Mr L. Elaya Perumal, former Member of Parliament, was born on June 26, 1924 at Kattumannar Kovil near Chidambaram. While studying, on several occasions, he strongly protested against violent attacks and discriminations on Scheduled Caste people.
The great leader was drawn into the freedom struggle in the 1940s and he joined the Congress party. He was greatly respected by Jawaharlal Nehru. Elaya Perumal was elected to the Lok Sabha thrice.
In April 1965, Elaya Perumal was appointed as the Chairman of the Committee constituted to study the Atrocities, Harassments, Disciminations and Brutal Untouchability practices against SCs all over the nation.
His report was noted for its insightful account of the problems and issues concerning the community. He was the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President between September 1979 and March 1980.
Elayaperumal was elected from the Egmore Assembly constituency in the 1980 elections. In recognition of his services to the Dalit cause, he received the State Government's Ambedkar award in December 1998. On September 08, 2005 (Saturday), he passed away at a hospital in Chidambaram.
He is considered as a Role Model for national level activism in Empowering Scheduled Communities and consistent fight against untouchability in India.
Senior Leaders in Indian National Congress still admire him as an example of simplicity, purity and integrity in public life! Centre for Media & Public Affairs (CMPA) celebrates today the Birth Day of the Great National Personality who made limitless contributions to the welfare of downtrodden sections of the society.