Can you name any one Congress MLA who won in the 1967 assembly elections even though party's stalwarts like Kamaraj and Bhakthavatsalam were defeated?

 Shri Gomathi Sankara Dikshitar: A Noble Son of the Thamirabarani.

Shri Gomathi Sankara Dikshitar was one of the greatest sons born on the banks of the Thamirabarani River. Even in 1967, when stalwarts like Kamaraj faced defeat, Shri Dikshitar stood tall as the Congress MLA for Ambasamudram.

A Life of Simplicity and Sacrifice

Though originally from Kallidaikurichi, Shri Dikshitar eventually settled in Cheranmahadevi. He was a dedicated freedom fighter who lived by Gandhian principles throughout his life. Dressed in simple white Khadi dhoti and shirt, he led an austere life and relied primarily on walking for transportation. After India became a Republic, he served three terms as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of the Madras State:

* 1952: Represented the Ambasamudram constituency as an Independent candidate.

* 1957 – 1967: Joining the Congress Party under the leadership of Shri Kamaraj and later Shri Bhaktavatsalam, he secured thumping victories in three consecutive elections (1957, 1962, and 1967).

It is a testament to his character that during the 1967 elections, even as the "DMK Wave" swept across Tamil Nadu to form the government, the people of Ambasamudram remained steadfast in their faith in Shri Dikshitar.

Politics as a Service

In an era where many view politics as a route for self-interest, Shri Dikshitar remained a shining exception. Neither his children nor his grandchildren sought to profit from his political influence; instead, they lived by his ideals, working hard to build their lives through personal merit.

His son, Shri Mahadevan, served as the warden of the 'Harijan Hostel' in Cheranmahadevi. This institution was originally founded by freedom fighter V.V.S. Iyer and later came under the trusteeship of Gandhiji following Shri Iyer's untimely demise. Today, it continues its service under the management of Ramakrishna Tapovanam as "Bharadwaja Ashramam."

The Voice of the People is the Voice of God

The phrase 'Vox populi vox Dei' was not just a slogan for Shri Dikshitar; it was his way of life. He listened to the grievances of his constituents with genuine care and addressed them with absolute sincerity.

A major milestone of his tenure was the construction of the causeway across the Thamirabarani River in Cheranmahadevi. It was inaugurated by the Maharaja of Mysore, Shri Jayachamaraja Wodiyar, who was then the Governor of Madras State. This causeway significantly reduced the travel distance to Tirunelveli (specifically the Town and Pettai areas) and provided easy access for numerous villages on the opposite bank.

Key Issues Raised in the Assembly

His contributions in the Legislative Assembly remain relevant even today. Some of the motions and questions he raised included:

* Land Grabbing: Discussing the consequences of land grab movements in Tamil Nadu (1970).

* Education: Addressing the unavailability and errors in school textbooks (1970).

* Public Transport: Highlighting the inadequacy of government buses in Madras city and the resulting hardships (1970).

* Teacher Welfare: Questioning the non-payment of salaries to Panchayat Union school teachers in Tirunelveli district (1969).

* Language Policy: Discussing the plight of Sanskrit teachers following the implementation of the two-language formula (1969).

An Enduring Legacy

Shri Dikshitar continues to live in the hearts of the people. For the past twenty-six years, an old-age home named 'Charanalaya' has been operating in Kallidaikurichi to perpetuate his memory. (For more information, visit: http://www.charanalaya.com).

A Notable Anecdote: On the day of his 80th birthday (Sathabhishekam), Shri Dikshitar chose to attend the Legislative Assembly session instead of staying home for celebrations. In a heartwarming gesture, the then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi held a birthday felicitation for him in the House, praising his vitality and jokingly asking what "Kayakalpa" (rejuvenating tonic) he took to remain so energetic.

I conclude with my humble respects to this lofty personality. May his legacy of honesty, integrity, and simplicity continue to inspire generations to come.