Freedom struggle and Malayalees

SUDHIR NATH

August 14, 1947. News of India’s independence spread like wildfire in and around Delhi. The news was a source of joy to thousands of Indians who fought for the freedom struggle. The Kerala Club at Connaught Place, the epicenter of Delhi, was very active at that time. At that time, most of the typists working in government and private institutions were Malayalees.

Cartoonist Kutty, who was the secretary of the Kerala Club, came to the Club and organised a procession of young Malayalees who had gathered there. Kutty and his group led a procession from the Kerala Club to Parliament with the tricolour flag chanting slogan, including in Malayalam. Many non-Malayalees were present in the procession. The procession went on as a big celebration. Kutty says in his autobiography that there was great excitement in the procession that day.

Getting into Parliament was not as difficult as it is today. Buses went through the courtyard of the Parliament building. People gathered around the Parliament building that day. It was there that all those who got to hear about the news gathered.
The performance outside Parliament on the evening of August 14 was later described by many as an unforgettable moment in life. After a joyous performance around the large circular building, they returned to the Kerala Club. It is believed that this may have been the first procession led by Malayalees for the Independence celebrations.