Rao Saheb L. C. Gurusamy.

Rao Saheb L. C. Gurusamy

Name - Rao Saheb L. C. Gurusamy. Born - 27th January, 1885, Madras. Father - Cottappa. Died - 1966.

One among the most notable aboriginal people leaders voicing their protest for casteism in Tamil Nadu was L. C. Gurusamy. He had his early education in Madras. He possessed gentle speech and friendly behavior which he continued to maintain throughout his life. He continued his social activities after getting himself joined in ‘Adi Dravida Saba’. In 1920’s, he associated with Thatha Rettaimalai Srinivasanar and Perunthalaivar M. C. Rajah. In fact, Rao Saheb L. C. Gurusamy was the member and General Secretary of 'Adi Dravida Mahajana Sabha' and 'Arunthathiyar Maha Sabha’ respectively in simultaneously.

He voiced for the exemption from payment of fee for women in the Madras Legislative Council, in order to promote their education in 1923.

 
Educational Activities:

* He believed that if the Scheduled Classes became strong in education and economically then Untouchability and caste discrimination would die of their own accord.

* Therefore in 1921, he established two Night Schools for which he had a grant of two thousand rupees from the government. Along with these schools he established many more schools in and around of Madras at Pudupettai, Koyyattope, Royapuram, Mylapore and Periyamet. In addition to these schools he opened schools in Chengalpattu and Ponneri. He opened several student hostels in the neighbourhood of Madras.

* He gave importance to impart education for the Scheduled Class women, thereby improving them from their deplorable, social status. He took up steps to start two schools exclusively for the education of the Scheduled Classes girls for which he explained to the British government the need for them.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Rao Saheb L.C. Gurusamy.

‘Arunthathiyar Maha Sabha’ and Land for the Scheduled Classes:

* It was because of 'Adi Dravida Mahajana Sabha' and Perunthalaivar M. C. Rajah's struggle, Rao Sahib L. C. Gurusamy became the nominated member of the Madras Legislative Council.

* Attempts to improve the status of Arunthathiyars, L. C. Gurusamy founded ‘Arunthathiyar Maha Saba’ in 1920 with H. M. Jagannathan. L.C. Gurusamy got elected as its General Secretary and H. M. Jagannathan as its President of Madras. 'Arunthathiyar Maha Sabha’ was the sister organisation of 'Adi Dravida Mahajana Sabha'.

* He represented the Scheduled Classes to the British government in 1921 for the revenue settlement of them in areas like Perambur, Pulianthoppu, Vepery, Pudupettai, Koyyathoppu, Mylapore, Rayapuram and Kalmandapam.

* He acquired land in areas of immigrant Population. So several hundred families found their way to the right to the land in which they live there.

Other Facts:

* For ten years from 1920 to 1930, he had been elected in the Madras Legislative Council.

* For 22 years, he had been an Honorary Magistrate.

* One of the Directors of a Co-operative Bank, Madras.

* He became the Senator of Madras University in 1929.

* Elected to the Madras Municipal Council.

* In 1927, British government conferred him 'Rao Saheb' title after

recognizing his meritorious service.

* He started Perambur Leather workers cooperative society exclusively for the economic prosperity of the Scheduled Class.

Compiled:
Ambeth,
Dharmapuri,
Tamil Nadu.

Reference:
* "Our Leaders" by Anbu Ponnoviyam, Siddartha Publications, Chennai.

Jai bheem..!

Rao Saheb L.C. Gurusamy