G. A. Natesan

Ganapathi Agraharam Annadhurai Ayyar Natesan (25 August 1873 – 29 April 1948) was an Indian writer, journalist, publisher, politician and freedom-fighter from the erstwhile Madras Presidency. He was the founder and proprietor of G. A. Natesan & Co. which published nationalist books, the most prominent among whom was The Indian Review.

Early life Natesan was born in the village of Ganapathi Agraharam in Thanjavur district on 25 August 1873. He had his schooling in Kumbakonam He graduated in arts from the Presidency College, Madras and started a career as a publisher. He first apprenticed under Glyn Barlow before starting his own publishing company, G. A. Natesan & Co. in 1897.

Indian independence movement Gandhi and Kasturba, with Hasan (left) and G. A. Natesan (right), Madras (1915) Natesan was involved with the Indian independence movement right from his early days. In 1900, he started The Indian Review, a monthly publication in English. While covering mostly nationalistic themes, The Indian Review also included literary reviews, illustrations and sections on economy and agriculture. His stay lasted from 17 April 1915 to 8 May 1915. He was elected Joint Secretary of the Liberal Party in 1922. During his tenure as a member of the Council of State, Natesan served as member of the Indian Delegation to the Empire Parliamentary Association in Canada. Natesan was appointed Sheriff of Madras in 1938.

Death Natesan died on 29 April 1948 at the age of 74. He remained active until his death.