Dr. TVN Nair
Dr T V N Nair was an eminent leader of the freedom movement in Indian history as well as a distinguished personality in the social, cultural and political arena of Tellicherry. He paved the way for the freedom movement in North Malabar and Old Kottayam Taluk, with specific focus on Tellicherry. Hailing from the renowned "Thallessary Veedu" family, he has seven daughters and three sons. In the Military After completing his high school education in 1914, he obtained his L M P degree from Madras Medical College under the Military Scheme in 1918. Thereafter he joined the Military Service. During the First World War he served in the British Army. However he left the British Army, inspired by the charisma and ideology of Gandhiji to oust the British rule in India, and thereafter joined the independence movement, in 1922. Soon thereafter, Dr T V Nair began his medical practice in 1923 near the Tellicherry Police Station. The other doctor in the area was Dr Vaidyanatha Iyer.
In 1962 he moved his practice to a clinic on Logan's Road. His generosity towards his patients was legendary. In fact he used to cycle to patients' homes to treat them. His poorer patients seldom left without free medicines or money for food when they came for treatment. When the spirit of the Indian freedom movement was being ignited by Mahatma Gandhi, Dr T V N Nair started spreading the fire of patriotism in Tellicherry and surrounding areas. Dr T V N Nair contributed large sums of money to the Congress movement in Tellicherry and served as the President of the Town Congress as well as that of Kottayam Taluk. He was arrested for participating with intense fervor in the 1932 non-violence movement. In 1973 he was awarded the 'Thamara Patra' and a pension for his exemplary services to the freedom movement. The sad news of his demise on the 21st of July at the age of 88 had been reported in all the newspapers.
Working for the downtrodden (Harijans)
In an era when Harijans were hated and shunned by the general public, Dr Nair was one of the few towering personalities who worked tirelessly and argued vociferously for alleviating the deprived Harijan community. During the days when Harijans were not permitted to enter the Sri Rama Swamy Temple in Tellicherry, Dr Nair used to stand alongside the Harijans outside the temple premises and pray. Much later when this taboo was removed and Harijans joined the general public inside the temple, Dr Nair joined them inside to worship. His love and compassion for this community was clearly evident in one of his letters wherein he stated that he wished to be cremated at the Harijan burial ground. In our country few people remember the rich history and services rendered by the freedom fighters, we pay respectful homage to Dr T V N Nair. But one wonders if anyone remembers that we today are enjoying the fruits of their labour…
Articles collected from Press Releases in the DESHABHIMANI written by Kunhirama Kurup and Mathrubhoomi dated 21 July 1979. Information collated by his Grand Daughter Reshmi Lal. E-mail id: reshmi_l@hotmail.com
