then progressed very rapidly

under his directorship and who created a brand name called "BELL" the most

renowned name for stationery in every home. 23

23
Interveiw with P. Ragunathan, Advocate, Palayamkottai, on 22.5.2004
 332

Kaleeswari fire works

In the name of Kaleeswari fire works, there were twenty-one factories around

Sivakasi. There were 6000 direct employees. The single factory which was started in

1923 grew into five factories in 1983 and by 2005 it has grown into 21 factories. 24

Anil Vermicilli (samiya)

Anil Samiya was started in 1975 as a cottage industry. Initially they produced

samiya and supplied to the near by villages. Now they were the leading industry in

south India with their eighteen types of products including flours, pickles and salt.

Blue Metal

Many Nadars in Tuticorin and Thirunelveli do blue metal (small stones

needed for building construction) industry. Many Nadars have their own stone

quarries and some take up quarries for lease also. This industry is also considered as

one of the profitable industry. Before 1970 there were only three blue-metal industry

in Tutucorin district which were in Therkan kulam, Pai Kulam and Kottai

Karungulam. The main problem that the owners of this type of industry feel that it

was difficult to get the license for bombs (crackers) for breaking the rocks. Also they

did not get free electricity like wise in agriculture. If they break the stones by using

machineries they get more profit. The business for them is dull during rainy seasons.

Some of the leading Blue metal industrialists in Tutucorin villages are Ilamvaluthi in

Sathankulam, Kanagamani in Therkankulam, Muraganantham in Paikulam,

Vijayakumar in Kalvai, Ifravel Nadar in Nedungulam, Kirupakaran and Ilango in

24
Nanayam Vikatn, Ananda Vikatan , Chennai, 2005, p-12.
 333
Kommangulam, Sukumar and Sellathurai Nadar in Kottai Karungulam. Also these

industries are run in Adaikalapuram, Thattapparai and Manjal Neerkayal villages. 25

Nadars Extract Minerals from beach sand

Some N adars prosper in the industry of extracting minerals from the beach

sand in Tutucorin district. The leading industries are V.V. Groups owned by

Vaikuntaraj, Sundaresan and Jagadesan and BMC (Beach Mineral Company) owned

by Sugumar. They extract Corbonite, Ilumanite and Titanium from the sand and

export it to foreign countries. They also have their own ship. They own large tracts

of sea shore lands from Thiruchendur to Kanniyakumari.

Many Nadars in Tuticorin also flourish by having Saltpans. Also many Nadars

of these areas do Jewellery business. Real estate business and supplying building

materials is also done by Nadars with full enthusiasm. Many have their own Lorries
~-
for supplying materials for construction. Though many businesses are run by rural

Nadars the rate of migration from rural Nadars is also at a constant rate. 26

Agsarcem Paints

Agsarcem Paint industry was started by five Nadar brothers of Sivakasi. They

are Alagappa, Ganesan, Senbagam, Arumugasami and Rajamanickam and with their

children of seventeen in number. They trained all their children right from the young

age in their business and also made them study about the chemicals which were

useful to their business. The five brothers run a chemical factory in Tuticorin which

manufactured the chemicals necessary for the match industry. They later found the

method of preparing varnish for wood polish and named it 'Gopal Varnish'. Later

25
Interview w ith R.Ilamvaluthi, Industrialist, Sattankulam, 16.1.2006.

26
Ibid.,
 334
they also manufactured red cement required for floor. The younger generation took

in charge of the marketing and the older generation took care of the business

improvement. They took greater efforts for the publicity ofthe brand ' Agsarcem' . In

1988, there was partition among the brothers. Agsarcem paints were manufactured

by three brothers. They made innovative methods in selling their products. They

introduced new and brighter colours in paints. They have 3000 dealers to sell their

products and they manufacture 23 types of Chemical products. 27

Nadars in idm Industry

Aroordas

He is the number one story and dialogue writer of Tamil films in Tamil Nadu.
Joy .
He has written;-more than 400 films than any other in India.28 He was born in

Thiruvarur district to S.A. Sathiyathyagu Nadar and Arokya Mary. His original name

is Jesudas. At first, in 1954 he wrote songs for a Tamil cinema ' Paditha pen'. Later

he shone in his career as a great story and dialogue writer in Tamil cinema industry.

He received the 'Kalaimamani award' in 1972 and Anna award in 1996 from the

Tamil Nadu govermnent. He has written eleven books relating to Tamil film industry

and his experience. Some of them are Kuralagarathi, Cinema Nijamum Nizhalum,

Nan mugam partha cinema kannadigal, Kodampakkathil imbathu andugal, Mutharnil

kothu, En Karaiai Thotta Kalai Alai, Oru kadai vasana karthavin kadai. 29

Actor Ramarajan

Ramarajan was an actor and director in Tamil cinema industry. Ramarajan

directed many Tamil films in 1980s and 1990s. In 1998 he won the election in

27
Ananda Vikatan, Chennai, 21.8.2005,pp- 128-133.
28
Dinathanthi, Chennai, 14-11 -2005.
29
Dinathanthi, Chennai, 2 1-11-2005.
 335
Tiruchendur constituency as an A.I.A.D.M.K. candidate and became the Member of

Parliament. 30

Pandiarajan

He is a director and actor in the Tamil film industry. He became the director at

the age of 21 31 • He is still shining in his profession as a hero and director.

Charle

Velmurugan Thangasamy Manohar Charle has acted in 567 films by April

2006 32 . He is the famous comedian of Tamil cinema. He has received Kalaivanar

award and Kalaimamani award from the Tamil Nadu government. As a spontaneous

actor, he shines in the Tamil film industry.

"Daily Thanthi"- India's No.1 Newspaper "Largest read"

Under the I.R.S. 2000 Readership survey conducted by the Media Research

Users Council in 2000, Daily Thanthi (Dina Thanthi) a Tamil Daily, has found its top

place as the largest read, having the largest number of readers among all the

newspapers published in India. Daily Tanthi is certified as being read one crore one

lakh and 29 thousand readers daily.

In India, Hindi-speaking population is many times higher than the Tamil-

speaking population. Inspite of this fact, the Daily Thanthi, Tamil Daily, has secured

the distinction of having the highest readership of 1,01 ,29,000 readers - highest for

any language in India.

30
Dinathanthi,Chennai, 5.12.2005.
31
Dinathanthi, Chennai, 20-1-2006.
32
The Hindu, Chennai, 7.4.2006.
 336
For Tamilnadu, for its size and population, a Tamil Newspaper reaching a

readership of over 1 crore is an honour, worth inscribing in gold, an all- time record. 33

NADAR COMMUNITY's SOCIAL GATHERING HALLS AND MARRIAGE

HALLS

From 1960's, the Nadar community people started establishing function halls

on collective effort basis made by business group's and others to benefit their

respective group of people at different localities through following modes.

• Marriage Halls (Kalyanamandapam) established through Locality based

Uravinmurais in Thirunelveli, Srivilliputur and at various parts of Chennai like

Tondiarpet, Ayanavaram.

• Establishing a marriage hall through Nadar Devasthanam committee.

• Establishing a marriage hall within the premises ofNanadavams (gardens) or

temples.

• Establishing mamage halls through various Nadar Dominated trade

associations.

• Marriage halls through Family Business concerns establishing through Trust.

Since the last decade need for function halls has impelled many successful

individual Nadar businessman to start such a venture for the service of the people.

Still several Nadar groups and individual business people from the community are

believed to have the vision to promote the establishment of Social Assembly Halls.

The Nadar marriage halls are also used for purposes other than marriages such as

33
Dr. A. Ma. Samy, History of Tamil Journals (19th century), Navamani Pathipagam, Chennai, 2000,p-
277; Dinathanthi, 29.9.2005.
 337
activities for children and facilities for making mini trade exhibitions and community

based cultural promotional exercises.

General Behaviours of Nadars

Though the Nadars are rich they show their affection to their relatives even if

they are poor and also help them in need. They even consider their servant as their

family members. They named their association as 'Uravinmurai' (relation ship) as

they show their affection to all Nadars though they are not relatives.

In a poor Nadar girl's marriage, the relatives and well wishers collect together

their contribution and perform the marriage. Similarly if a poor person suffer from

illness every body helps in his treatment by giving money.

If a male or female is in poverty in the Nadar community, all other members

of the community lift that person by their solidarity. Nadars excel in business in the
--
areas of Madras, Coimbatore, Pollachi, Kadalur, Madurai, Thiruvanandapuram,

Kollam, Kottayam etc., The Nadars in Madras establish their own Sangam in the

name of their village. They excel in business because of their highly developed

practices and sincerity. The people trust them wherever they settle. They have a

stronger belief that the products sold by Nadars would worth the money th~ve as

the Nadars would not cheat in any aspect. The people began to be in particular that

they would buy their groceries and provisions in the Nadar shop. The Nadars also

always keep their words. If they give assurance for any thing they would abide by it.

Their sincere activities, affectionate communication, patience and discipline made

themselves to be placed in superior position. The children ofNadar business men also

get trained automatically by following their father's footsteps from child hood.
 338
Generally the Nadar community traders and industrialists would not get

jealous of the success of other Nadars who were once their subordinates. They even

consider their employees as their children. This might also be a main reason for their

success.

Nadars mostly worship the mother deities like Mari Amman, Pathirakali

Amman etc. The Nadars don't resist their gods to themselves only. For example, the

Nadars and Thevars jointly worship the same god. In a village called Nerkattanj

Chevval, ' Sivagnana Pandia' temple was worshipped by Nadars and Thevars. The

Nadars of Nagaram village, name their first child with this Gods name such as

Sivagnana Pandian for son and Sivagnanathammal for girl. Nadars also worship

bigger gods as the family deities. They usually go to the festivals of their family deity

without fail. They donate extravagancely to build temples and to perform festivals, to

build schools etc.

The N adars were very much god fearing people. They gave enormous

donations to Siva temple and various other temples. So the situation also provided

them to build their own temples for their family deities like Mari Amman and

Pathirakali Amman.

These temple are maintained with the Mahamai fund and they are very clean

and beautiful with full of divine powers. The Nadars form trusts for the maintenance

of these temples.

Dowry

The dowry practice ofNadar was not its original form. Their usual habit once

was that they used to give money for bride. In the wedding dais, the mother in law
 339
gives the chain, bangle, and finger ring as her gift to the bride. Giving and receiving

dowry from the brides side was widely practiced from the 19th Century. In these days

the dowry system was been practiced by the Nadars in full fledge. Parents of

graduates and professionals demand more dowry than the parents of business men.

Similarly rich Nadars demand more dowry than the poor Nadars.

cA. tJ. f'lC) t

l

The Nadars :, ~ forget their native places. Though he is a rich, or

government employee or political person he abides by his village rules. The Nadars
f-~ at-
have community thinking than lhe independent thinking. They know the value of

unity. They move freely with other caste people. They are both patriotic and god fear.

So only the disciplined Nadars attain highest glory world wide.

Annachi

Annachi (Elder Brother) is one of the best words ofNadars usage. This word

attracts all other caste people as it shows the respect given to them. The Nadar call

even the unknown persons by this word though they are younger. Their concept

brotherhoodness was built up on cooperativeness, individual honesty, mutual trust,

sincerity and hard work.

Nadarwomen

Nadar women have god faith. They are very much active. They are good

mothers. They encourage the men whenever they are depressed as doing business

does not always bring fruit. Many Nadar women take part in the economic activity of

the family apart from being house wife. In rural areas the Nadar women help their

men in agricultural activities like helping them in the fields; helping in drying the

agricultural products and also prepares palm jaggery. Some of the wives of Nadar
 340
business men also help their husband in their work. Many Christian women as they

are well educated prefer mostly teaching as their career. There is a great demand for

Christian Nadar women in many schools in Tamil Nadu as they are very sincere,

efficient and dedicated to their work and they consider teaching as a divine profession

and not as a mere job. The Nadar women are not spendthrifts and they have the habit

of saving. They actively participate in the socio-religious functions and they also have

prominent role in performing house hold rituals. Their role is indirect in social

control. Though they are consulted in many family issues the important decisions are

taken by the male members of the family. Most of the Nadar men prefer their women

to be as house wives. Due to this tendency, participation of Nadar women in Nadar

organizations also is very low.

Some of the present activities ofNadar Mahajana Sangam

(a)Employment Department

For the sake of Nadar youth, Nadar Mahajana Sangam has an employment

exchange department. Those who were educated and waiting for jobs are given

golden employment opportunities by Nadar Mahajana Sangam who gets opportunities

from the Nadar industries. In the year 2004-2005, thirty two persons among who had
34
registered got benefited.

(b)Marital Alliances Information Centre

From 1989, there is a marital alliances information centre functioning.

Those who seek bride groom and bride, register their names and other information in

this centre. The registration fee is only Rs.20. 35

34
96th Annual Report, (Tamil), Nadar Mahajana Sangam, Madurai, 2005, p-4.
35
Ibid.,
 341
(c)New Dresses for Leprosy Patients

The Patients who suffer from Leprosy in Madurai Y. Pudupatti Rehabitation

Centre are given new dresses during Pongal and Deepavali festivals. Sweets are also

gtven.

(d)Compensation fund

Compensation is being given for the family of Palmyra climber who fall and

die from the Palmyra, physically handicapped, those who lose their house and things

by heavy rains, kidney failured patients, widows, destitutes are given compensation

fund by N adar Mahaj ana Sangam.

Up to 2002-2003 there were 1,395 Nadar couples (Kalvithai and

Kalvithanthai) who donated for educational purposes. By 2003-2004 & 2004-2005

totally there were 1,470 such donors.

Future Plans of Nadar Mahajana Sangam

G. Karikolraj, the General Secretary of the Sangam Nadar Mahajana Sangam

urges that changes in the activities of the Sangam are necessary for the developing

nation. In future, the Nadar community should rise further more. To reach this

objective, some changes were made in the activities of the Nadar Mahajana

Sangam.36 Steps are taken to give free technical education, especially computer

education to the poor Nadar students. As the Nadar farmers struggle in their

occupation as they do cultivation with only rain water and well water which were

scare. So they would be taught in cultivating herbal plants, which yield more money,

and intum also increases the economy of the nation.37 The Nadar Mahajana Sangam

36
G. Karikolraj, ' Pudiya Pathai Nokki Purappaduvom', Nadar Mahajana Sangam, Tholil Malar,
{Tamil), Madurai, 2003, p-33.
37 1bid.,
 342
is also trying to establish a University and Medical College. The involvement of

youth in the activities of the Uravinmurai is appreciable but there should not arise any

factions. The Sangam also plans to provide the basic facilities to each Nadar regions,

and also enhancing industrial activities in those regions, there by providing

employment.

Impact of Globalisation and Liberalisation Policies on Nadars' Business

Due to the Globalisation and Liberalisation policies of the Indian

Government, there are chances ofthe Multi National Comapanies (MNCs) to start the

businesses of Nadars. Nadars were the leaders of many retail and whole sale

businesses. Many Nadars start their own business at a less investment of Rs.50,000

and Rs. l 00,000 and they work hard and improve gradually in their business. But on

the other hand, the MNCs need to invest enormous amount for starting a business and

there is a chance of taking over the businesses of Nadars. Their investments range

over to Lakhs and Crores. Their marketing strategy will also be completely different

from the Nadar traders. So a situation may arise that the Nadar business men would

struggle hard to compete with these foreign investors. 38 But at the same time there is

also another view that if these foreign investors come it would not affect Nadars in

any way because they invest more and they should also spend more as it would cost

more to them. So N adars would have their own space in business sectors. 39

Joint family System

One of the great successes of Nadars is their Joint family system. Than any

other castes, Nadars prefer to be united even for three generations together or also as

an extended family like all brothers with their wife and children reside in a same
38
Interview with C. Periasamy, President ofNellai-Totucorin Nadar Mahamai Paripalana Sangam,
Chennai on 29.6.2006.
39
Interview with C. Rameswaran, Industialist, Chennai on 17 . 1.2006.
 343
house. In Nadars ' joint family system the burden of running the family does not fall

on the single person. In fact every person of the family, works hard. The male

children are trained in the business from the small age. For instance, if the husband
~t- t-Lut-
runs a provision shop, the wife would sit in the house and check the purity,..products

sold and put many provisions in packets by measuring its quantity with the small

weighing machines and polythene packet pasting machines.

Nadars' Saving habits

As country's economy rise the Nadars also rise themselves. The Nadars used

to save a lot when compared to other caste people. After a huge amount is saved they

would mostly buy a land or house. When an individual grow economically, the

country would also grow. In urban centers the migrant Nadar would soon buy a new

house or shop on his own with his hardly earned money.

Still practicing the old customs

Nadars still practice their old customs. Even if the Nadars are migrated, they

go to their native places to attend to the annual festivals of their deities. So pay their

tax to the temple which is called 'kodai vari'. Each married male should pay his tax.

If a person has not touch with his native place for many years, he did not have any

rights to interfere in the internal matters of the village. The Nadars also still worship

their passed away ancestors. Many Nadars name their children with either of their

deity or of their parents' name. But nowadays many Nadars name their children with

names that have Sanskrit letters as it would sound more modem.

Changes in the customs

There were very little changes in the customs ofNadars. All the ceremonies of

the Nadars were performed in the olden style except some little modifications in some
 344
localities. These little changes are due to the influence of other caste people. In some

Nadar marriages they did not make 'kuravai' sound because of shyness. The housing

patterns of rural N adars were very much improved than before twenty years.

Nowadays only one percent of Nadars would be in houses of thatched roofs. Many

live in concrete houses and some Nadars still live in their tiled roof houses. The

communication network in Tamil Nadu is very fine that the rural Nadars possess all

the modern accessories and gadgets that of the urban Nadars and the dressing style

and food habits are same. All of them get educated. Mostly all Nadars give temple

tax for the festivals. But many migrant Nadars to cities and town did not want to

return to their native places.

Many Nadars in rural areas have Televisions with Satellite channels

connection and also many have mobile phones. The rural Nadars did not lack much

that urban Nadar has. Yet 90% of the rural Nadars feel to migrate to urban areas as
- '

they think that if they move to an urbanized region they can lead more luxurious life.

The migration by Kanniyakumari Nadars is some what less when compar~~with the
other region Nadars as they were very much attached to that area. There were not any

caste discrimination among Nadars and other castes. They treat the other caste people

with friendliness. Before 1980s, there was discrimination that the Nadars would not

allow to enter the low caste people into the main rooms of their houses. Nowadays it

was not like that. Nowadays even there is no discrimination among Nadar sub-castes

and matrimonial alliances were made without asking the sub-caste details. Other

Castes also treat the Nadar castes with friendliness. The Christian Nadars and Hindu

1
I
Nadars move pleasantly and there are marriage exchanges till now in many villages.

But yet there is a view if the Nadars would have not converted it would be easier to
 345
seek alliances when many Hindu Nadars could not able to find a suitable match for

their children. Nadar girls were more educated than the Nadar boys.

As every body got educated there is a view,..that in future the businesses of

N adars would go out of their hand as the next generation got educated and prefers

other careers. 40

Thus N adars in the 21st century rose to a high position of status and power.

Their developments in the society are due to their hard work, sincerity, mobility,

processes of change and formation of community organisations. The social and

economic changes experienced by the Nadar community in Tamil Nadu are in its

unique form . Though there are many divisions among the Nadars such as Northern

Nadars and Nadars ofThimelveli and Kanniyakumari, climbers and land owners, rich

and poor Nadars, there is an amalgamating bond between them which unites all these

Nadars. Nadars history is the history of a caste in social change.

40
Interview with S. Rengasamy Nadar, Business Man and social service activist, Chennai on
17. 10.2005.