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Srinivasa Iyengar remembered

A. Srinivasa Iyengar

CHENNAI: The role of Mannargudi A. Srinivasa Iyengar (1907-2003) in finding a lasting solution to the dispute over sharing of the Cauvery river water and agricultural workers’ emancipation came into focus during the celebration of his birth centenary.

Eminent personalities from different walks of life recalled the services of Iyengar, who was known for catholicity and philanthropy. They remembered him for his powerful articulation of the issue of remunerative prices for produces.

A week ago, a function was held at Mannargudi to mark the celebration. Apart from being instrumental in the establishment of schools in Perugavazhnthan, about 25 km from Mannargudi, and in Thiruvanaikaval near Tiruchi, Iyengar managed the Annaswamy Iyengar Veda Patashala, named after his father, for decades. The Patashala will complete 100 years of its existence next year.

Describing Srinivasa Iyengar as a “respectable personality” from the Cauvery delta, A. Mohanakrishnan, Chairman of the State Government’s Cauvery Technical Cell and Adviser (Water Resources) to the Government, said that Iyengar was a humble and amiable person. His views were heard and respected not only in his town but also in other parts of the Cauvery delta, particularly when the farmers discussed water issues concerning the region.

Mr. Mohanakrishnan recalled his conversation with Iyengar on how decisive was the suit filed by his son S. Ranganathan in the capacity of the Cauvery Delta Farmers’ Welfare Association general secretary in convincing the then Chief Justice of India to decide that the Government of India should be directed to constitute the Tribunal. He added that the State Government impleaded itself in the case on the instructions of the then Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran.

Terming Iyengar “an authority” on the subject of Cauvery river, V. Duraimanickam, general secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI)-backed Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, says Iyengar was a great humanist who played a remarkable role in putting an end to the practice of “mirasdhars” (landlords) giving harsh punishment to farm workers in the composite Thanjavur district. At the tripartite meeting in 1942 which was attended by representatives of the Government, ‘mirasdhars’ and workers, it was Iyengar who convinced other ‘mirasdhars’ about the need for abolishing the practice and brought about a settlement.

Pointing out that Iyengar was a strong supporter of the cooperative movement, A. Ambalavanan, chairman of the Nagapattinam District Marketing Committee and who had held the post of chairman of the committee for the undivided Thanjavur district, recalls that in the late 1960s and 70s when he and Iyengar were members of the panel, the latter forcefully advocated fair prices for agricultural products.

Mr. Ranganathan says his father along with V.S. Thiyagaraja Mudaliar formed the Tiruvarur Marketing Federation. “Perhaps, he was the only person to represent the Cauvery delta ‘mirasdhars’ when the Mettur dam was commissioned in 1934. He had a great respect for the acumen of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who recognised the importance of removing silt from channels of the Cauvery delta. So, when the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Government took up the massive work during 1996-2001, he appreciated the move,” Mr. Ranganathan recollects.

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