Venkat Raman
Auckland, January 22, 2024
We regret to report the passing away of Subramanian Arivukkarasu, father of Maninilavan Arivukkarasu, former President of the Muthtamil Sangam of Auckland last night in Cuddalore, a city about 200 kms from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu.
It is understood that Mr Arivukkarasu succumbed to a heart attack and died on the way to the hospital late last night (January 20, 2023).
He was 83 years old and led an active social life. As well as Maninilavan, his only son, he left behind three daughters, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Maninilavan said that his father had decided to donate his body for medical research and hence there will be no funeral ceremony.
Mr Arivukkarasu last visited New Zealand many times during which he attended meetings and debates (Pattimandrams) organised by the Tamil community.
In a message sent to Indian Newslink, Muthamil Tamil Sangam expressed the condolences of the members of the Association to Maninilavan and his family.
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An illustrious life
A Retired District Revenue Officer and Acting District Collector of the Tamil Nadu government, Mr Arivukkarasu was drawn towards E V Ramasami Naicker (EVR), a fiery leader, who became the head of the Justice Party, the precursor to Dravida Kazhagam (DK). Supporters of the Dravida Kazhagam later established Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, known by its acronym DMK, which in turn gave way to the formation of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’ or AIADMK.
A seeker of knowledge, Mr Arivukkarasu is well-versed in major Holy Books including the Bhagavad Gita, the Holy Quran and the Bible. He earned two postgraduate degrees, one each in Arts (MA) and Philosophy (MPhil) from Annamalai University after retirement.
An author of more than 20 books in Tamil, he has been a regular contributor to Tamil publications such as ‘Viduthalai,’ ‘Modern Rationalist’ and ‘Unnmai,’ all of which are based on the ‘general disbelief of everything that is believed.’
A Trade Union Activist, Mr Arivukkarasu has championed not only the cause of the working class but also fought against casteism which is rampant in many parts of Tamil Nadu. Curiously, as well as being the State President of the NGO Union, he participated in the ILO Committee for Privatisation and Globalisation.
