Shri M. Singaravelar was a freedom fighter, a lawyer, labour union leader and the first member of the Corporation of Madras.

He was born in a wealthy family, the third son of Venkatachalam Chetty and Valliammai on 18th February 1860. He had his schooling from Hindu High School at Triplicane and graduated from the Presidency College. He then took a degree in law and practiced as a lawyer at the Madras High Court. It was the time when he met the great poet Bharathiar, V. Sakkarai Chettiar, V.O. Chidambaram Pillai as well as some revolutionary Congress leaders. Inspired by the news of the Russian Revolution of 1905 and the working class struggle in Bombay in 1908, he was drawn to the nationalist movement and fought for the betterment of the conditions of the Indian working class. He worked tirelessly for the unity and welfare of the working class.

Singaravelar was instrumental in spreading the communist movement in India. Although he worked as a member of the Congress Party, after 1921 he dedicated himself to the establishment of the communist movement. Along with Vi. Kalyanasundaranar, a veteran trade unionist and congressman, he actively associated in the formation of Madras Labour Union.

He took active part in so many strikes. He sowed the seed for the celebration of May Day, which is celebrated in India since 1923. It was on that day when he announced the formation of the Labour Kisan Party. He served the people by getting their support and becoming a member of the Corporation. He led several agitations for the welfare of the workers.

He started many schemes to provide medical help to the people. He was also the man who paved the way for the mid­-day meal scheme.

He responded to Gandhiji 's call for non-cooperation and gave up his practice as a lawyer and entered wholeheartedly into the freedom movement. He participated in the movement to boycott the Simon Commission. He was successful in organizing demonstrations in several parts of Chennai against the Rowlett Act. Singaravelar's association with Periyar played a very important role in the Self Respect Movement. He authored numerous articles against superstitions, caste based and social discrimination while supporting liberation of women. This paved a new path and opened a wider horizon to the followers of Self Respect Movement.

As a prolific writer, he published several books on various topics. He started a fortnightly Labour Kisan Gazette and, 'Thozhilalan', a Tamil Weekly.

Singaravelar visited many countries. Besides English and Tamil, he had good command in Russian, French and German languages. He had a valuable library of about 10,000 books, which he donated to the Communist Party of India.

He passed away on 11th February 1946.

The Department of Posts is pleased to issue a commemorative postage stamp on M. Singaravelar, a freedom fighter and a forerunner of the trade union movement.

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