Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod
Kasargod, Mar 28: Centenarian freedom fighter K P Madan Master, who was part of historic movements such as Quit India, passed away at his residence in Perla here on Tuesday March 28, at the age of 100.
Madan Master joined the freedom struggle after his graduation from St Aloysius College. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, with whom he had opportunity to interact, he participated in the Quit India movement and led various protests and struggles against the British in Mangaluru. He later moved to Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu, where he learnt to send telegrams. He got a job in the Railways and served as assistant traffic operator for several years in Bengaluru (Bangalore), Jalandhar, Chennai (Madras), Mettupalyam, Kodaikanal and other places.
He was not only a freedom fighter, but also a progressive farmer and a teacher. After India's Independence, he returned home and took up farming. He became popular among the locals for bee farming and cultivation of paddy, cashew and other crops.
Madan Master obtained physical education training at YMCA in Madras (then) and joined Satyanarayana School in Perla as a physical training instructor and English teacher. He served the school for 19 years, making way for another teacher who had been his student. After retirment, he wrote to the government that he did not need pension as he had sufficient earnings from farming.
He had been offered tickets to contest from CPI and CPI(M), but he rejcted the offer and instead proposed the name of his friend Ramanna Rai, who went on to become MLA. Madan Master was a member of the Enmakaje gram panchayat, and played a significant role in upgrading Perla Cooperative Society into a bank.
He was active in several pro-Kannada organizations and cooperative unions in the Karnataka-Kerala border region. Despite being aged, he led an active life, except for the last few days when he suffered from minor ailments.
As a social activist, Madan Master strove to eradicate untouchability and worked for the welfare of Koragas and Dalits, especially in providing them education. He also took the initiative of constructing houses for Koragas living in forest areas.
He also strove hard for land reforms and was instrumental in helping tillers get ownership rights under the Land Reforms Act.
A man who wore only Khadi, Madan Master was a true Gandhian in every way.
For his selfless service to society, he was honoured by Dakshina Kannada district administration on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti last year. His centenary birthday was celebrated just three months ago on January 2 in Perla.
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