yadava movement in Tamilnadu

YADAVA MOVEMENT IN TAMILNADU - D. NAGAENDHIRAN

The Yadavas of Tamilnadu were originally referred as ‘ARYAS’ in Tamil literature but locally called as ‘Idayans’. Even in the government records the community name was referred as ‘Idayans. Up to the Census 1921, the community name was noted as ‘Idayan’. The Tamil speaking Yadavas were referred as Idayans and the Telugu speaking Yadavas were referred as ‘Gollas’ and as Vaduga Aayars. The name of the community was notified as ‘Yadavas’ in government records as per the Government of Madras G.O.No.5240 Law (General) dt.13^th December 1930. In the G. O. it was said that the term ‘Yadava’ shall in future be adopted in place of Golla, Idayan, Gola, Gopi or Goda in all official announcement. Accordingly in the Census 1931 the name of the community was noted as Yadava instead of Idayan. This is the last caste wise census enumerated.

Accordingly the population of Yadavas as per 1931 census is as follows:

S.No.	District	Population
1.	Ramanathapuram	1,90,237
2.	North Arcot	1,60,003
3.	Thirunelvelli	1,57,530
4.	South Arcot	1,40,058
5.	Thanjaur	1,17,984
6.	Thrichy	1,15,934
7.	Chingleput	1,13,563
8.	Madurai	83,802
9.	Madras	23,611
10.	Coimbatore	22,973
11.	Kanyakumari	6,905
12.	Nilgiris	416
	Total	11,33,016

This figure also cannot be taken as correct because of these facts:

1. In Salem district the Telugu speaking Yadavas were noted as Naidu without confirming whether they belong to Yadava Naidu or Kammavar Naidu. They have simply been taken as Naidu in census 1931 that is why their population was not noted in the Salem district then. The Census enumeration in 1921 was done as Idayans and by the change in government instructions it was enumerated as Yadavas in census 1931. In the villages without knowing the change of the community name as Yadavas they have simply said the community name as Idayans, the enumerators has taken that under other communities without putting under Yadavas.
2. It can be seen from the census figures of 1921, 1931 of Madurai, Ramanathapuram districts. In these districts the population of Yadavas in 1931 census was less in number than in 1921 census.

As per the two illustrations noted above it may be said the population of Yadavas as shown in 1931 census was much less figure than it should be. But as per the modest estimate the population of Yadavas as on 1999 may be one crore. It may not be an exaggerated figure but you cannot identify Yadavas from the cast name they are putting after their names. They put the name of the community after their name as follows:

1. KONE
2. SERVAI
3. AMBALAM
4. DASS
5. KARAYALAR
6. PILLAI
7. NAMBIAR
8. MANTRI
9. NAIDU

The only caste name KONE only denotes Yadavas. The other last names were being used by other communities also. The caste name KONE will not be used by other communities except Yadavas. Why the peoples were using the other caste names instead of KONE is that at the earlier part of the Twentieth century the Yadavas who have studied and gone to services feel ashamed to put KONE as they feel as inferior community. That is why the adopted other communities name to boost themselves as superior. Due to efflux time and by the influences of Periyar E.V. Ramasamy’s ‘self respected movement’ which advocated eradication of caste as their main objective has got major influence among Yadavas also and they debated to put the name of the caste with their names.

In the mid 20^th Century you cannot find the caste name with their original name among the majority of the Backward and Scheduled Caste communities. Because of this you cannot identify their caste name from their original name as is being identified in North India. Yet only from the school and from the land records we can find the caste to which a particular person belongs and not by their original name. It cannot be said on a general term but those who belong to the upper caste and the dominant caste who have got status in society were using their caste name with their original name. But to Yadavas without knowing their glorious heritage felt shy in putting their cast name since they felt that they belong to Cowherd or Shepard  Community for there were no status in the society at that time.

Times have changed. A wave from North has come. Arise of two Political leaders belonging to Yadava Community namely Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav and Shri Laloo Prasad Yadav in the political arena gave strength, status and hope among Yadavas of Tamilnadu. Even the uneducated Yadava ladies in the interior villages knew the name of the two leaders and Smt. Rabri Devi, the first women Chief Minister of Bihar. Now they realized that they have got a status and openly declaring that they are Yadavas. Now you can see from the marriage invitation even from the interior villages, you can find that even ladies are now putting Yadav after their names.

Hats off to the political leaders of Yadava Community! Shri Mulayam Sing Yadav, Shri Laloo Prasad Yadav and Smt. Rabri Devi Yadav for their consolidation of the community in Tamilnadu and the new status which they have got in the society.

Though the actual population of the community could not be assessed yet the population will not be less than a crore. To know the actual population the community leaders are requesting the Government of India to enumerate Caste Wise Census in 2001 AD. In Tamilnadu Yadavas are the fourth biggest community the first being ‘Vanniar’, the second being ‘Kongu Vellalars’, and the third being ‘Nadars’.

YADAVA MOVEMENT IN TAMILNADU:

Only by the end of the Nineteenth Century the Yadava Movement came into existence. Their main intention was to construct temples and choultries by their collective contribution and by their willing labour. In that way is Sri. Nadimuthu Samiar (called as Palani Samiar constructed Idayan Madam at Palani the Pilgrimage Centre of Tamilnadu). He is the son of Shri Chellakumaru Kone of Palaghat of Kerala. He trvelled by bullock cart from Palghat to Palani. En-route he collected Yadavas (at that time called as Idayans) at each village and formed Yadava Sabas to help him in constructing Idayan Madam at Palani. By that way he collected many and constructed big choultry called as Idayan Madam at Palani. It was at the end of Nineteenth century. Then he was called as Yadava Madathipathy (the Lead Priest of Yadavas).

After the construction of Idayan Madam was over he proceeded to Madurai and he stayed at Ramayana Chavadi in North Masi Street, Madurai and performing as Lead Priest of Yadavas at Madurai. There was an old Sree Krishna Temple at North Masi Street, Madurai and it was in a dilapidated stage. He collected Yadavas of North Masi Street Madurai who at that time called themselves as Thousand House Yadavas and induced them to contribute money for the reconstruction of Sree Krishna Temple and they also contributed money for that purpose and construction work was started.

The Moola Vigraha of Sree Krishna was removed from the old temple and installed in the new temple by Sri. Nacdimuthu Samiar and on that day itself he attained Samadhi. His mortal remains were laid to rest at Puttuthoppu in Madurai and a temple was erected in that place to remember him. That place is called as Palani Samiar Madam. This is being used by Yadavas for performing the last day ceremony of the deceased in their families. As per the available records Shri Nacdimuth Samiar called as Palani Samiar was the pioneer of Yadavas Movement in the Southern part of Tamilnadu during the later part of Nineteenth Century.

KANCHI YADAVA CHOULTRY

During the same period in the year 1881 the Kanchi Yadava Choultry in 65, Raja Street, Kancheepuram of 540 years old - by the efforts of one Shri K. Varada Pillai Yadava advocate of Thiruvallur took efforts for reconstructing the choultry and the Bhomi Pooja was performed for this purpose on 02.06.1881. Those who assisted him for the reconstruction of the choultry for the collection of donation from Yadavas are noted bellow:

1. Kuppusamy Pillai                      -           Arcot
2. Thana Pillai                               -           Advocate
3. Krishnasamy Pillai                     -           Postal Writers of Kanchi
4. Thiruvenkata Pillai                     -           Postal Writers of Kanchi
5. Kanda Pillai                              -           Postal Writers of Kanchi
6. Krishna Pillai                            -           Chinna Kanchi 
7. Devaraja Pillai                          -           Chinna Kanchi
8. Kesava Pillai                             -           Rajampettai

With all their sustained effort the work of the choultry was not fully completed at the later stage and was in dilapidated state. At one stage the Kancheepuram Municipality decided to take over the choultry for their use. At that stage the message was came to know to Shri C.V. Thiruvenkatam Pillai who was at that time at Chennai. He came to Kancheepuram and called a meeting of Yadavas of Kancheepuram on 10.01.1920. Further he took the help of Shri T.J. Damodaram Pillai of  Kancheepuram Shri Venugopal Pillai of Thirumullaivasal. The meeting was presided over by Shri Devaraja Pillai. This was the first meeting for the purpose which was followed by various meetings. Then a committee was formed with Shri N.Vijayaraghva Pillai, Uthrayalar Shri G. Thulasingam Pillai, Shri V. Ratinam Pillai, Shri T. Ramasamy Pllai and Shri T. Ramasamy Pillai was named as Secretary, Shri C.V. Thiruvenkatam Pillai was the guiding force behind the committee.

The reconstruction work was started in the year 1922. Though it was started with earnest effort by Shri C.V. Thiruvenkatam Pillai, it could not be completed. Shri C.V. Thiruvenkatam Pillai then approached Shri M. Appadurai Pillai the leading book seller of Madras and with great persuasion he made Shri M. Appadurai Pillai as the President for the committee. This was in the year 1932. Shri M. Appadurai Pillai got the help of Dr. Vasudeva Pillai of Thanjaur, Shri F.M. Gopalakrishna Kone of Madurai, Shri McRennet B. Balakrishna Pillai of Alandur and the leading Advocate of Madras Shri M.K. Mohanarangam Pillai in completing the construction of choultry.

In the year 1935 the work was completed and declared open on 27.12.1935. The choultry was declared open by Rao Sahib Venugopala Pillai of Coimbatore under the president ship of Advocate Shri M. K. Mohanarangam Pillai. The names of the following luminaries should also be mentioned for the completion of this choultry. Shri C.V. Kannuchamy Pillai, Shri V. Natesa Pillai, Shri P. Simmakutti Pillai, Shri G. Thulasingam Pillai, Shri V. Kannappillai, Shri P. Rajarathinam Pillai and Shri M. T. Muniappillai. After that additional buildings were constructed and the choultry is now being used for celebrating marriages and also as hostel for our poor boys. The present managing council of the choultry is as follows:

YADAVA CHOULTRY – TRIPLICANE - CHENNAI:

SRI YADU KULA MAHA SANGAM MADRAS

Sri Yadu Kula Maha Sangam Madras was the pioneer Association in organizing Yadavas of various sects under one banner with the laudable object of promoting goodwill and to attain uplift them in education etc. It was first started on 04.11.1917 under the President ship of Shri K. Muthukrishna Pillai at 60, Veeraraghava Mudali Street, Triplicane, Madras. He was the first President of Shri Yadu Kula Maha Sangam. A committee was formed with Rao Sahib T. Ramakrishna Pillai, Shri K. Muthukrishan Pillai, Shri T.R. Aranganathan Pillai, Shri R.S. Vijayaraghava Naidu, Shri Mohanarangam Pillai (Advocate Madurai) Shri S. Venkatachalam Pillai and Dr.T. Rajaram Pillai as members, to prepare the Memorandum to be presented before Lord Montegu who was the Indian Minster under British Government. It was prepared and submitted.

The second President was Rao Sahib T. Ramakrishna Pillai B.A., F.M.U., who was the chairman of the Syllabus committee of Madras University.

The third President was Shri T.E. Arnaganathan Pillai who took over the presidentship in April 1920

The fourth President was Shri T.C. Audikesava Pillai B.A.B.L., He was elected on 19.07.1925.

During this period only Shri Yadu Kula Maha Sangam have requested the government to notify the community under one name ‘Yadava’ instead of calling under various names. Accordingly the government of Madras in its G.O. No.5240 Law (General) dt. 13.12.1930 ordered that the term ‘Yadava’ shall be in future be adopted in place of Golla, Idayan, Gola, Gopi or Gowda in all official announcements.

The Sangam was dormant for 14 years after 1930 and thereafter Shri M. Appadurai Pllai have taken charge as President on 29-12-1944 and the work of the Sangham was stimulated. After his demise in July 1945 Shri V. Manickam Pillai of McRennet & Co Madras was the President of Sangam from 1945 to 1948.

He has executed a will to create a trust by donating a house in Purasawalkam, Chennai to disburse scholarship to the deserving poor Yadava students and made Shri S. Govinda Pillai his son-in-law as the executor. From this fund scholarship was disbursed to the deserving poor Yadava students by Shri Yadu Kula Maha Sangam from the year 1945.

From 1948 to 1954 Shri C. Krishna Pillai of SNBT, Madras was the president from 1954 to 1960 Shri M. Raghava Pillai of Madras was the president. During his period the ‘Dairymen Association’ was formed.

FEATURES OF THE SANGAM

The first Secretary of the Sangam was Shri P. Muthusamy Pillai the retired Post Master. He served as its secretary from 1917 to 1930. Only in his house at 69, Veeraraghava Mudali Street, Triplicane, Madras, the Sangam was started and it was functioning there for many years there only.

Then Shri M.K. Aravamudu Pillai was the secretary upto 1945. From 1945 till his death Shri C.V. Thiruvenkatam Pillai was the secretary of the Samgam. Shri Yadu Kula Maha Sangam held state level Yadava Conferences and it is tabulated below:

State Conference	Place	Date	President
First	Guindy, Madras	12.04.1925	Dr. V. Appar Naidu
Second	Srirangam, Trichy	04.03.1926	Rao Sahib Shri Adi Kesava Pillai
Third	Madurai	17.09.1927 18.09.1927	Rao Sahib Shri M.Venugopal Pillai,Coimbatore
Fourth	Thirunelvelli	27.12.1928 28.12.1928	Shri V. Krishna  Reddiar B.A.B.L.,
Fifth	Ramanathapuram	24.05.1930 25.05.1930	Shri N.K.S. Muthusamy Karayalar, Senkottai
Sixth	Senkottai	13.05.1931	Shri N.K. Mohanarangam Pillai ShriS. Sathanantha Karayalar who was Deputy President , Srimoolam Assembly Tiruvandrum
Seventh	Thanjaur	26.08.1933 27.08.1933	Shri T.Govindadas B.A.B.L., Thirunelvalli
Eighth	Kancheepuram	27.12.1935 28.12.1935	Shri E.M. Gopalakrishna Kone Madurai
Ninth	Cuddalore	00.00.1939	Shri J. Chakrapani Nambiar Thirunelvelli

Then the activities of the Sangam became dormant for 11 years until then the Madras took a dominant role.

EMERGENCE OF YOUTH LEADER FROM MADURAI

SHRI E.RM.E. RENGASAMY

Since there was no activities of the Sree Yadu Kula Maha Sangam worth mentioning one Shri P.Arunachalam of Madurai decided to convene Yadava Association Secretaries Conference at Madurai without consulting anybody. It was in the year 1947. He fixed a date and venue as Ramayana Chavadi at Madurai. But he has not made any arrangements. As per his intimation some delegates came and were disappointed. This was come to know to Shri E.RM.Rengasamy a youth aged 18 years and he consoled the delegates and promised to them that he will take up the job of convening the Yadava Secretaries Conference at Madurai soon. 

Accordingly he made elaborate arrangements at Madurai and the first State level Conference of Yadava Association Secretaries held at Madurai on 02.11.1947. It was presided over by Shri C.V. Thiruvenkatam Pillai, the General Secretary of Sree Yadu Kula Maha Sangam. It was declared   open by Shri Mullikulam S. Ramasamy Konar, Advocate, Thirunelvelli, Shri V. Manickam Pllai of McRennett & Co was the Chief Guest. It was well attended and delegates from 106 Yadava Association participated. Shri Muthirulappa Konar, Trustee Shri Koodalalagar Perumal Koil Madurai hosted lunch and diner to the delegates. It was the first meeting organized by the efforts of Shri E.RM. E. Rengasamy who later became the doyen for the revival of the Yadava Movement. Shri D. Nagendhiran assisted him in his efforts. After that they two joined and made the movement as a ‘Youth Movement’.

The second state level conference of the Yadava Association Secretaries held at Madras on 06.02.1949. Shri R. Desika Pillai, Advocate Pondicherry presided. It was also well attended by good number of delegates. Shri S. Govinda Pillai McRennett & Co., Madras, hosted the delegates with lunch and dinner with the able assistance of Shri C. Krishnasamy Pilllai.

THE TENTH STATE LEVEL YADAVA CONFERENCE:

A thought came in the mind of Shri E.RM.E Rengasamy that the state level Yadava Conference was not held after 1939 and why not we take the lead for organizing the 10^th State level Yadava Conference?

Accordingly he invited the representatives of Yadava Association for a discussion at Madurai. In that meeting the representatives from Thirunelvelli gave their consent to hold the 10^th State Yadava Conference at Thirunelvelli. Shri C.S. Yadava and Shri I.S. Perumalsamy Konar were authorized to hold the Conference at Thrunelvelli.

But the great efforts of those two leaders, the 10^th State Yadava Conference was held at Thirunelvelli on 07.08.1950.Shri M.R. Appadurai Pillai of Madras presided over the conference. There was a Youth Conference also in the evening. Shri Rama Arangannal who was the pioneer of the Dravidian Movement and the D.M.K. sent his greetings. It is not a greeting but a historical epic which ran to 20 pages. It was an inspiring one for the youth and it instigated the Yadava youth to rise up to the occasion.

This tenth state level conference was a turning point in the history of the Yadava Movement. Until then there was no organisation as a state level organization but Shri Yadu Kula Maha Sangam was functioning as such. There was a demand in the conference to have a Central Organisation for the state and it was decided to organize a State Level Yadava Association. Shri R.R. Venunathan of Rajapalayam and Shri P. Vadamali of Thiruchirapalli were the chief architect of this resolution. But it could not be materialized due to various obstacles.

Then there was no activity of the Yadava Sabhas for 4 years. Shri E.RM.E. Rengasamy and Shri D. Nagendhiran with the help of Dr. K. Gopal, MBBS, Madurai ventured to organize the State Level Conference of Yadava Association Secretaries at Madurai. Finally it was held at Madurai on 11.04.1954 under the presidentship of Shri K. Ramasamy Das MLA of Kovilpatty. It was declared open by Shri C. Krishnasamy Pillai the president of Shree Yadu Kula Maha Sangam, Madras. It was addressed by Shri S. Ragavanandam the labour leader of DMK (afterwards he became the labour minister in the MGR’s AIDMK Ministry). This conference created political awareness among Yadavas.

YADAVA YOUTH MOVEMENT:

An Association of Youth under the banner of Madras Yadava Youth League was organized in the year 1927. Shri T.S. Venunathan Konar with the cooperation of Shri M.K. Aravamadu Pillai organized this Association. The first state level conference of the Yadava Youth League was held at Ramanathapuram on 24.05.1930. Shri P. Pichaimuthu Konar, Vice Chairman, Madurai Municipality and President for Madurai Meenakshi Devasthanam Committee, presided over the conference. After this conference the Youth League was more effective and they even toured North Indian states for this purpose. The first Newspaper (Monthly) was released in the name of “Young Yadava” (English, Tamil and Telugu) by the efforts of Youth League.

The second state level conference of yadava Youth League was held at Senkottai. On 13.05.1931 Dr.Govindarajalu Yadav presided over the conference.

The Third state level Yadava Youth League was held at Thanjaur on 26.08.1933. Shri T.S. Venunatha Kone F.C.I., MRAS presided over the conmference.

All these Youth Conferences were held as a part of the State Yadava conference

Among the well knitted youth organization a special mention has to be made about Yadava Young Men’s Association, Madurai.

YADAVA YOUNG MEN’S ASSOCIATION – MADURAI

The Yadava Young Men’s Association was started on August 1934 at Madurai. It conducted a very good library and a free reading room at a rented building and afterwards it purchased their own building at 308-A, North Masi Street, Madurai on June 1943.This building was known as 10 Downing Street, London (the Official Residence of Britain P. M) among Tamilnadu Yadavas. At that time in the whole of Tamilnadu only Yadava Young Men’s Association, Madurai was having its own Building. Though it is very small building it was a breeding place for all the Yadava activities of Tamilnadu. Lately the Yadava Education Fund, the Tamilnadu Yadava Association, the first state level organization and Yadava Cultural Association were all started from this building only. Shri S. Vannia Konar, Shri K. Muthiah Konar. Shri Narasingam, Shri M. Penasamy Konar were the leading lights at that time. In 1995 the same building was demolished and new building was constructed by the efforts of Shri T. Solaimalai the present Secretary of the Association.

The next to be mentioned is the Yadava Young Men’s Association, Palakkarai, Trichy, Shri P. Vadamalai, Shri Sarathi Thiruvenkatam were the forerunners of this Association.

TAMILNADU YADAVA ASSOCIATION:

After the Tenth state level conference at Thirunelvelli the activities of the Sree Yadu Kula Maha Sangam came to a standstill because of the group rivalry. The dissident group under the leadership of Shri K. Loganathan of SNBT, Madurai with the assistance of Shri S. Veeraraghavan, Advocate formed Tamilnadu Shree Yadu Kula Maha Sangam, were active for some time and that activities were also came to a standstill after the demise of Shri K. Loganathan under the presidentship of Shri K. Loganathan a committee was formed to organize Madras District Yadava Association in the year 1971. They conducted Madras District Yadava Association Organising Conference at Abbotsburry Hall at Madras on 22^nd August 1971. Shri V. Venugopla Pilai, Shri R.S. Kone, Shri R. Venugopal Pillai. Shri N. Chengalvarayan, Shri M.T. Kulasekaran, Shri V. Loganathan Pillai and Shri L. Krishnamurthy took leading part in organizing the conference. But a sad thing had happened. Shri T. Chengalvarayan who was on a tour for organizing the conference met with an accident on 19.08.1971. It was a great loss to the organizers but anyhow they managed to conduct the conference on that date. Shri S. Veeraraghavan, Advocate presided over the conference.

THE SITUATION AT MADRAS…..

At the same time the Government of Tamilnadu constituted the first backward classes commission in the year 1969. They issued a questionnaire to identify the backward classes and in that questionnaire there was a question, whether you have got a state level organisation to represent your Community? This was an eye opener to form a State level Association for the first time. Shri E. RM E. Rengasamy, Shri D. Nagendhiran, Shri S.S. Chellam, Shri R. Gothandapani and others met at Madurai and framed a new set of rules for the proposed Tamilnadu State Yadava Association and got it registered under Societies Registration Act in the year 1970. The first State president was Shri A. Karuppiah, Advocate of Thirunelvelli and Shri E. RM. E. Rengasamy was the General Secretary. They prepared a Memorandum on behalf of Yadavas of Tamilnadu and they presented the Memorandum to the first Backward Classes commission on behalf of the Tamilnadu Yadava Association.

11^Th STATE LEVEL CONFERENCE

The Tamilnadu Yadava Association conducted the 11^th State level Yadava Conference at Paramakkudy on 26.05.1970. Shri A. Karuppiah the state president, Shri S. Dheenadayalan the youth leader and an advocate of Paramakkudy who was the leading light of the awakening of Yadavas of that district was the Reception Committee Chairman. It was addressed by Shri S. Raghavanandam the firebrand labour leader of the D.M.K. It was a grand success and the conference was the sole reason for the awakening of Yadavas of Ramanthapuram district for their political power. It gave a good dividend in the political arena.

The Tamilnadu Yadava Association served well and organized Village Units, District Units and functioned as a Political Organisation. This Association also could not serve for more than 10 years. This association conducted All India Yadava Maha Saba’s 46^th Conference at Yadava College for Men, Madurai on 19.04.1974 to 21.04.1974. 

TAMILNADU YADAVA MATHTHIYA PERAVAI - TRICHY

In the year 1975 with headquarters at Trichy, another State level organisation called Tamilnadu Yadava Mathithiya Peravai was formed. Shri S. Gopalakrishna Yadav, Kovilpatty was its president and Shri T. Kanakarathinam, Advocate, Cuddalore as its General Secretary. This Peravai conducted its state level conference at Trichy on 09.07.1978. Shri V. Vadamalai of Trichy was the receiption committee secretary and Shri K.K.N.P. Vadavenkata Konar of Trichy was its president. The conference was also a successful one. This Peravai also could not function more than 5 years.

There were some other organisations functioning through out Tamilnadu without any coordination. They are:

1.                  Tamilnadu Yadava Kshatriya Peravai – Madras.

(Shri C.P. Loganathan was President.)

2.                  The Tamilnadu  Yadava Welfare Association – Tuticorin

(Shri N. Palanisamy Das – Tuticorin)

It also held regular Executive Meetings at all the district headquarters and created awareness among Yadavas. The Tamilnadu Yadava Maha Saba studied the problems facing the community in all walks of life and prepared ‘Charter of Demands’. Accordingly they put them before the respective forums for redress. During the Chief Ministership of MGR, he called all the caste organization for a series round of talks on reservation. The Tamilnadu Yadava Maha Saba met the Hon’ble Chief Minister on 27.11.1987. Shri S. Lakshmana Yadav and Prof. Kalaimani represented the views of Yadavas reservation. They demanded 10% reservation separately for Yadavas for admission in education and in employment. Separate reservation in the managing body of Milk Cooperatives and to name a district after Veeran Alagumuthu the first freedom fighter fought against the British in 1759. The Tamilnadu Yadava Maha Saba took a different style of functioning and adopted all means to get the demands achieved. They sat at Madurai one day fast on 15.07.1987 to get their demands accepted by government.

3.                  Tamilnadu Yadava Young Men’s Association (Madurai)

The above Association was limitedly serving the community in some districts. They have got some selective districts to function.

TAMILANDU YADAVA MAHA SABA – THE BIRTH AND ITS ACTIVITIES:

Time compelled the masses and the leaders to sit and dissolve their differences and to have one strong central organization for Tamilnadu. Shri V. Kalaimani took the lead and called for a meeting of all factional leaders and the workers at Madras on 10.04.1982. The meeting was well attended by representatives of all districts and all the various groups having different set of Association. It was then decided to have one organization by uniting the various organization and named as “TAMILNADU YADAVA MAHA SABA” with hedquarters at Madras. Shri S. Lakshnamana Yadav was elected as the first President of Tamilnadu Yadava Maha Saba and Shri Suba. Seetharaman was elected as General Secretary and Shri M. S. Rajaram as Treasurer. The birth of Tamilnadu Yadava Maha Saba started in a new era in the Yadava Movement. It created a mark in the political field. In that way the Tamilnadu Yadava Maha Saba gained support from Yadavas and grown steadily. The Tamilnadu Yadava Maha Saba held the 49^th session of All India Yadava Maha Saba at Periyar Thidal, Madras on 10, 11, 12^th June 1983.

Then the Tamilnadu Yadava Maha Saba continuously fought with the government for the acceptance of their demands.

PROF T. A. CHOCKLINGAM – THE NEW PRESIDENT

On 21.01.1990 in the General Council Meeting of Tamilnadu Yadava Maha Saba at Chennai Prof. T.A. Chockalingam was elected as President. Shri Pulavar Pugalendhi as General Secreary and E. S. Krishnan as Treasurer. The new body took the case vigorously. First they wanted to have their own building at Chennai. The first meeting for this purpose was held at Yadava College, Madurai on 05.07.1990. Shri D. Nagendhiran first donated Rs.1001/- and commenced the collection process. Throughout the state collection for the purchase of a building at Chennai was made. For the purpose a Trust named Tamilnadu Yadava Trust was registered.

YADAVA BHAVAN - CHENNAI

At a cost Rs.10 lacs a building at 23, Agharam Street, Chindaripettai, Madras was purchased for the trust and the building was named “Yadava Maaligai (Yadav Bhavan). Yadava Maaligai was declared open by the Lion of Bihar then Hon. Chief Minister Shri Laloo Prasad Yadav under the presidentship of Shri Rama Arangannal on 18.01.1992. To mark the occasion a very big rally was arranged which was witnessed by Shri Laloo Prasad Yadav, Shri Shyam Lal Yadav, Shri Sathya Prakash Yadav, Shri D. Nagendhiran, Shri Balwant Singh and Shri Dr. Ranjan Prasad Yadav M.P. The rally took 5 hours to cross a point. It was the biggest rally witnessed by the city at of Madras in recent times. The meeting was held at Valluvar Kottam. There Hon. CM of Bihar Shri Laloo Praad Yadav announced one lac rupees to Yadava Maaligai and one lac rupees to Yadava College (Men) Madurai.

Then on 01.05.1994 in the General Council Meeting held at Thanjaur Shri Prof. T.A. Chockalingam was reelected as the president, Prof. Kalaimani as General Secretary and Shri P. Kesavan as the Treasurer. Then on 17.02.1996 Shri N. Subramanian was inducted as Treasurer in the place of Shri P. Kesavan who was resigned.

Then after the sudden death of Prof. T.A. Chockalingam on 00.00.1997 the state General Council Meet at Madras on 17.05.1997 and elected Dr. M. Gopalakrishnan (Former Chairman Indian Bank) as President and Shri Prof. V. Kalaimani as General Secretary and this present set up continuous till now.

AGITATIONAL APPROACH AND PROGRAMMES CONDUCTED BY TAMILNADU YADAVA MAHA SABA

In the year 1989 after the DMK Government came to power in Tamilnadu to solve the agitation of Vanniars for separate reservation the Government then decided to create separate reservation for the Most Backward Communities which was notified by the Governemnt in their G.O. MS No.353 I.L & C dt. 31.01.57, for the specific purpose of awarding scholarships to pursue higher studies and to the Denotified tribes. In then G.O. MS 242 B.C. dt. 28.03.1989, a separate reservation for MBC and Denotified tribe for 20% out of the 50% quota for BC. The BC quota was reduced to 30%. This created major setback to yadavas which could not find place in list of MBC. Though 39 communities were notified as MBC and 68 communities were notified as Denotified communities in 1989 GO, only two major dominant communities got lions share. It is the real situation. Even in the “Times of India” daily news paper dt. 12.10.1990 it has been well written under the title “Dominant Castes Corner Benefits.”

It was a major set back for the upcoming Yadava communities. The share of getting representation in the technical courses like Engineering and Medical and to the entry in Government services was much reduced. It is a heart burning among youths particularly Yadavas. They were of the opinion since Yadavas do not have political power they have been victimized. This issue was taken up by the Tamilnadu Yadava Maha Saba as a major issue and the Maha Saba has decided to go on agitation in a planned manner.

The agitation programmes conducted are tabulated below:

1.      On20.03.1990 one lac post cards were sent to the Secretariat.

2.      On 30.04.90 demonstration conducted in front of all district Collectorate.

3.      On 30.08.1990 the then CM Dr. Kalainjar M. Karunanidhi was met in person at Secretariat and a memorandum was presented. Shri Prof. T.A. Chockalingam, Shri S. Lakshminarayan Yadav, Shri D. Nagendhiran, Prof. Shri V. Kalaimani met the Hon. Chief Minister.

4.      After there was a change of government.  AIADMK came to power in the year 1991 and Selvi Jayalalithaa became the CM of Tamilnadu.

SECOND PHASE OF AGITATION CONTINUING:

1.      On 01.11.1991 and 04.03.1992 a fresh memorandum was sent to Selvi J. Jayalalithaa, Hon Chief Minister of Tamilnadu.

2.      On 04.05.1992 Dharna was performed in front of all District Colletorates. More than 1000 Yadavas were arrested throughout the stae.

3.      An open letter to all MLA’s was sent on 18.09.1992.

4.      ‘Road Roko’ agitation was conducted throughout the Tamilnadu state on 11.10.1993. More than 50,000 Yadavas were arrested as per the report published in Indian Express of 12.10.1993.

In the meantime the government set up a commission to review the classification of communities shown under most backward classes’ list on 16.03.1993 but the commission was reconstituted in 1998. It is a pity that the commission has yet to submit its report though 6 years have lapsed.

DEMANDS ACHIEVED

 The second demand of naming a district after the first freedom fighter Shri Veeran Alagumuthu Yadav was partially accepted by the AIADMK Government.

In the State Legislture on 29.04.1994 the government announced to celebrate annually by the Govt, in Thirunellvelli the momory of Veeeran Alagumuthu Yadav. It was done for the year 1995. Then the government named a Transport Corporation with headquarters at Pudukottai and Government buses were operated with the name “Veeeran Alagumuthu Kone Transport Corporation” on 15.03.1996. On the same day (15.03.1996) a very big bronze statue of Veeran Alagumuthu was erected by the government near Madras Egmore Railway station. The statue was opened by Hon. Chief Minister Selvi J. Jayalalithaa   under the presidentship of Shri S. Kannappan (Yadav) Minster for PWD, Highways and Electricity. He was the force behind for getting the demands accepted by the government.

The function was attended by more than 7 lac Yadavas came on 4000 buses and lorries from throughout Tamilnadu. In that meeting Hon. Chief Minister Selvi J. Jayalalithaa announced that the fort built by Veeran Alagamuthu in Kattalankulam in Tuticorin district will be renovated and will be made a tourist spot. But after some days general election was announced and the AIADMK was voted out of power. DMK government came to power in 1996 June.

After coming to power the government decided in the cabinet meeting on 22.06.1998 bifurcate the Madurai district and name the new district as Veeran Alagumuthu District with Thene as its headquarters and it was implemented.

GIVEN AND TAKEN AWAY

In Tamilnadu during 1997 there was a communal clash between Dalit and Thevar communities naming a Transport Corporation after Theeran Sundaralingam the Dalit Warrior who fought against British. It became violent and numbers of deaths were reported. After this incident the Government of Tamilnadu with the advice of all political parties decided to remove all the leaders’ names given to the Transport Corporations and to the Districts. Accordingly the names of Veeran Alagumuthu Kone Transport Corporation and Veeran Alagumuthu district were removed.

YADAVAS OF TAMILNADU

– ASSOCIATION WITH ALL INDIA BRETHERN……

 The All India Yadava Youth League earlier called as Bharatiya Yadava Sangh with Shri B.S. Dalaya as its president was first known to Tamilnadu Yadavas. Shri C. V. Thiruvenkatam Pillai, Shri Kannuchamy Pillai, Shri C. V. Duraisamy Pillai and Shri S. Chandrabbu all from Madras attended the conference convened by the Bharathiya Yadava Sangh at Bombay on 5, 6^th May 1946. This was the first meeting of Tamilnadu Yadavas with North Indian Yadavas. The leaders of Bharatiya Yadava Sangh representative Dr. Varma toured south after that meeting.

During September, 1950 the All India session of Bharatiya Yadava Sangh was held at Bangalore. Dharmaprakash K. Kuppusamy, Dharmaprakash M. V. Veerappa made all arrangements for the conference. From the Tamilnadu this conference was attended by more number of delegates from Madurai including Shri E.RM. E. Rengasamy, Dr. Nagendhiran, Shri P. Arasappa Konar, Shri Writer Narayana Konar.

Then only All India Yadava Maha Saba came to Tamilnadu in the year 1958. Shri B. P. Singh the General Secretary of All India Yadava Maha Saba came to Madras and he was given dinner party by Sree Yadu Kula Maha Sangam in the upstairs of McRennett & Co. This was the first contact with Tamilnadu with All India Yadava Maha Saba. On November 1958 a delegation from All India Yadava Maha Saba with Shri Ram Gopal Singh (Kanpur), Shir Rnjit Sing (Varnasi) and Shir B.P. singh (Patna) toured Tamilnadu and the contact with All India Yadava Maha Saba was made by the Yadavas of Tamilnadu.

After the tour Sarathy Thiruvenkatam from Trichy have got acquaintance with North Indian leaders and got frequent touch with them. Shri S. Gopalakrihsna Yadava of Kovilpatty then got acquainted with All India Yadava Maha Saba.

ALL INDIA YADAVA MAHA SABA HYDERABAD SESSION – 1968

The 43^rd session of All India Yadava Maha Saba conducted at Hyderabad in 1968 was the first session of All India Yadava Maha Saba which was attended by more number of delegates from Tamilnadu. About 50 delegates from Tamilnadu including E.RM.E Rengasamy, Shri Karayandi Konar, Shri D. Nagendhiran, Shri Gopalakrishnan (Dindugal) and 50 others attended. The message of starting Yadava College (Men) at Madurai was known to Public and it was applauded by all. In the EC meeting conducted on that day at Hyderabad an invitation was given to Shri E. RM. E Rengasamy and Shri D. Nagendhiran to hold the next session at Madurai on behalf of Tamilnadu Yadava Association. Though it was not accepted at that time, the All India Yadava Maha Saba permitted Tamilnadu Yadava Association to hold the 46^th annual session of All India Yadava Maha Saba at Madurai. The permission was given at the 45^th session presided by Shri S. Gopalakrishnan conducted at Indore in 1972 which was attended by Shri E. RM. E Rengasamy, Shri, D. Nagendhiran, Shri Gopalakrishnan (Dindugal) and others.

ALL INDIA YADAVA MAHA SABA’S 46^TH SESSION – MADURAI

This was the first annual session conducted in Tamilnadu. The credit of hosting the first session goes to Tamilnadu Yadava Association. The session was held at Yadava College (Men) Madurai on 19, 20, 21 April, 1974. Shri M. M. Gosh presided. Shri B.R. Bhagat Speaker of Parliament declared open the session. Shri B. P Singh, Col. Maha Singh then Transport Minister, Shri C. Govindarajan, Ex. MLA, Shri C.V. Thiruvenkatam Pillai of Madras, Shri C.S. Kolappan – Trivandrum, Smt. Kamala Devi - Hyderabad, Shri S. Deenadayalan, Shri S. Balakrishnan were the main participant. Shri S. Gopalakrishna Yadav was the reception committee chairman. Shri E.RM. E. Rengasamy was the secretary; Shri D. Nagendhiran was the treasurer.

The Backward Classes session at the end of the session was addressed by the Hon. CM Tamilnadu Kalainjar Dr. M. Karunanidhi. Shri E. M. G. Soundrarajan presented a memorandum to Hon. CM on the dais to give permission to start Yadava College (Men) at Madurai.     

On the inaugural day a massive rally started from Yadava Young Men’s Association Building at North Masi Street Madurai and ended at Yadava College which covered 8 kilometers. The rally was impressive and colourful because of the participation of delegates from all Northern States wearing their costumes. The rally proved the All India status of the Yadava Community.

46^TH ALL INDIA SESSION YIELDED RESULTS:

The 46^th session was not only impressive but also yielded results. In the last day of the session at the Backward Classess session the Hon. Chief Minster of Tamilnadu Dr. Kalanjar M. Karunanidhi announced that after his return to Madras Yadavas can expect some good announcement by the government.

Accordingly the Government gave permission to start Government Aided Yadava Women’s College at Madurai. Secondly Shri K. Pandurangan (Yadava) was nominated to the Tamilnadu Public Service commission as its member. During 60’s Shri Audikesavan (Yadava) was member of the Tamilnadu Public Service Commission.

In the Executive Meeting held on that day Shri D. Nagendhiran was nominated as Additional General Secretary to the All India Yadava Maha Saba.

 ALL INDIA YADAVA MAHA SABA 49^th SESSION - MADRAS

For several times Tamilnadu was given permission to hold the annual session at Madras. This time the Tamilnadu Yadava Maha Saba which was officially affiliated was given the permission to host the session. It was held at Madras Periyar Thidal on 10, 11, 12^th June 1983. Shri Shyamlal Yadav (Dy. Chairman Rajya Sabha) president elect, All India Yadava Maha Saba presided. Col. Rao Ram Singh Hon. Transport Minister, Haryana inaugurated the session. Shri Chandrajit Yadav MA., Shri D. P. Yadav M.P., Shri Ram Lakhan Singh Yadav, Shri Brahm Prakash and others addressed the conference.

Dr. Kalainjar M. Karunanidhi addressed the backward classes session. At the conclusion of the session the President Shri Shyamlal Yadav announced the nomination of Shri D. Nagendhiran as the General Secretary and Shri S. Lakshmanan Yadav as one the Vice President.

FELICITATION AT MADURAI FOR ALL INDIA PRESIDENT AND GENERAL SECRETARY

A felicitation meeting for the nomination of Shri D. Nagendhiran as General Secretary and the election of Shri Shyamlal Yadav as the President of All India Yadava Maha Saba was held at Hotel Tamilnadu, Madurai on 03.09.83. Shri C.Govindarajan Ex. M.L.A., Shri A.M. Ramasamy Konar, former Panchayat Union President, Shri N. Sreerama Reddy, M.P., Bangalore gave them best wishes.

ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF TAMILNADUE YADAVAS IN THE ALL INDIA YADAVA MAHA SABA

Shri S. GOPALAKRISHNA YADAV	President	1972-74
Shri D. Nagendhiran	Additional General Secretary	1974 – 83
Shri D. Nagendhiran	General Secretary	1983 – 89
Shri Lakshmana Yadav	Vice President	1983 – 89
Shri Lakshmana Yadav	General Secretary	1989 – 93
Shri D. Nagendhiran	Vice President	1989 – 99
Shri D. Nagendhiran	Vice President	1999 – Till date
Shri L. Nandagopal	Youth Cell President	1994

ALL INDIA YADAVA CONFERENCE – CHENNAI

In the year 1974 the Tamilnadu Shee Madu Kula Maha Sangam concudted an All India Yadava Conference at Abbosburry Hall, Chennai on 13.04.1974. Shri S. Veeraraghavan, Advocate presided, Shri Rao Birender Singh President Bharathiya Yadava Maha Saba addressed the gathering. After this conference the Tamilnadu State of Bharathiya Yadava Maha Saba was formed with Shri S. Veeraragavan as its president.

The Bharathiya Yadava Maha Saba, Tamilnadu State Unit conducted the All India session of Bharathiya Yadava Maha Saba was held at Chennai in the month of May 1983. Shri Rao Birander Singh presided. Shri Rajiv Gandhi AICC President addressed the conference. It was held some 15 days before the 49^th session of All India Yadava Maha Saba at Madras.

Shri M.T. Kulasekaran, Shri L. Krishnamurthy, Shri Lakiyamurthy, Shri S. Gopalakrishna Yadav, Shri P. Vadamalai, Shri K.P. Subramanian of Trichi played major role as the Bharathiya Yadava Maha Saba office bearers for the success of the conference.

YADAVA CULTURAL ASSOCIATIONS:

In Tamilnadu the Yadava employers working in state, central governments, government undertakings and cooperatives formed their own separate units called as “Yadava Cultural Association”. It was first at Madurai and was followed at Madras, Tirunelvelli, Vellore, Trichy and other places. The founder of Yadava Cultural Association Madurai was Shri D. Nagendhiran, Shri K. Jayaraman was its first General Secretry. Dr. T. Narayanasamy was the founder president for the Yadava Cultural Academy, Madras. Shri G. Selvarangam was its secretary. Shri S.S. Chellam was the chief architect. The best functioning among the Yadava Cultural Association is in Madurai. The Yadava cultural Association – Madurai, has constructed their own building at Madurai.

SHRI BALARAM SINGH YADAV BHAVAN – MADURAI

The building of the Yadava Cultural Association situated at Minnagar near Surveyor Colony, Madurai was named after Shri Balaram Singh the former Union minister and the hall was named after Shri D. Nagendhiran the founder of the Yadava Cultural Association. The building was declared open by Shir. Satyapal Singh Yadav, Hon. Minister for food and Consumer Affairs, Government of India on 30.08.1998. The Buildings have got a meeting hall for the use of social functions and in the front there is a small Radhakrishna Temple which denotes the national integration.

The temple was constructed by the donation of Shri T. Venkatachalapathy of Sivakasi (South India) and the white marble idol of Shri Radhakrishna was donated by Shri Sathya Prakash (Delhi – North India),. The stands are testimony for the emotional integration of South and North Indian Yadavas. Dr. S. Shanmugiah was the president and Prof. N. Kannan was the secretary at that time.

The best Yadava Cultural Association is the Tirunelvelli Association. They are meeting at regular interval and prizes were distributed to the students who are passing 10^th standard and +2 examinations with distinctions. Shri Padma Ramakrishnan is the general secretary and Shri Nagendhiran is the president at present.

There is one more Yadava Cultural Association functioning at Trichy BHEL Unit.

The Yadava Cultural Academy, Madras which was dormant for some time is now revived by the effort of Shri Dr. M. Gopalakrishnan. Shri K. Chenthamarai IPS (Retd) is present president and Shri C.J. Anandakrishnan is now the secretary.

EDUCATIONAL UPLIFTMENT

Shri Yadava Maha Sangam is giving aid to deserving poor Yadava students for pursuing higher studies by way of scholarships from the year 1921 – 22 and many Yadava students were benefited by this

KAKKU AUDIKESAVALU NAIDU TRUST

There is one more trust created by Shri Kakku Audikesavalu Naidu. This trust was handed over to the custody of Madras HighCourt with instructions to award scholarships to the Telugu Yadava students studying in specified schools vide ROC No.10248/49-O.T.- E.C. dt. 10.10.1949.

YADAVA EDUCATIONAL TRUST – MADURAI

The trust is a registered one with headquarters at Madurai. It was registered on 30.11.1962. Shri T.A. Gopalakrishna Pillai was its first president after the founder president Shri R. Ponniah Kone died on August 1982. Shri E. RM. E. Rengasamy was its treasurer.

Shri C. Govindarajan, Shri K. Karmegam, Dr. C. Gopalakrishnan and Shri M.R. Chandran framed the rules for Yadava Education Fund and it was got registered at Madurai on 30.11.1962. Shri C. Srinivas was the kingpin for the activities.

The initial money for the trust was got from the savings out of the felicitation ceremony for the veteran leader of the community Shri R. Ponnaiah Konar which was held at Madurai on 25.02.1962. On 05.08.1962 the first function of college books distribution to Yadava students was held at North Masi Street Yadava School. Shri K. Chenthamarai IPS presided and Smt. Saraswathi Chenthamarai distributed the books.

YADAVA EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE

To propagate the idea o the trust the Yadava Educational Conference was held at Madurai District Central Cooperative Bank meeting hall on 13.10.1963. Shri Mullikukulam Ramasamy Konar presided and Dharmaprakash K. Kuppusamy declared open the conference. Shri V. Parthasarathy of Porayar donated Rs.5,000 for the Yadava Educational Fund. The collection drive was made and by the end of 1965 Rs.24,000/- stood to the credit of the trust. The interest earned was utilized for distribution of books.

YADAVA COLLEGE (MEN) – MADURAI

The Yadava Education Trust Madurai started the government aided Yadava College (Men) Madurai in the the year 1969. Shri E.RM. E. Rengasamy donated free of cost his land covering 2½ acres for the construction of the college. The University insisted that 40 acres of land is essential for the construction of the college. At this time Shri C. Govindarajan was the sitting MLA of Madurai and the Chief Minister was the late lamented leader Dr. C.N. Annadurai. There are government wastelands nearby the land given by Shri E. RM. R Rengasamy. The government alienated 40 acres free of cost to the Yadava Education Trust for running the college. These satisfied the first condition of the University about the land.

The second condition was to create Rs.2 lacs and to deposit with the university to start the college (first PUC courses) Donations were collected vigorously. Shri M. Paradesi of Tirunelvelli collected Rs.1 lac. Shri C. Govindarajan with the help of Shri S. Deenadayalan and Dr. M. Tamilkudimagan and others collected money from Ramanathapuram district. Shri D. Nagendhiran, Shri S. Vannia Konar, Shri R. Ramalingam, Shri, V.S. Baluchamy Konar , Shri Karayandi Konar collected money in Madurai district. By this way the deposit money was collected and deposited with the Madurai Kamraj University. The university and the government gave permission to start the Yadava College (Men) Madurai for the academic year 1969 – 70. On 01.07.1969 the college was started at the rented E. M. G. Kalyana Mandapam. Shri V. Parthaarathy of Porayar presided. Shri S. Madhavan Hon. Minster of Education inaugurated the college.

The College was functioning in the rented building during 1969 – 70. The college has to move its own building from the next academic year 1970 – 71. The first donation  of Rs.30,000/- came  from Shri D. Jaganatha Konar of Trichy and the next donation of Rs.10,000/- came from T.V.S. Alagappa Konar of Madurai. The donatins were pouring in and the building was in progress at the site. In the second year the college was shifted to the site. For starting the degree college additional deposite either by cash or by land at the double cost is needed. Shri Rukmani Ammal of Trichy, Shri K. Palanichamy Konar of Madurai, Shri K. Sundararajan and Shri P. Somasundara Pandian of Mullikulam gave their lands as endowment to the university. By this during the second year 1970-71 degree courses were started and it is now a post graduate degree college.

On 23.01.1972 the new buildings were opened by Dr. Kalanjar Dr. M. Karunanidhi Hon. Chief Minster of Tamilnadu under the presidentship of Shri Rama Arangannal. Then education minister Shri V.R. Nedunchezian laid the foundation for another set of new buildings.

Prof T.A. Chockalingam was the first Principal and after that Dr. M. Tamilkudimagan was the principal upto 1989 before entering into politics.

The first set of Managing Council:

Shri C. Govindarajan MLA       –          President

Shri P. Pichaimuthu Konar        –          Vice President

Shri E. Rengasamy                    -           Secretary & Correspondent

Shri D. Nagendhiran                 -           Treasurer

Shri B. K. Muruga Konar         -           Member

Shri S.M.G. Sourdararajan       -           Member

Shri N. Shanmugan                   -           Member

The college is a residential college with hostel facilities. Most of the teachers and non-teaching staffs belong to Yadava community which is an asset for the growth of the college.

The College celebrated its Silver Jubilee on 28.01.1996. Shri S. Kannapan Hon. Minster who was the unquestioned leader of the community was the chief guest.

Now the present secretary and correspondent is Shri A.R. Chandran who was also the elected president of the Madurai District Central Cooperative Bank. Shri K.R. Arunagiri is the present president of the Managing Council. Dr. T. Yadav is the present principal of the college.

E. M. G. YADAVA COLLEGE (WOMEN) – MADURAI

The Tamilnadu Yadava Youth Association applied for starting Yadava Women’s College at Madurai. The petition was presented to Dr. Kalianjar M. Karunanidhi, Hon. Chief Minister at the 46^th session of the All India Yadava Maha Saba on 21.04.1974 at Madurai. Shri E. M. G. Soundararajan donated his 20 acres land to construct Yadava Women’s College with the name of his father E M. Gopalakrishna Konar. The government of Tamilnadu and the Madurai Kamaraj University permitted to start the college in the year 1974. The important personalities collected donations for starting the college are Shri K. Karmegam , Shri. K. Vanamalai B.E., Shri S.P. Alwar Subbaiah, Shri Durai Shanmugavel, Shri S. Balakrishnana (Tirunelvelli) Shri T.R. Santhanakrishnan, Shri K. V. Chellam, Shri S. Ramanujam former Registrar Madurai Kamaraj University, Shri S.Sundar, Shri S. Palanikumararasamy.

The college started and functioned in the EMG Kalyana Mandapam. It continued there for 4 years. In the year 1977, S. Goplakrishna Yadav (Kovilpatty) took over the administration as the Secretary and Correspondent of the college. On 22.04.1977 foundation for the new building in its own site was constructed. Dr. S.S. Yadav, Pondicherry presided, Shri N. G. Yadav, Architect, Madras laid the foundation for the building. From   1978 the college started functioning from its own building. The degree courses were started from 1979.

MULAYAM SINGH HOSTEL

 In the year 1990 Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav, Hon. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh visited the college and he promised a donation of Rs.10 lacs for the construction of the hostel. Accordingly the amount was paid by him. The hostel was constructed and it was named as Mulayam Yadav Ladies Hostel. The hostel was declared open by Shri Mulayam Singh in 1992. Shri Harmohan Singh was present on all the two occasions.

It is a post graduate college. The Silver Jubilee of the college was celebrated on 04.03.1999 and 05.03.99 Dr. M Tamilkudimagam, Minister for HR & CE,  Shri PTR Palivelrajan  Hon. Speaker,Tamilnadu Assembly, Shri T. Krittinan, Hon. Minister PWD, Shri K. Anbalagan, Hon. Minister for Education participated in the silver jubilee celebrations.

Shri E.M.G. Soudararajan is the present president and Shri S. Gopalakrishnan Yadav is the present secretary of the Managing Council of the college.

The college is having a very good class building and hostel building. It is one of the best Women’s Colleges in Madurai. Smt. Vasantha (Yadav) is the present Principal of the college.

YADAVA AWAKENING CONFERENCE – MADRAS TO BE NOTED IN GOLD LETTERS …..

A special mention has to be made about the Yadava Awakening Conference conducted at Madras on 25.09.1994. It was an epoch making conference of Yadavas of Tamilnadu. Two days function was held at Congress grounds, Teynampet, Chennai. Shri K. Chenthamarai former IG of Police presided. It was attended by Shri Ram Lakhan Sing Yadav, Hon. Union Minster, Shri Balaram Singh Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Shri A. Krishnappa, Hon. Minister from Karnataka now, Shri  ….Minster Himachal Praddesh and other leading dignitaries in the evening on 25.09.1994 a very big rally started from the congress grounds and ended in Marina Beach where open session was held. The rally took six hours to cross a point. More than 7 lacs Yadavas attended the open session held at Marina Beach.

No caste organization conducted its open session at Marina Beach. Only Yadavas held their caste conference at Marina Beach. It was a historical occurrence. It has to be noted in Gold Letters.

The Hisdustan Times reported in its daily on 27.09.1994 as follows with the head line:

North conquered – Yadavas eye the South. It gave 5 columns news about the conference. Finally it was written in that newspaper “The chief guests Sammelan at Madras, on Sunday were two northerners Union minister Ram Lakhan Singh Yadav and Balram Singh Yadav. Pan Indianison is so strong now that when Ram Lakhan Singh suggested at the public meeting that to achieve Yadavas Unity, Tamil Yadavas should learn Hindi. Nobody was outraged”.

Is it not the real testimony that the Yadavas are the real custodians of national integration?

The Yadava awakening conference was the brainchild of Shri M. Gopalakrishnan. Till then the government of Tamiladu had not declared Janmastami day as government holiday. After the conference the government declared Janmastami day as a government holiday for the year 1995.

YADAVA POLITICAL CONFERENCE MADURAI - 1971.

In the year 1971 the DMK which was controlling the Tamilnadu politics with full strength neglected Yadavas by not giving proper representation to the participation of Yadavas in Assembly and Parliament.

Year	Total No.	Name	Legislative Assembly
1937	1	Shri L.S. Karayalar	Kovilpatty
1946	1	Shri L.S. Karayalar	Kovilpatty
1952	1	Shri K. Ramasamy Das	Kovilpatty
1957	1	Shri K.Sathanantha Karayalar	Tenkasi
1962	1 2	Shri Rama Arangannal Shri T. P. Alagamuthu	Mylapore Perambalur
1967	1 2 3 4 5	Shri Rama Arangannal Shri T. P. Alagamuthu Shri C. Govindarajan Shri M.R. Kannan Shri M. Bupathy	Mylapore Uppliapuram Madurai Central BasinBridge Coimbatore
1971	1 2 3 4 5 6	Shri Rama Arangannal Shri T. P. Alagamuthu Shri K. R. Krishnan Shri M.R. Kannan Shri N. Manickam Shri Padmanabhan	Egmore Uppliapuram Uthankaria Basin Bridge Pennagaram Tirunelvelli
1977	1 2 3	Shri S.Balakrishnan Shri N. Lakshminarayanan Shri S. Muthusamy Karayalar	Mudukulathur Madurai Central Tenkasi
1980	1 2	Shri K.Sathanantha Karayalar Shri S. Anguchamy	Tenkasi Thiruvadanour
1985	1 2 3 4 5	Shri A. Deivanayagam Shri T. Perumal Shri K. Solairaj Shri Ella Rajamanickam Shri Rajarathinam Mani	Madurai Central Kadayanallur Marungapuri Tambaram, Madras Villupuram
1989	1 2 3 4	Shri Dr. M. Tamilgudimagan Shri M. A. Vaithialingam Shri S. Paulraj Shri AChiyur Mani	Ilayangudi Tambaram, Madras Madurai,Central Nanguneri
1991	1 2 3 4 5 6	Shri S. Kannappan Smt. S. Mallika Shri A. Deivanayagam Shri S. Balakrishnan Shri S. Kannan Shri  S. Alagiri	Thirupathur Bhuvanagiri Madurai Central Mudukulathur Thiruvannamalai Chidambaram

Yadavas were to contest the elections. Without a short notice (5 days notice) the Yadava Political Conference was arranged on 31.01.1971 which was attended by least people. No pandal was erected. Only on the ground all sat and heard the deliberation. The conference was organized by Tamilnadu Yadava Association under the stewardship of Shri E.Rengasamy and Shri D. Nagendhiran. When the conference was in session the Hon. Chief Minister Dr. Kalianjar M. Karunanidhi who was at Madurai saw with his own eyes the enthusiasm of Yadava Youth and send word to the conference to send delegates to meet him and accordingly Shri K. Sreenivasan Karayalar, Shri E. Rengasamy met the Hon. Chief Minister at circuit house on the same day. This yielded good result of getting additional seats for Yadavas to contest in the General Election in 1971.

In the year 1989 the Tamilnadu Yadava Maha Saba took a decision to boycott the General Election because the government has not acceded to any of its demands and no party also fielded any Yadavas for the Lok sabha poll. Because of this agitation DMK nominated a Yadava to contest from Pudukottai parliamentary seat but he could not succeed. Shri S. Lakshmana Yadav, Shri G. Varadan, Shri D. Nagendhiran under the leadership of Shri Shyamlal Yadav of All India Yadava Maha Saba met Shri Rajiv Gandhi and represented for more seats from the congress party. This yielded good result. In the 1991 Assembly election 4 Yadavas were contested on congress ticket. Previously only 2 seats were given.

Year	Seats	Name	Assembly
1996	1 2 3 4 5 6	Shri Dr. M. Tamilkudimagan Shri S. Balakrishnan Shri M.A. Vaithialingam Shri A. Deivanayagam Shri S. Alagiri Shri Sethunathan	Ilayankudy Mudukalathur Tambaram – Madras Madurai – Central Chidambaram Tindivanam
2001	1 2 3	Shri S. Balakrishnan Shri M.A. Vaithialingam Shri Rubin alias Krishnakumar	Kadalady Tambaram – Madras Coimbtore
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
1954		Shri M.S. Karayalar
1969 - 71		Shri S. Raghavanandam
1977-85		Shri S. Raghavanandam
LOK SABHA
1971		Shri K. Veeraiah	Pudukottai

MINISTRIAL BERTH

1. Shri L. S. Karayalar in the year 1946 served as Parliament Secretary to the Hon. Minster of Education.
2. Shri S. Ragahvanandam served as Ministtry of Labour in MGR Ministry in year 1977.
3. Shri D. M. Tamilkiduimagan served as Hon. Speaker of the Tamilnadu Legislative Assembly during 1989 – 1991.
4. Shri S. Kannappan seved as Hon. Minister for PWD, Highways and Electricity in Selvi Jayalalithaa Minstry during 1991 – 1996 who is presently Founder President Makkal Tamil Desam Party.
5. Shri. Dr. M. Tamilkudimagan is now serving in Dr. Kalianjar Karunanidhi Ministry as Hon. Minister for HR & CE and Tamil Development for the year 1996.
6. Shri S. Balakrishnan is the leader of opposition for 1996 to 2001. Presently TBCC President.

CIVIC BODIS:

Madras Mayor       - Shri M. Radhakrishna Pillai

Deputy Mayor        - Shri C. V. Thiruvenkatachalam Pillai

Madurai Mayor      - Shri P. Kolandaichamy (1998)

Deputy Mayor        - Shri S. Navaneethakumar

Vice Chairman        - Parameswaran Pillai

Vice Chairman        - Shri Pichaimuthu

District Development Council Chairman – Smt. Chandra (Sivaganga)

District Coop Central Bank Chairman – Shri A.R. Chandrasamy (1999 – 2001)

POSITION OF YADAVAS IN POLITICAL BODIES

At present Shri S. Alagir is one of the General Secretaries of Tamil Maanila Congress and Shri. Balakrishnan is a Senior Member of the Political Affairs Committee.

Shri V. Bhoominathan is one of the GeneralSecretary of the Tamilnadu Congress Committee.

Shri R. Damodaran is the President of Backward Class Cell of Tamilnadu Congress Committee.

Shri K. Marudupandian is the State Presidnet of Samajvadi Party.

MONTHLYJOURNALS & PERIODICALS

	YEAR	PLACE OF PUBLICATIN	NAME
1.	1929	Madurai	Yadava Mitram
2	1938	Madras	Young Yadava
3	1946	Pondicherry	Ayareru
4	1950	Madurai	Ayar Mandram
5	1965	Madras	Yadukulam
6	1965	Tirunelvelli	Gokula Mitran
7	1970	Madurai	Yadava Mitran
8	1980	Madras	Namadu Yadavam

The only journal now under publication is “Namadu Yadavam”. It was first edited and published by Prof. V. Kalaimani upto 1998. Now the Tamilnadu Yadava Maha Saba is publishing “Namadu Yadavam” as its official organ. The English versin of Namadu Yadavam is edited by Shri C. J. Ananthakrishnan.

YADAVAS IN CIVIL SERVICES

1. Shri K. Senthamarai – IPS (Retired)

The first Yadava who was conferred IPS and also served as IG of Tamilnadu Polic, now retired. He is solely responsible for the awakening of Yadavas of southern distrists. He is a demi god to them. He is now the President of Yadava Cultural Academy, Madras.

2.   Shri A. Venkataraman IAS (Retired)

The first Yadava who was conferred IAS. Served as Vice Chancellor of Tamilnadu Agricultural University. After retirement he had assigned work in World Bank and now settled at Madras. Presently serving as member of State Planning Commision and also Member of Southern Districts Economical Development Commission.

3.   Dr. Shri Rajammal P. Devadoss

      Now serving as Chancellor, Avinashilingam Home Sceince Deemed University - Coimbtore. Well known throughout the world for her contribution to Home Science (Since Expired).

4.   Dr. Shri A Ramasamy

      Presently Vice Chancellor, Dr. Alagappa University, Karaikudi.

5.   Shri M.V. Muthuramalingam IRS

      The first Yadava who got selected for the civil services. Now serving as Member, Central Board of Direct Taxes, New Delhi (since expired)

6.   Shri N. Vasudevan, IAS

      Presently serving as Managing Director - TWAD Board.

7. Shri K. Nandabalan, IPS , Chennai (Conferred)
8. Shri K. Vanniaperumal IPS (Nagarcoil – Firt Yadava directly recruited for IPS)
9. Shri .A.M.S. Gunaseelan, IPS –Chennai (Conferred)
10. Shri R. Avudayappan, IPS – Chennai (Conferred)
11. Shri Dorairaj, IPS – Chennai (Conferred)
12. Balasubramaniam, IPS – Chennai (Conferred)
13. Ramasamy, IPS – Chennai (Conferred)
14. K. Vimalanathan, IRS – Chennai Customs (Directly Recruited)
15. Shri C. Chenthil Pandian, IAS Under Training (Member TNPSC)
16. Prof. G. Ranganathan is now serving as Member, TNPSC for the year 1997.

NORTH INDIAN YADAVAS SERVING IN TAMILNADU

1. Shri Rakesh Yadav – IAS
2. Shri Pradeep Yadav – IAS
3. Shri Dharmender Yadav – IAS
4. Shri Shylesh Kumar Yadav – IPS

SRI KRISHNA YADAV SEVA SANGAM – COIMBATORE

Coimbarore is an industrial city. Native Yadavas are also there. But the Yadavas of neighbouring districts have settled in Coimbatore in good numbers. They are having a separate organisatin called “Sri Krishna Yadava Seva Sangam” a registered body. It was registered in 1994. Shri Alagu Jayabalan, Proprietor of Alagu Pharmacy is the founder. Shri R. Kaderesan is the present president. They have already setup “Yadava Township” in Coimbatore with 100 plots and it is a great achievement. Shri Singa Iyalarasu is the editor in chief for the news bulletin “Yadava Murasu” releasing by this sangam.

SERVING IN DEFECNE FORCES 

“Perumalthevanpatty – Little Hariyana of Tamilnadu”

A special mention has to be made about a Tamilnadu village – Perumalthevanpaty of Virudhunagar district. This village is commonly referred as “Little Hariyana”. The village is inhibited by Yadavas where one in every yadava family is serving in Defence Forces.