An uncompromising voice for the marginalised: A tribute to V. Vasanthi Devi

V. Vasanthi Devi was a sincere and deeply committed educationist and activist who dedicated her life to the cause of children, Scheduled Castes, and marginalised communities.

Highly educated, yet grounded, she never distanced herself from society and worked tirelessly for the uplift of people. Despite her intellectual brilliance, she remained deeply connected with the common people. That connection made all the difference. She was active with Palli Kalvi Pathukappu Iyakkam (movement for saving school education) till her last days.

She strongly opposed the National Education Policy (NEP) and advocated free and equitable education for children. Vasanthi Devi had also pushed for empowerment of school management committees.

She firmly believed that schools, particularly in rural areas, must function with greater autonomy. She ensured that teachers and parents of underprivileged children were part of such committees. Fearless in her convictions, Vasanthi Devi contested a byelection against former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.

Vasanthi Devi was the most active chairperson of the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women. She conducted numerous public hearings and exposed atrocities committed against women and also visited women’s prisons in the State.

She approached every petition with utmost sincerity and dedication.

She never sought rewards or recognition. As the first Vice-Chancellor for the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, she brought in several reforms. Her vision was pragmatic and rooted in empowerment.

Even in her final days, our conversations were about society at large. She remained lively and always seeking to empower people.

Mentor to many

She was a close friend of veteran Marxist leader Mythili Sivaraman and a mentor to many, including me.

In keeping with her ideals, she had willed her body to be donated to the Kilpauk Medical College. I recall how she ensured that I completed the procedures for her donation two years ago.

She lived by the principles she advocated. All her works, including research papers, have been given to Roja Muthiah Library. We were working to create a digital archive in her name.

(As told to K. Lakshmi)

(Advocate Sudha Ramalingam is a close friend of Vasanthi Devi)