P. Kakkan

P. Kakkan Biography

P. Kakkan was a Dalit leader, social activist, freedom fighter and politician who lived in Tamil Nadu in the 20^th century. He has served many decorative posts of state politics including cabinet minister of state government, a member of the Constituent Assembly of India, MP, President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee etc. As a minister he is best remembered for his contributions in the construction of the Mettur and Vaigai reservoirs.

As a dalit leader, he stood for the uplift of the weaker sections of the society and formed Harijan Seva Sangh for the welfare of Harijans. He was one among the 6 dalits who entered Meenakshi temple at Madurai along with Vaidyanatha Iyer, a time when law didn’t allow dalits to enter temples. Later Temple Entry Authorization and Indemnity Act was passed by the government of C. Rajagopalachari in 1939.

Kakkan was very religious as he was born to a priest. He was also a great follower of Mahatma Gandhi and was associated with Indian freedom struggle movement. Apart from temple entry at Madurai, he is also known for his participation in the Quit India Movement and was sent to Alipore jail. Entering state politics, he got elected to Constituent Assembly for the period 1946 to 1950, a member of the Lok Sabha from 1952 to 1957 and later served as cabinet minister in state politics and was given the portfolios -  Public Works, Harijan Welfare, Agriculture, Home Ministry etc.

His wife Swarnam Parvathi Kakkan worked as a school teacher in Madurai. She supported Kakkan for his principles. The couple had five sons and one daughter, who later became prominent figures in Tamil Nadu. Their only daughter Kasthuri Sivasamy was involved in state politics. His brother Viswanathan Kakkan was associated with Janata Party and state politics. His granddaughter Meenakshi Vijayakumar is the present Deputy Director of North Western Region in Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services.

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Updated: January 28, 2016