Abstract
This article delves into the economic philosophy and contributions of Muthuramalinga Thevar, a significant political figure in post-independence India. It analyses his views on economic welfare initiatives, fiscal strategies, and government planning efforts. Thevar’s critical perspective on various government policies—especially regarding taxation, welfare programs, and unemployment—is thoroughly explored. He championed a realistic and action-oriented approach to economic development, with a strong emphasis on generating employment and improving the conditions of farmers. The discussion also highlights Thevar’s economic acumen, his interpretation of socialism, and his unwavering dedication to empowering economically disadvantaged communities. His practical ideas on poverty reduction, improving living standards, and promoting equitable wealth distribution continue to hold relevance in contemporary economic debates. Thevar’s human-centered economic outlook underscores his deep commitment to collective welfare over individual profit.
References
1. V.A. Andiappa Thevar, Pasumpon Thevar Mu-rasu, Madurai, 1992, pp. 2-4.
2. B.L. Rajendran, Thevar Thirumagan, Poonkodi Publishers, Madras, 1994, p. 11.
3. Index to Madras Legislative Assembly Debates, Vol. I, Nos. 1-12, Dated 27th, 28th, 30th June and 1st-5th, 7th-10th July, 1952, p. 398.
4. Thevar Centenary Souvenir (1908-2008), Madurai, 2008, p. 22.
5. Ibid., p. 41.
6. G. Arumuganar, Op. cit., p. 106.
7. Thevar Centenary Souvenir, Op. cit., p. 108.
8. Thevar Centenary Souvenir, Op. cit., p. 177.
9. G. Bhoopathy Raja, Pokkisham, P.J.A.M. San-gam, Chennai, 2008, p. 197.
10. Forward Bloc Party Election Manifesto, 1952.
11. Idem.
12. Thevar's Speech in the Budget Discussion of the Madras Legislative Assembly, 1st March 1954.
13. Speech of Thevar at the Madras Legislative Assembly, 26th March 1954.
14. The address of Thevar at the Lok Sabha Debate in Delhi, 17th February 1959.
15. G. Bhoopathy Raja, Op. cit., pp. 592-593.
16. R. Sethu, Sethu Nattu Singangal, Kavya, Chen-nai, 2010, pp. 98-99.
17. Muthuramalinga Thevar's Speech at the Madras Legislative Assembly on 3rd July 1952. (Report of the Secretariat of the Madras Legislature, Fort St. George, dated 10th July 1952).
18. Speech in the Lok Sabha, 13th February 1959.
19. Speech in the Lok Sabha, 14th February 1959.
20. R. Sethu, Sethu Nattu Singangal, Kavya, Chen-nai, 2012, pp. 112-113.
21. R. Sethu, Sethu Nattu Singangal, Op. cit., p. 129.
22. K. Jeeva Bharathi, Op. cit., p. 154.
23. Ibid., p. 160.
24. Kannagi, 23rd August 1959.
25. A.R. Perumal, Muthuramalinga Thevar Veera Varalaru, Chennai, 1964, p. 431.
26. Nethaji, 6th February 1949.
27. Ibid., 25th December 1949.
28. Ibid., 5th March 1950.
29. G. Bhoopathy Raja, Pasumpon Thevarin Arasiyal Parvai, T.T.A., M.N. Sangam, Chennai, 2009, p. 171.
30. Nethaji, 19th February 1950.
31. Kavya Shanmuga Sundaram, Pasumpon Chari-thiram, Kavya, Chennai, 2008, p. 212.
32. P. Sangaralinganar, Thevar Kula Thilagangal, Kavya, Chennai, 2011, pp. 139-181.
33. Kavya Shanmuga Sundaram, Pasumpon Petta-gam, Op. cit., p. 235.
34. Thevar’s Speech in the Lok Sabha, 17th February 1959.
35. S. Shanmuga Sundaram, Op. cit., p. 274.
36. Thevar’s Speech in the Lok Sabha, 18th February 1959.
37. Kavya Shanmuga Sundaram, Op. cit., p. 242.
38. Cinthanai Selvan, Pavalar Porrum Pasumpon Thevar, Op. cit., p. 179.
39. K. Bose, Forward Bloc, Tamil Nadu Academy of Political Science, Madras, 1988, p. 133.
40. Centenary Celebration Souvenir of Muthura-malinga Thevar (1908-2008), Madurai, 2008, p. 106.
41. M.V. Sundaram, Viduthalai Pattaliyin Vazhkkai Payanam, Manamadurai, 1989, p. 154.

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