P. Chockalingam
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P. Chockalingam | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Madras State Assembly | |
| In office 1952–1957 | |
| Preceded by | Lakshmi Sankara Iyer |
| Constituency | Ambasamudram |
| Freedom Fighter | |
| Communist | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 05-10-1894 |
| Died | September 1959 |
| Citizenship | India |
| Party | Independent politician |
| Spouse | Sornathammal |
| Relations | Brother in Law T.S Chokkalingam Pillai (Journalist, Writer, Freedom Fighter) |
| Children | 4 Sons and 2 Daughters |
| Parent | Periyanayagam Pillai |
| Occupation | Freedom Fighter, Communist |
P. Chockalingam (5 October 1894 – September 1959) was an Indian freedom fighter, socialist leader, and political activist from Tamil Nadu. A prominent figure in the Indian independence movement and later in labour and farmers' struggles in the Tirunelveli region. Known for his fiery oratory, deep compassion for the oppressed, and progressive ideals, Chokkalingam Pillai played a vital role in shaping left-leaning mass movements in South Tamil Nadu.He was elected to the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly as an Independent candidate from Ambasamudram constituency in 1952 election.[1]
P. Chockalingam was born on 5 October 1894 in Pappankulam, a village in Ambasamudram Taluk, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. His father, Periya Nayagam Pillai, was a landlord. He married Sornathammal, sister of the renowned journalist, writer, and freedom fighter T. S. Chockalingam Pillai. Another of his brothers-in-law was Chidambaram Pillai, who was imprisoned for one year for his involvement in the Ashe murder case. His brother P. Muthaiah Pillai was elected as a Member of Parliament in the 1962 Lok Sabha elections.[2]
Role in the Freedom Struggle
Influenced by V. O. Chidambaram Pillai (VOC) and close to Subramania Bharati (Bharathiyar),[2] Chockalingam became an early participant in the Indian freedom struggle. During the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922, he led protests and was arrested, spending a year in Cuddalore Jail.[3]
He gained popularity for his moving speeches about British atrocities, especially the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which brought many into the national movement. He had a natural gift for oratory, and his public speeches were often emotional and persuasive.
A staunch supporter of the poor and working class, he aligned with the leftist faction of the Indian National Congress, promoting socialist ideas within the party.[2]