Kulapathi A. P. C. Veerabahu
(1915-1982)
Kulapathi A P C Veerabahu
His life was gentle and the elements
And mixed in him that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, ‘This was a man!’
Shakespeare, Julius Caesar Act V, Scene V
KulapathiA.P.C.Veerabahu had an undiminishing vision of making the labourers and ordinary human beings self-reliant and self-sufficient. Prompted by his vision, he established many co-operative societies in and around Tuticorin. The first co-operative society was established by him in the year 1964. This society was instrumental in supplying the major demands of civil supplies for Tamil Nadu when the government was facing the severecivil supply crisis. The efficient running of that co-operative society stands as a testimony to his administrative skill.
This co-operative society paved way for the establishment of many other societies like Harijan Brick Producers Co-operative Society, Harvey Co-operative Society and Tamil Nadu Co-operative Union Society etc. In addition to these societies, Kulapthi established TuticorinChidambara Nagar Housing Builders Society and became its President in 1949. He was the President of Tirunelveli Central Co-operative Society for a long period from 1948 to 1971. He was also the founder President of Tuticorin Co-operative Industrial Estate at Korampallam, Tuticorin in the year 1963.
A Gandhian by thought, Thiru A.P.C. Veerabahu had understood the fact that the independent of the nation alone will not raise the standard of the people. Having seen the condition of the socially and economically deprived section even after independence, Kulapathireaised that education alone would liberate them in the real sense. So in the year 1951, he founded V.O.Chidambaram College despite all financial hurdles. Starting from its inception till now, the college remains a temple of learning for all the deprived sections of people in the Southern Tamil Nadu.
The successful establishment of V.O.Chidambaram College led to the founding of V.O.Chidambaram College of Education in 1955 and A.P.C.Mahalaxmi College for Women in the year 1973,
Kulapathi was known for his active participation in the Indian freedom struggle. Though an active member of Indian National Congress, he never aspired for leadership. However his untiring service to the society made him the Member of Legislative Assembly of Srivaikundam Constituency during the period from 1957 to 1967. He became the member of All Nadu Congress Committee in the year 1967 and the president of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee for three years from 1971 to 1973.
Apart from being an educationist and a political leader, Kulapathi had proved his mettle in various other fields. He was the member of Tamil Nadu Planning Commission in 1958 and the Chairman of the South Indian Bank, Tirunelveli between 1965 and 1974.
Kulapathi was also the Vice President of Dhakshina Bharat Hindi PracharSabha,Chennai in 1981 and the Predident of Dhakshina Bharat Hindi PracharSabha, Tamil Nadu at Tiruchirapalli from 1981 to 1982.
Kulapathi was also well known for his oratorical skills. His inaugural address at the annual meeting of TuticorinSaivaSiddanthaSabha in 1976 was admired by all. He created SaivaSiddanthaEndowement in Madurai Kamaraj University in 1977.
Kulapathi was a multi-faceted personality whose expertise in business was well known. Having hailed from a traditional family which was known for its seafaring business with Srilanka, Kulapathi carved a niche for himself in business too. Being a business man with ethics, he felt the establishment of the Union for Exporters and Importers was imperative and founded it in 1942. This union was the first of its kind in Tuticorin and continues its successful functioning till now. The successful functioning of the union with the skillfu administration of Kulapathi prompted the businessmen of Tuticorin to elect him the President of Indian Chamber of Commerce in the year 1948-50, 57-69. Kulapathi continued his tenure as the President of Indian Chamber of Commerce for 15 long years.
Though Kulapathi attained heavenly abode on August 13th 1982, his vision and mission continues to liberate millions of youth by offering quality education for which the institution was founded.
The ideals of the Founder Secretary which are being fervently followed by the College under the guidance of the present Secretary, Thiru. A.P.C.V. Chockalingam is reminiscent of the words of Mahatma Gandhi who was certain about the continuance of legacy of non-violence by Jawaharlal Nehru
When I am gone, he will speak my language