K. M. Chandy (politician)

Sir C. P. Ramaswami Iyer (Sir CP) was the Diwan of Travancore and he ruled the kingdom with iron fist. The Diwan sensed the danger from the activity of the academy and banned "Tagore Academy" in 1942 due to its association with fostering patriotic sentiments among students and youth.^[4]

Involvement in the Freedom Movement

The year 1946 marked a significant turning point in Chandy's life, as he immersed himself in the fervor of the freedom movement. Serving as the Secretary of the Meenachil Taluk Congress Committee, his ardor for political activism attracted the attention of the state government.

In mid-April 1946, Prof. K.M. Chandy received two orders from magistrates, one from the Thiruvananthapuram magistrate and the other from the Kottayam magistrate, both banning him from organizing public meetings and processions. Despite the orders, Prof. Chandy defiantly attended a protest meeting in Pala. Subsequently, another Congress meeting was convened in Pala. In July, Prof. Chandy, along with Mr. Kumbalathu Sanku Pillai, Mr. C. Kesavan, Mr. G. Nilakanta Pillai, Mr. Ponkunnam Varkey, Mr. D. C. Kizhakemuri, Mr. Cherian J. Kappan, and Mr. Mathew Manniankadan, were arrested from Pala.

Prof. Chandy was arrested for violating prohibitory orders and was denied bail by the Pala court. Subsequently, he was transferred to Kottayam, where he remained in lockup until he obtained bail from the high court. However, after two weeks, he was arrested again under preventive custody rules and sent to Poojappura Central Jail in Thiruvananthapuram. Upon his arrival at the central jail, he found Congress leaders such as Mr. C. Kesavan, Mr. Kumbalathu Sanku Pillai, and Mr. G. Nilakanda Pillai already imprisoned. Prof. Chandy, being the youngest among the prisoners at only 24 years old, had the opportunity to interact closely with senior leaders during his imprisonment.

The authorities decided to bring Prof. Chandy to Kottayam to stand trial in court. He was kept in Kottayam Sub Jail for two months, sharing a cell with Mr. Thankappan and Mr. Sugunanthan, Communist workers suspected of involvement in the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising. They became friends, and Prof. Chandy had the chance to acquaint himself with several Communist leaders during his stay at Kottayam prison, including Mr. K.C. Mathew and Mr. P. S. Sreenivasan. In November, Prof. Chandy was convicted and sentenced to one and a half years in prison. He was then again moved to Thiruvananthapuram Central Jail.

On August 15, 1947,

When it was time to select Congress candidates for the new assembly, the Meenachil Taluk Congress committee suggested Mr.Chandy's name. Consequently, Shri K.M. Chandy was elected unopposed from the Poonjar constituency. On March 14, 1948, the first people’s ministry of Travancore came into existence, with Shri. Pattom A. Thanu Pillai as the Prime Minister. The Pattom ministry lasted only eight months and resigned on October 10, 1948. A new ministry under Shri T.K. Narayana Pillai took oath on October 23, 1948.

In 1949, after the merger of

Significant Contributions to Meenachil Taluk(Pala) and Social Advocacy

Continuing his efforts for the welfare of

Additionally, Prof. Chandy, along with Cherian J. Kappan, initiated several aided high schools in Meenachil taluk. He also facilitated the electrification of most parts of Meenachil taluk, thereby boosting its agricultural and commercial activities. The Pala market had been developed during his tenure. Shri K.M. Chandy was responsible for obtaining sanction and permission for starting Pala St.Thomas College.^[6]

His imprint extended beyond legislative duties to encompass membership in the inaugural State Planning Board. Additionally, he played a prominent part in the State Minimum Wages

Influence on Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC)

Chandy's commitment to the Congress Party was profound and enduring. His influence within the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) was instrumental in shaping the party's trajectory in the state. He embarked on a journey within the ranks of the KPCC in 1948, a journey that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the party's history.

Chandy's dedication extended to financial stewardship as he assumed the role of Treasurer of the KPCC from 1967 to 1972. His ability to manage party finances with transparency and integrity bolstered the party's credibility among its supporters and the public at large.^[7]

Reviving Congress in Kerala

In January 1978, Chandy's indomitable spirit led him to resign from the

Under his stewardship, the Congress triumphantly returned to power in Kerala, marking a significant victory for the party. This resurgence was a testament to Chandy's strategic prowess, organizational skills, and deep-rooted connection with the people of Kerala.^[8]

A Statesman's Path and the Role of Governor

Chandy's illustrious journey within the Congress Party culminated in a multifaceted role as a statesman. His exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment, and distinguished service were recognized by none other than Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the indomitable Prime Minister of India. With her unyielding trust in his abilities, Chandy was bestowed with a series of significant gubernatorial appointments that added new dimensions to his already remarkable legacy.

Pondicherry: Navigating a Unique Territory

Taking on the role of

Throughout his tenure as a governor, Chandy remained true to his principles of transparency, accountability, and service. His ability to align his governance with the ideals of progress and social justice resonated deeply with Mrs. Indira Gandhi's own vision for India. It was this alignment that led her to entrust him with these important responsibilities.^[9]

Death

On September 7, 1998, Prof. K.M Chandy's earthly journey concluded, leaving behind an enduring legacy that encompasses his remarkable contributions to

Biographies

He couldn’t complete his autobiography titled "Jeevitha Vazhiyorakazhchakal" due to his sudden death, but later it was published by Labour (India) publications in 1999 after his death.

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