“It is the duty of youngsters to create a corruption-free Tamil Nadu,” said IAS officer U. Sagayam at American College here on Thursday.
Makkal Padhai, a voluntary organisation inspired by Mr. Sagayam, organised an event to honour freedom fighters from southern districts of Tamil Nadu. Mr. Sagayam, the Vice-Chairman of Science City in Chennai, distributed shields and certificates to 36 freedom fighters to recognise their contribution to the freedom struggle.
Speaking at the event, he recalled the history of Ramu Thevar, a freedom fighter who hailed from Ramanathapuram. “Ramu Thevar was hanged to death when he was 18. We must call him the Bhagat Singh of Tamil Nadu for his contribution during the freedom struggle,” he said. He also urged Makkal Padhai to construct a memorial for Ramu Thevar.
Mr. Sagayam said Tamil Nadu played a stellar role in the freedom struggle. When Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose called freedom fighters to Tokyo during the struggle, 22 of the 46 freedom fighters were from this region, he said and urged people to stand united against corruption.
“I was 16 when I took part in the Quit India movement. I am extremely happy that people are recognising our contribution to the freedom struggle,” said R. Paramasivam.
Speakers from different walks of life offered felicitations and hailed the role of freedom fighters and called for the younger generation to follow the ideals of sacrifice.