Thiyagi N.G. Ramasamy was a freedom fighter belonging to the district of Coimbatore in the state of Tamil Nadu. Coimbatore has been known for long as the ‘Manchester of the South India’ because of the large number of cotton textile mills. Thiyagi N.G. Ramasamy worked in one such textile mill in various capacities. He was primarily a trade unionist since his early years. He raised his voice for workers' problems and their welfare in textile mills. He then joined Indian National Congress and contested in assembly elections in 1937. He also went on to become the youngest member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in the state at the age of 25. During this period when he worked in mills and as an MLA, he took up the cause of the plight of textile mill workers. He fought against the exploitation of textile mill laborers. In this process, he was attacked several times and was severely injured. Nevertheless, he withstood the same and continued to strive for the welfare of working class and for the nation’s freedom.
Thiyagi N.G. Ramasamy was an avid follower of Mahatma Gandhi. He was attracted to the ideals of truth (Satya) and non-violence (Ahimsa) even when he initially believed in revolutionary ideals to attain freedom. In fact, it is said that he was the first chosen satyagraha in the district. He also founded ‘Unmai Ulla Kazhagam’ an organization to spread the ideals of Gandhiji. During the Second World War in the year 1940, he organized satyagraha in the Singanallur region of Coimbatore against the participation of Indians in the war. Therefore, he was arrested and sent to Vellore prison. After his release, he organized many protests against British exploitation. Also, in the year 1942, Thiyagi N.G. Ramasamy participated in the ‘Quit India Movement’ at the instance of Mahatma Gandhi’s call. Due to this, he was imprisoned again in Vellore by the British Raj. His health deteriorated severely and was released from prison. Just three months after his release, Thiyagi N.G. Ramasamy died in 1943 due to ill-health at the young age of 31 without seeing the independence of our nation. Today, there is a memorial for this towering personality of Coimbatore in form of a statue. There is also a memorial school in the city named after him.
Source: Narayana Sarma V S and Dhivya N, OT, 96th Foundation Course, 2022, LBSNAA, Mussoorie