J. Shivashanmugam Pillai

Jagannathan Shivashanmugam Pillai (February 24, 1901 – February 17, 1975) was an Indian politician of the Indian National Congress. In 1938, he became the first Dalit mayor of Madras. He also served as the first speaker of the Madras Legislative Assembly since India's independence.

Early life

Shivashanmugam Pillai was born in the city of Madras on February 24, 1901 to Pillai Jagannathan, a steward.^[1] He had his schooling in Madras and graduated from Loyola College.^[1] He completed his master's in private from Madras University.^[1]

First Speaker in independent India

The first elections to state assemblies were conducted in 1951. Since independence, the franchise had been enlarged to include all Indian citizens. Shivashanmugam was elected to the assembly and was successfully nominated as the first Speaker.^[1] Shivashanmugam served as the Speaker of the assembly from 1951 to 1955.^[1][2][3]

Later life

From 1955 to 1961, Shivashanmugam served as a member of the Union Public Service Commission.^[1] In 1962, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian Parliament and served as member from 1962 to 1968.^[1][4]

Family

Shivashanmugam married Chandra in 1937 and has three sons and one daughter.^[1][4]

Death

Shivashanmugam died on February 17, 1975 at the age of 73.^[4]

Works

• History of the Adi Dravidas. 
• Rajah, M. C.; J. Shivashunmugham Pillai (1930). The Life, Select Writings and Speeches of Rao Bahadur M. C. Rajah. Indian Publishing House. 
• Legislative Protection of Cultivating Tenant Labourers. 

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