Page 62 - NIS English 1-15 Oct, 2026

PERSONALITY | Tiruppur Kumaran

A MARTYR

WHO UPHELD THE DIGNITY OF

THE NATIONAL FLAG

A freedom fighter who did not let the national flag fall and paid
the price with his life during a protest against the British, holding
the flag firmly. This courageous freedom fighter was 27-year-
old Tiruppur Kumaran. At the time, the British government had
banned the Indian flag. His act of selfless sacrifice for the moth-
erland was a formidable call to awaken a sense of unity, respect,
and courage among fellow countrymen. Even today, Tiruppur
Kumaran’s courage continues to inspire citizens.

Birth: October 4, 1904 Death: January 11, 1932

reedom fighter and revolutionary Tiruppur us that freedom was won through unparalleled
Kumaran was born on October 4, 1904, in courage and steadfast love for the motherland.
FChennimalai, located in the Erode district of His heroic memory inspires every generation to
present-day Tamil Nadu. As the freedom move- safeguard the national flag, honour the hard-won
ment gained momentum across the country, freedom, and serve the nation with complete dedi-
Kumaran was deeply influenced by it. Inspired by cation and a spirit of sacrifice.
the principles and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, he Upon arriving in Coimbatore during his first
began participating in independence movements. visit to Tamil Nadu after assuming office, Vice
In 1932, when Gandhiji led a protest in Bombay, President C.P. Radhakrishnan paid floral tributes
the British authorities decided to arrest him. His at the statue of Tiruppur Kumaran. Meanwhile, on
arrest sparked strong protests across the nation. October 4, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The protestors carried the national flag, which was remembered Tiruppur Kumaran—a great figure
banned at the time, using it as a symbol of both of India’s freedom struggle—on his memorial day
reverence and defiance. Tiruppur Kumaran was and paid heartfelt tributes. He stated that on this
among the protesters carrying the flag. When the day, we remember and bow to Tiruppur Kumaran,
British police resorted to a lathi-charge against the a great son of Maa Bharati. Hailing from the great
demonstrators, Kumaran did not retreat. The police state of Tamil Nadu, he dedicated his life to India’s
brutally beat the protesters, including Kumaran. independence and to awakening the spirit of na-
Although he fell to the ground, he ensured the flag tionalism. Tiruppur Kumaran was martyred while
did not touch the ground. On January 11, 1932, he holding the national flag high, showcasing indom-
passed away due to severe injuries. itable courage and selfless sacrifice. His sacrifice
The legacy of Tiruppur Kumaran—known as is etched in our collective memory, reminding us
‘Kodi Katha Kumaran’ (Kumaran who protected the of the struggles and hardships endured by the
Tricolour)—represents a confluence of unwavering countless individuals who secured our freedom
devotion to Maa Bharati and an unyielding resolve from colonial rule. May his contribution continue
against injustice. His unflinching spirit, holding the to inspire us all to work towards the nation’s devel-
Tricolour firmly even in his final moments, reminds opment and unity. n

60 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || Oct 1-15, 2026