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Rajah Annamalai Chettiar
Context:
143rd Birth Anniversary of Rajah Annamalai Chettiar.
About:
- Rajah Annamalai Chettiar, also known as Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar, was a prominent Indian industrialist, banker, educationist, and philanthropist from Tamil Nadu.
Contributions:
- Founding of Annamalai University: Annamalai Chettiar established Annamalai University in 1929 in Chidambaram.
- This institution has played a vital role in promoting higher education in various fields, including arts, science, and humanities.
- Promotion of Tamil Language and Literature: He was a staunch advocate for the Tamil language and culture.
- Annamalai Chettiar supported various initiatives aimed at promoting Tamil literature and education.
- His efforts helped foster a sense of pride in Tamil heritage during a time when regional languages were often overshadowed by English.
- Establishment of Educational Institutions: Beyond the university, he founded several colleges, including Sri Meenakshi College (1920) and an Oriental Training College.
- These institutions contributed to the educational landscape of Tamil Nadu and emphasised the importance of cultural studies.
- Philanthropy in Arts: Annamalai Chettiar was instrumental in supporting various cultural activities and institutions dedicated to the arts.
- His philanthropic efforts included funding for music schools and cultural festivals that celebrated traditional Indian art forms.
- Legacy in Public Service: He served as a member of the Council of State and held various civic positions, which allowed him to influence policies that benefitted education and culture in the region. His knighthood in 1923 and the title of Diwan Bahadur reflect his contributions to society.
- Commemorations: In recognition of his contributions, the suburb Raja Annamalaipuram in Chennai is named after him, and the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department issued a commemorative stamp honoring his legacy.
