In Kerala’s capital city of Thiruvananthapuram, right in front of the Raj Bhavan, is a towering monument, dedicated to one of the most celebrated freedom fighters and activists of the state, Accamma Cherian. The monument is a testimony to the courage, perseverance and dedication to the country displayed by Akkamma Cherian. Mahatma Gandhi had given her the sobriquet ‘Jhansi Rani of Travancore’, comparing her to the legendary Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi.
Travancore State Congress was formed when Accamma Cherian was the headmistress of a school in Kanjirappally. Akamma was fond of the activities of the State Congress from the very beginning. She gave up her teaching job to join the state Congress. In 1938, Dewan C.P. After Ramaswamy Iyer banned Congress activities, the Congress changed its mode of functioning and gave power to an all-powerful President.
Subsequently, after the arrest of 10 presidents, including Pattam Thanupillai, Accamma was appointed as the 12th leader. Hundreds of activists were detained, and police used lathi charges and opened fire in various locations. Despite these obstacles, they resolved to lead a procession to the royal audience on Chithira Tirunal Maharaja’s birthday to present a petition. Accamma, leading thousands of Congressmen, confronted the army, which was prepared to shoot, and boldly declared, “I am the leader; shoot me before you shoot my volunteers.” This famous statement of her’s has been inscribed on the aforementioned monument at Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram. At that time, Accamma was only 29 years old.
In October 1938, the working committee of the State Congress directed Akkamma Cherian to organise the Desasevika Sangh (Female Volunteer Group). She toured various centres and appealed to the women to join as members of the Desasevika Sangh. Accamma Cherian passed away on May 5, 1982, due to ill health. She penned her autobiography named ‘Life is a Struggle’.Accamma Cherian remains a role model for the younger generation even today.
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