Perunthalaivar Prof. M.C. Rajah's Death (23 August 1943), And Condolence Resolution of The All India SCF And The Justice Party.

Prof. M.C. Rajah (17 June 1883 - 23 August 1943)

On Monday, 23 August 1943, Prof. M.C. Rajah died in Madras. He was one of the most prominent leaders of pre-independent India. He was the first leader who organized the Scheduled Classes at the national level, and the pioneer of Mid-day Meal Scheme in India. The death occurred at the age of 60 at his L'allegro residence in Alandur (St. Thomas Mount).

Here is the tribute of various leaders to Perunthalaivar MC Rajah:

* On behalf of Thatha Rettamalai Srinivasanar, Rao Bahadur Dharmalingam Pillai read a condolence letter.

* Prof. Thanthai Sivaraj, President, All-India Scheduled Castes Federation, in a statement on the death of Perunthalaivar: "His death has removed from our midst an old and experienced leader at a time when his services would undoubtedly have been a great help to the country in its struggle for political recognition on a just basis".

* Thandri B.S. Murthy, India's first Scheduled Classes 'Parliamentary Secretary' said:- 

"The news of the sudden demise of Dewan Bahadur M.C. Rajah comes as a great shock. He was foremost amongst our leaders and it was his proud privilege to spend all his life in the unstinted service of the Scheduled Classes Community. The progress and advancement seen at present among the Scheduled Classes in India are, to a large extent, due to his ceaseless endeavours. He was a bold and sagacious leader and his death is an irreparable loss to the community and country."

* Advocate C Rajagopal (Rajaji): "I am deeply sorry for the Scheduled Castes of India who have lost one of their valued leaders."

* Lord Hope, the then Governor of Madras Presidency sent a message of condolence. The message referred Perunthalaivar's work as a member of the Round Table Conference, and the National Defence Council. His services to the country and the Scheduled Classes were also praised by the Governor.

* Editorial of "The Indian Express": 

"The passing away of Mr. M.C. Rajah deprives the Scheduled Castes of a selfless front-rank leader. He made the all-round uplift of his community his life's mission and dedicated himself to the task with rare zeal and devotion. He had a full share of honours and offices, but they never detracted him from the high sense of duty. He always brought to bear on anything he undertook. In the local bodies and in the Central and Provincial legislatures, he put up many a memorable fight for what he considered to be right......" 

To honour his works, B.S. Murthy of East Godavari (erstwhile Madras Presidency) was instrumental in founding the M.C. Rajah Memorial Hostel for the college students of the Scheduled Classes in 1944 at Saidapet in Madras.

The Second session of the All India SCF Conference was held in Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) on the 29th and 30th January, 1944 under its President Prof. Thanthai Sivaraj. This Conference adopted the seven resolutions on 30th January 1944. Prof. Thanthai Sivaraj moved a resolution of condolence on the death of the late Prof. M. C. Rajah, which was passed, all standing. This was the first resolution out of seven.

The 16th session of the Justice Party Conference held in Madras on the 8th May 1945 under the Presidency of Dr. R.K. Shanmukham. He moved a condolence resolution on the deaths of Prof. M.C. Rajah, Mr. S.S. Rajan etc., was adopted, all standing. (Note: Periyar E.V. Ramasamy's faction of Justice Party became the Dravidar Kazhagam in 1944)

Ambeth அம்பேத்.

Dharmapuri,

Tamil Nadu.
தாமரைகள் விழித்திருக்கட்டும் ! Om Mani Padmaye ! May the Lotuses Awake ! (Enlightenment).