Tribute to Sacchivotama Sir C P Ramaswamy Iyer.
He was a lawyer,Diwan and an educationist. His life events some of them were mired with controversy. The post is about Sacchivothama Sir C P Ramaswamy Iyer known as Sir C P.
Sir C P was born in Vandhavasi in 13 November 1879. He was son of district judge Pattabirama iyer. He studied in wesley high school in Madras. Later studied BA from Presidency college and studied law. He wanted to be a professor but his father asked him to be an advocate.
He began his practice in 1903 where he appeared in many high profile cases like Ashe murder case and Besant Narayanaiah case. He later became good friend of Annie Besant and also a member of congress party till 1919.
In 1920 he became advocate general of Madras. Later he became a part of Governor’s Executive Council where he initiated many projects in Madras Presidency. He was a part of British Indiandelegations to League of nations in 1926 and 1927. He introduced many private bills which later became law.
In 1932 he attended round table conference and 1934 he helped in drafting constitution of Jammu and Kashmir.
In 1931 Chithirai Thirunaal Balarama Varma was barred from becoming Monarch. Sir CP took this issue to Viceroy and Viceroy accepted only if Sir CP becomes advisor.
Later in 1936 Sir CP was appointed Diwan. He made temple entry Proclamation in 1936 along with Maharaja. He rapidly industrialized Travancore by implementing Irrigatons,canals,Hydro electric and established FACT fertilizers and other projects.
He was the first Vice Chancellor of Travancore University. Here it’s said that he invited Albert Einstein for that post. He setup plant for Titanium dioxide production also nationalized public transportation .
His period was mired with controversy like Punnapara-Vayalar uprising and Travancore reluctance to join Union of India made him controversial.
Here on discussion with VP Menon and Mountbatten he got certain concession for his state’s accession. There was an attempt on his life in July 25 1947. He initially resigned in 1946 but continued under instruction of Maharaja. Later resigned in 1947.
He later made tours around world. He became Vice Chancellor of BHU in (1954-56) and Annamalai University (1955-58 &1962-66). He was amongst first of Indians to serve as Chancellor of two university at same time.
He was invited for Inaugural session of Vishwa Hindu Parishad which he attended. He later breathed last in 1966 in liberal club in London.
His son C Pattabiraman became MP of Kumbakonam in 1957 to 1967 was a minister. His house The Grove now a part of his trust which does many philanthropic activity. He was a staunch critic of Nehru’s policies still maintained cordial relation with him. Justice Anna Chandy was appointed as munsif judge later became high court judge during his tenure as Diwan.
-Tribute by Srikaanth Sridhar
Srikaanth Sridhar
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