The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M K Stalin, has made a noteworthy declaration, revealing plans to present an Honorary Doctorate to the esteemed communist leader N. Sankaraiah. This esteemed recognition comes as a tribute to Sankaraiah’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the poor and disadvantaged sections of society.
Numerous requests had poured in from various quarters, urging the Tamil Nadu government to confer this honorary doctorate upon the freedom fighter and revered communist leader, N. Sankaraiah. Having dedicated his life to championing the cause of the impoverished, Sankaraiah is regarded as a prominent martyr of India’s freedom struggle.
Born on July 15, 1921, Sankaraiah recently celebrated his 102nd birthday on July 15, 2023, marking him as the last surviving freedom fighter in India. His political journey began at the tender age of nine when he attended a rally condemning the execution of Bhagat Singh, sparking his initial engagement in political activities.
Sankaraiah pursued his studies in history at the American College in Madurai, where he played a pivotal role as the secretary of the Madurai Student Organization. It was during this time that he extended an invitation to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose to deliver a lecture, an act that led to his arrest just 15 days before his undergraduate exams in 1941.
After spending 18 months in jail, Sankaraiah was released in June 1942 and subsequently became a dedicated full-time worker for the communist party. In recognition of his invaluable contributions, the Tamil Nadu Government previously honored N. Sankaraiah with the prestigious “Thagaisal Thamizhar” award in 2021.
An honorary doctorate is a highly esteemed accolade in higher education, recognizing exceptional achievements of individuals who have not attended the awarding university. To be eligible for such an honor, recipients must possess a stellar reputation in their respective field, not hold any conflicts of interest with the university, and accept the degree without any financial compensation. This forthcoming honorary doctorate for N. Sankaraiah reflects the profound impact he has made on society and his unwavering commitment to serving the nation.