Taking up the Gandhian way

Involved in numerous activities to create awareness about social evils, religious tolerance and communal harmony, Maruthi began his life as humble, helpful boy in Nellore district. When his family shifted to Chennai, he joined a high school in Perambur. As he was interested in reaching out to the society, he joined Scouts and Guides in school and used to serve as a volunteer in many public functions. He is proud to say that he was a student of the last batch of PUC. But luck was not in his favour and he did not get through PUC exam. “As I could not join college immediately, I spent a year studying the society. Once I joined BA Politics in Presidency College, I became an active NSS and NCC volunteer,” he said. One of his professor, Dr Sundaram, who was in charge for Life for India Movement (associated with Theosophical Society), encouraged his social activities. After his graduation he became the secy of the Indian Red Cross Society, Chennai Dist. It was then he began units in many taluqs here Mambalam-guindy; Perambur-Purasaiwalkam; Egmore-Nungambakkam and Fort-Tondiarpet. 

During the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, senior Gandhian CDV Raghavalu, approached his teacher Sundaram for volunteers to carry out a door-to-door canvassing of Acharya Vinoba Bhave’s Geetha Peruraigal. Of course, the teacher’s obvious suggestion was Maruthi. Recognising his talent, Raghavalu asked him to set up a unit for propagating Gandhian ideals among student and youth. “I formed the unit with my friend’s G Sundaravadivelu and Santhisree. We undertook padayatras and cycle expeditions to villages to create awareness about social evils such as dowry, economic inequality and untouchability,” said Maruthi.

Maruthi’s services were recognised by the highest authority in the State in 1985, the International Year of Youth. The then Governor – SL Khurana accepted to be their chief patron and guide them. The three of them went on to form the Gandhian Integration Forum Trust, a parent organisation to the Youth Forum for Gandhian Studies. “Another milestone in my life was when Raghavalu asked me to lead a padayatra, by forming a big group of students from all over Tamil Nadu, to eradicate untouchability. It was then, Nirmal Desh Pande, president of Harijan Sevak Sangh founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1932, and disciple of Aacharya Vinoba Bhave, approached me to dedicate more time for social activities, which I readily agreed,” he said. 

In addition to these activities, Maruthi is also the president of TN Harijan Sevak Sangh and secretary of Thakkar Baba Vidyalaya, both non-profit organisations. He was instrumental in setting up a vocational training centre, 6 schools and 12 hostels for girls and boys in Chennai, Villupuram, Dindigul, Madurai and Melur. Thakkar Baba Vidyala offers courses affiliated to National Council for Vocational Training for fitters, electricians and wiremen. The course in Mechanic refrigeration and AC and carpentry is affiliated to State Council for vocational training. From November 20, they have plans of beginning a computer course for girls. “This is sponsored by the Bank of Tokyo,” informs Maruthi. He wants to set an example to all by following Gandhian principles religiously. He hopes the society would soon follow suit.