Unsung Heroes Detail

Sardar P.M. Audikesavalu Naicker was born on September 9, 1898, at Korukkupattai at Madras. When he was young, his family migrated from Pondicherry to Madras. His grandfather Krishnaswamy Naicker was a leading shell lime merchant in Korukupet. Audikesavalu Naicker had his elementary education in a local school at Korukupet. He was a good orator in English and Tamil. Audikesavalu Naicker's interest in the labor movement sprang from the care that he bestowed upon the laborers working in his father’s shop. He was an active member of Sardar Vandemataram Pillai’s Troop. Arundale, B.P. Wadia, and others were his close associates who strengthened the Vandemataram organization; Audikesavelu Naicker followed in his father's footsteps and participated in the freedom movement. When he was young, he cultivated the habit of attending public meetings organized by the Indian National Congress. Some of the speeches of stalwarts of the congress party had increased his inherent interest in the national movement. His father was an active member of the ‘Vande Mataram Troop’. They used to hold the meetings of the Vandemataram troop in his house. Audikesavalu Naicker along with his brothers used to assist his father in organizing such meetings. Many great leaders participated and their speeches kindled a nationalistic fervor in young Audikesavalu. In 1908, the annual session of the Indian National Congress was held at Madras. Satyamurthy was naturally drawn toward this great event. He enrolled himself under the captaincy of Srinivasa Sastri. Audikesavalu Naicker also attended this congress session as one of the young volunteers. In 1909, Audikesavalu Naicker began taking part in the freedom movement. He also participated in the Non-cooperation movement, drawn to the movement organized by Mahatma Gandhi. In 1921, Gandhiji made a memorable visit to Madras when S. Srinivasa Iyengar was the President of the Madras District. Congress committee. He addressed a public meeting at Marina beach. Audikesavalu Naicker had the unique honor of making the welcome speech. Audikesavalu Naicker was responsible for the spread of the Congress movement in the city of Madras and throughout the present Chinglepet District. The year 1930 was marked by disturbances in Madras on account of the activities of satyagrahis. Audikesavalu Naicker joined the Civil disobedience movement under the leadership of Satyamurthy and actively participated in the Salt satyagraha. He passed away on 9 September 1964.