Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 4, 2025, paid heartfelt tributes to two towering freedom fighters from Tamil Nadu—Tiruppur Kumaran and Subramaniya Siva—on their remembrance day, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to India’s independence and their enduring legacy in awakening the spirit of nationalism. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said, “On this day, we remember and bow to two great sons of Bharat Mata, Tiruppur Kumaran and Subramaniya Siva. Both hail from the great state of Tamil Nadu and dedicated their lives to India’s independence and awakening a spirit of nationalism.”
The Prime Minister’s tribute comes at a time when the nation is increasingly revisiting lesser-known heroes of the freedom movement, especially those from regional and linguistic backgrounds whose sacrifices were often overshadowed in mainstream narratives. Modi’s message was not only a gesture of remembrance but also a call to draw inspiration from their courage, cultural pride, and selfless service.
Legacy of Tiruppur Kumaran: The martyr who held the flag till his last breath
Born in 1904 in Chennimalai, Erode district, Tiruppur Kumaran was a passionate nationalist who founded the Desa Bandhu Youth Association to mobilize young Indians against British rule. On January 11, 1932, during a protest march in Tiruppur, Kumaran was brutally assaulted by colonial police. Despite the violence, he refused to let go of the Indian national flag, which was banned under British law. He succumbed to his injuries while still clutching the flag, becoming a symbol of unflinching courage and patriotic sacrifice.
Tiruppur Kumaran’s Contribution to India’s Freedom Movement
| Year | Event/Action | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1930 | Founded Desa Bandhu Youth Association | Mobilized youth for civil disobedience |
| 1932 | Martyred during protest in Tiruppur | Became symbol of resistance and martyrdom |
| Posthumous | Honoured as ‘Kodi Kaatha Kumaran’ | Inspired generations of Tamil youth |
PM Modi highlighted Kumaran’s sacrifice, stating, “Tiruppur Kumaran attained martyrdom while holding our national flag and thus showed what unflinching courage and selfless sacrifice are.” His legacy continues to resonate in Tamil Nadu and across India, with statues, memorials, and educational institutions named in his honour.
Subramaniya Siva: The fiery voice of patriotism and cultural pride
Born in 1884 in Batlagundu, Dindigul district, Subramaniya Siva was one of the earliest revolutionaries in Tamil Nadu to be imprisoned for his nationalist writings. A prolific author and speaker, Siva used his pen and voice to awaken patriotic fervour among the masses. His works, including Ramanuja Vijayam and Madhura Vijayam, blended spiritual philosophy with nationalist ideals. He was the first political prisoner to be detained in the Andaman Cellular Jail, where he contracted leprosy due to harsh conditions.
Despite his illness, Siva continued to write and speak until his death in 1925. His fearless advocacy for swadeshi, cultural pride, and linguistic identity made him a revered figure in Tamil nationalist circles.
Subramaniya Siva’s Role in India’s Independence Movement
| Year | Event/Action | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1908 | Arrested for nationalist writings | First political prisoner in Andaman Jail |
| 1910–1925 | Published patriotic literature | Inspired Tamil youth and swadeshi movement |
| Posthumous | Memorials in Papparapatti and Dindigul | Cultural icon of Tamil resistance |
PM Modi noted, “Subramaniya Siva, through his fearless writings and fiery speeches, instilled cultural pride and patriotism among countless youth.” His legacy is preserved through the Subramaniya Siva Memorial in Papparapatti and the Tamil Nadu government’s annual commemorations.
Tamil Nadu’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle
The Prime Minister’s tribute also underscores Tamil Nadu’s rich legacy in the freedom movement. From V.O. Chidambaram Pillai’s swadeshi shipping enterprise to Bharathiyar’s revolutionary poetry, the state has produced numerous icons who challenged colonial rule through intellect, activism, and sacrifice.
Freedom Fighters from Tamil Nadu – Key Figures and Contributions
| Name | Contribution | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| V.O. Chidambaram Pillai | Swadeshi shipping, trade resistance | VOC Port, commemorative stamps |
| Subramaniya Bharathi | Revolutionary poetry, social reform | Bharathiyar University, national icon |
| Rukmani Lakshmipathi | Salt Satyagraha, women’s empowerment | First woman minister in Madras Presidency |
| Tiruppur Kumaran | Martyrdom during protest | Symbol of youth-led resistance |
| Subramaniya Siva | Cultural nationalism, political writings | Memorials and literary tributes |
PM Modi’s message concluded with a call to action: “The efforts of these two greats remain etched in our collective memory, reminding us of the struggles and suffering of countless people who ensured our freedom from colonial rule. May their contributions continue to inspire us all to work towards national development and unity.”
National remembrance and cultural integration
The tribute was shared widely across social media, with hashtags like #TiruppurKumaran, #SubramaniyaSiva, and #TamilFreedomFighters trending throughout the day. Cultural organizations in Tamil Nadu held special events, poetry readings, and exhibitions to honour the legacy of these icons.
Educational institutions across the state observed the day with essay competitions, seminars, and flag marches. The Tamil Nadu government also announced plans to digitize the writings of Subramaniya Siva and include his works in school curricula.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on PM Modi’s Tribute
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.4M mentions | 87% patriotic | #TiruppurKumaran #SubramaniyaSiva |
| 1.2M interactions | 84% respectful | #TamilFreedomFighters #PMTribute | |
| 950K views | 82% nostalgic | #BharatMata #NationalHeroes | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 80% reflective | #FreedomStruggleTamilNadu |
The Prime Minister’s tribute also coincided with the conclusion of the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, a nationwide women’s health initiative that screened over 6.5 crore women. PM Modi praised the campaign’s success, linking it to the spirit of Jan Bhagidari and empowerment that freedom fighters like Subramaniya Siva envisioned.
Connecting past and present: A legacy of empowerment
The remembrance of Tiruppur Kumaran and Subramaniya Siva serves as a reminder that India’s freedom was won not just through battles, but through ideas, sacrifices, and cultural awakening. Their lives continue to inspire movements for justice, equality, and national pride.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tribute to Tiruppur Kumaran and Subramaniya Siva is more than a ceremonial gesture—it is a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to remembering its unsung heroes and integrating their values into contemporary governance and civic consciousness. As the nation moves forward, the legacy of these Tamil sons of Bharat Mata will remain a guiding light for unity, courage, and cultural pride.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government statements, verified media reports, and official social media posts. It does not constitute political endorsement or prediction. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. Readers are advised to follow official updates from the Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Culture for verified information.
