J. Shivashanmugam Pillai

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

Early life

Shivashanmugam was born Madras (now Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu) theon 24 February 1901. His father Jagannathan was a steward. Shivashanmugam had his schooling in Madras and graduated from Loyola College. He completed his master's in private from the University of Madras.

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.

Later life

From 1955 to 1961, Shivashanmugam served as a member of the Union Public Service Commission.

Family

Shivashanmugam married Chandra in 1937 and has three sons and one daughter.

Death

Shivashanmugam died on 17 February 1975 at the age of 73.

Works