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B. Venkatachalam Pillai (1903–1986) was a prominent Gandhian leader, freedom fighter, social reformer, and administrator from Tamil Nadu, India. He dedicated his life to the service of his nation and worked tirelessly for the upliftment of marginalized communities. His contributions spanned the Indian freedom movement, rural development, education, and cooperative banking.

Early Life and Education

Venkatachalam Pillai was born into a Chozhia Vellalar family in 1903 in Vanathirayanpattinam village, located in the composite Tiruchirappalli district (now in Perambalur District), Tamil Nadu. He was the youngest son of Balasubramaniam Pillai and Shenbagam.

After his primary education in his hometown, he attended middle school in Udayarpalayam and high school in Sirkazhi, where he excelled academically. He pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree at Meenakshi College, Annamalai University, and later obtained a Bachelor of Law degree from Madras University. In 1930, he began his career as an advocate in Ariyalur.

Advocacy and Service to Rural Communities

In the 1930s, Udayarpalayam taluka was one of the most underdeveloped regions of Madras State, dominated by the oppressive Zamindari system. Venkatachalam Pillai championed the rights of impoverished farmers and weavers, representing them in legal cases and advocating for their welfare.

In 1933, he presided over the Harijan Conference in Tiruchirappalli, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's vision of uplifting the socially disadvantaged. He was appointed honorary village panchayat organizer and played a vital role in establishing panchayats across Ariyalur taluka.

In 1936, he founded the Udayarpalayam Taluka Zamin People's Society and became its Vice Chairperson. His initiatives included starting a local Khadi movement and establishing a cooperative cloth outlet to promote self-reliance. He also contributed to rural education by setting up a poor students' hostel in Ariyalur and introducing midday meals in district board schools.

Political Career

Legislative Assembly Membership

In 1937, Venkatachalam Pillai contested and won the Madras State legislative assembly election as a Congress Party candidate. He served as a member of the Zamindari Enquiry Committee, contributing to reforms of the Zamindari Act.

Role in the Freedom Movement

A staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi, he actively participated in the non-cooperation movement and was arrested on December 3, 1940. He served six months in jail and paid a fine of ₹500 for his role in the struggle for India’s independence.

Leadership Roles

From 1942 to 1948, Venkatachalam Pillai served as President of the Tiruchirappalli District Board. In this capacity, he significantly improved district infrastructure, including the construction of roads and establishment of high schools in smaller towns.

In 1944, he successfully organized an All-India Harijan Conference under the leadership of S. K. Patil. During the 1946 assembly elections, he supported the candidacy of P. Kakkan, who later became a cabinet minister in Madras State. Both were elected to the assembly as Congress Party representatives.

He served as Parliamentary Secretary in the Public Works Department under Chief Minister T. Prakasam.

Contributions to the Cooperative Sector

Venkatachalam Pillai was actively involved in the cooperative banking movement for over four decades. He served as:

• Vice Chairman of the Central Cooperative Stores (1942–1952).
• Chairman of the Central Cooperative Stores (1953–1969).
• Director of the Tiruchirappalli District Cooperative Bank for 25 years and its President for four years (from 1965).
• Member of the Tamil Nadu State Cooperative Bank and Director of the State Marketing Society for 25 years.
• Chairman of the Tiruchirappalli District Marketing Committee for 11 years from its inception.

Honors and Recognition

In 1974, Venkatachalam Pillai was awarded the Tamra Patra by the Government of India in recognition of his contributions to the Indian freedom movement.

Legacy and Death

Venkatachalam Pillai passed away on January 13, 1986, in Pennadam, Tamil Nadu. His life remains a testament to selfless service and dedication to the causes of freedom, rural development, and social reform.