As we celebrate 77 years of India's independence, it is imperative to acknowledge the valor and sacrifice of those who paved the way for our freedom. Amidst the grand narratives of our nation's struggle for liberation, there exist unsung heroes whose stories have been systematically erased from our collective memory. This book seeks to illuminate one such extraordinary figure: Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty.
In the annals of history, Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty emerges as a towering figure, a beacon of courage and resilience in the face of colonial oppression. Born into a family of wealth and influence, his journey transcended the confines of privilege as he dedicated his life to the cause of freedom and justice.
At the helm of the Madras Native Association and the Madras Crescent Newspaper, Chetty wielded the power of the press as a tool for liberation. His fearless journalism challenged the hegemony of the British Empire, exposing the injustices inflicted upon the native populace and galvanizing resistance against colonial rule.
Chetty's activism extended far beyond the printed word. As a philanthropist and educationist, he championed the rights of the marginalized, advocating for equality and social justice. His efforts culminated in the establishment of the Madras Native Association, a pioneering organization that voiced the grievances of the common man against British colonial rule.
It is significant to mention that he was the first Indian in the Madras Presidency to establish, own, and run a printing press aptly named "HINDU" and an English newspaper called "The Madras Crescent," named after the Crescent Moon of God Shiva. The Madras Native Association, founded in 1852, was a pioneering organization that agitated, represented, and fought for the native voice, transforming into a global organization that successfully pressured the British Parliament to enact various reforms.
The pages of this book are not merely a retelling of history but a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Through meticulous research and exhaustive documentation, we uncover the hidden truths of Chetty's life and legacy, reclaiming his rightful place among the pantheon of freedom fighters.
The voluminous appendix accompanying this book testifies to the rigor and depth of our research. From handwritten extracts to government memoranda, each document offers a glimpse into the tumultuous political landscape of colonial India and the pivotal role played by Chetty and the Madras Native Association.
Our research includes memorials in the form of petitions and memoranda presented by the chairman and president of the Madras Native Association, notably the one presented to the Governor of Madras following the massive historical agitation at Pachaiyappa Charities led by Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty. Noteworthy support for the native inhabitants of Madras, led by Chetty, came from Lord Sir Henry Chamiers, then chief secretary of the Madras Governor in council, and British Parliamentary Debates.
Additionally, detailed information was systematically gathered from the Connemara Library, especially from the Madras Almanac and the Government Gazette Fort St. George. These sources pertain to the Madras Chambers of Commerce, Madras Crescent, and the white imperialistic Christian missionary activities against native indigenous Indians, including a failed attempt to compulsorily superimpose the Bible as mandatory curriculum in both government and aided educational institutions.
For the first time in history since independence, the resolutions, minutes, recommendations, memoranda, and proceedings of public meetings submitted to the British Imperial Parliament, along with debates of the House of Commons of the British Parliament and the ensuing vote on intervention by company officials in religious matters, are published for the general public's perusal. This includes the establishment of the Royal Enquiry Commission on alleged offences of torture in the Madras Presidency by the House of Commons and the ensuing recommendations after thorough Investigation and examination of witnesses of the alleged crimes of torture by company officials in the Madras Presidency.
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