On the occasion of his 133rd birth anniversary, we pay tribute to Prof. Thanthai N. Sivaraj, a towering leader who dedicated his life to the upliftment of the Scheduled Classes in India. Fondly called “Thanthai” (Father) in Tamil, he was a visionary, a social reformer, and a political pioneer who worked closely with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar to secure rights and representation for marginalized communities.
Early Life and Education
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Born: September 29, 1892
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Died: September 29, 1964
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Education:
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1907 – Matriculation
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1911 – B.A., Presidency College, Madras
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1915 – B.L., Madras University
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A born Buddhist, Thanthai Sivaraj combined education with activism, equipping himself to challenge social injustice effectively.
Professional and Political Journey
Prof. Sivaraj served in multiple capacities, demonstrating his versatility and dedication:
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Advocate, High Court Madras
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Professor of Law, Madras Law College
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Member, Justice Party (1917–1926)
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Member, Madras Legislative Council (1926–1937)
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Member, Central Legislative Assembly (1937–1947) – Second Scheduled Class member after M.C. Rajah
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Member, National Defence Council
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Mayor of Madras (1945–46)
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Member of the Lok Sabha (1957–62)
Championing the Scheduled Classes
Prof. Thanthai Sivaraj played a pivotal role in organizing and representing the Scheduled Classes:
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All India Scheduled Castes Federation (AISCF): Founded in 1942 by Prof. Sivaraj and Dr. Ambedkar at Nagpur, it was the first all-India political party exclusively for the Scheduled Classes. Thanthai Sivaraj was elected as its first President.
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Represented the Scheduled Classes at the Pacific Relations Committee in Quebec, December 1942, on behalf of Dr. Ambedkar.
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Publisher of “Jai Bheem”, an English weekly in Madras.
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Republican Party of India: Elected first President in 1957 and worked to establish its organizational base until his death in 1964.
His wife, Annai Meenambal Sivaraj, was a trailblazer herself, serving as the first Scheduled Classes woman President of South India SCF and presiding over national women’s conferences attended by Dr. Ambedkar.
Vision and Philosophy
Prof. Sivaraj once addressed the AISCF, expressing the pride and resilience of the Scheduled Classes:
“We are the real sons of the soil in India. Our blood is pure and heart is sound. We are hard and honest workers… In this antagonism we have to seek the origin of Untouchability… the treatment of the Australian Bushman, the Negroes, and the Jews is less heinous than the suffering we were subjected to in the name of Religion, Caste and the like by the Hindus. It is slow Poisoning.”
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar himself praised Thanthai Sivaraj during the Nagpur All India DC Conference, July 1942:
“Indeed, a better person than him could not have been found to preside over this conference… he represents our people in the Central Legislature… and I am indeed very happy that he has been chosen to take my place.”
Legacy
Prof. Thanthai N. Sivaraj’s life exemplifies courage, dedication, and vision. His contributions to political organization, education, and social reform laid a strong foundation for the empowerment of Scheduled Classes in India. His work continues to inspire generations to fight for equality, justice, and dignity.
Today, on his 133rd birth anniversary, we honor his life, his achievements, and his unwavering commitment to the cause of social justice.