Tirupur, an important city in the state of Tamilnadu, is not only famous for its Cotton products, but also for the supreme sacrifice made by a young man called Shri N. Kumaran AV whom we know as Tirupur Kumaran.

Kumaran was born on 4th October 1904 in a poor weaver's family at Chennimalai, a small town in Erode District in Tamilnadu.

His father Nachimuthu Mudalliar and mother Karuppayarnmal called him Kumaraswamy. He got his primary education upto fifth standard in his village schoold and due to poverty could not continue his education further. At the age of ten, he left for Pallipalayam, near Erode, to get himself trained in weaving under the guidance of his uncle. He was industrious enough to master the art of weaving within two years. He was married at the age of 17 with Ramayammal. He migrated to Tirupur to earn his living.

He was deeply influenced by the Gandhian principles of non­ cooperation, which had gained wide popularity at that time.

Kumaran, an admirer ofGandhiji, became an active member of the Desabandhu Youth League through which all the Gandhian programmes were carried out. During the time of Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-31), Shri Kumaran took active part in the Congress programme like picketing at liquor shops and boycott of foreign goods.

When by the orders of Lord Wellington, the Viceroy, Gandhiji was arrested on 04.01.1932 a procession was carried out in Tirupur on 10.01.1932. Shri Kumaran wanted to dedicate himself to this movement despite strong objections from his relatives and friends citing the recent death of his father and his responsibilities towards his mother and wife. He was also well aware of the consequences of this agitation and the intention of the police.

After the arrest of Shri Ahaar and Smt. Padmavathi Ahaar the staunch freedom fighters of Tirupur, Tirupur Kumaran and others continued the agitations with renewed vigour. On 1Oth January 1932, while he was marching ahead holding the Tricolour in his hand, the Police launched a brutal assault on him. Exhibiting exemplary valour, Kumaran held the flag and kept chanting "VANDEMATARAM". Next day, on 11.01.1932, he breathed his last. He is aptly known as "Kodikatha Kumaran", i.e. "Kumaran, the protector of the Flag".

His sacrifice was widely honoured and within a month of his demise Mahatma Gandhi visited Tirupur and met his wife. He said that the nation would ever remember the sacrifice of Tirupur Kumaran.

Reputed leaders of the country such as the former Prime Minister Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, Shri Rajaji, Shri Jay Prakash Narayan visited his house and paid homage.

Martyr Tirupur Kumaran has occupied a place of honour in the history of Freedom Movement in India. His life and his deeds have been an inspiration for all the youth of the Nation.

Department of Posts is proud to release a commemorative stamp on Shri Tirupur Kumaran, the great freedom fighter.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India