Arige Ramaswamy, a noted social activist, politician and social reformer.

Arige Ramaswamy
Born1885
Died1973
Occupation(s)Political Leader
Social Reformer
SpouseRajamma (m.1921) Lalitabai (m.1929)

Early life edit

Born on 1895 in a Mala family to Arige Balayya at Ramankole, Hyderabad State (now Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh). He also worked as ticket collector in Nizam's railways.[1]

He was follower of Achala Siddhanta and also the Brahmo Samaj. He founded Sunitha Bala Samajam and carried out social reform among the Dalits.

Movement edit

He worked along with Bhagya Reddy Varma, S. Venkat Rao and other activists, who organized the Dalits in the early 20th century.[2] Recognising the socio-economic backwardness of Madigas, he formed the Arundhatiya Association for their welfare.

Ramaswamy married a Madiga boy with a Mala girl, which was opposed by Bhagya Reddy Varma and the community members.[3] In 1922, he established Adi Hindu Jathoyonnathi Sabha.

Politics edit

Later, he joined INC and became Joint Secretary in Telangana Congress and been Minister in state govt. He was also associated with "Grandhalaya (library)" movement.[4]

He died on 23 January 1973 at Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.

References edit

  1. ^ Kshīrasāgara, Rāmacandra (1994). Dalit Movement in India and Its Leaders, 1857-1956. M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd. ISBN 978-81-85880-43-3.
  2. ^ Sachdeva, Vivek; Pradhan, Queeny; Venugopalan, Anu (9 April 2019). Identities in South Asia: Conflicts and Assertions. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-0-429-62779-8.
  3. ^ Teltumbde, Anand (31 January 2020). Hindutva and Dalits: Perspectives for Understanding Communal Praxis. SAGE Publishing India. ISBN 978-93-81345-51-1.
  4. ^ India, The Hans (16 December 2017). "Highly Decorated Personalities". www.thehansindia.com. Retrieved 2 June 2020.