V. M. Obaidullah Sahib (2 May 1905–21 February 1958) was an Indian political leader from Tamil Nadu known for his active participation in the Indian independence movement.[1][2]
Born on May 2, 1905,[3][4] in Vellore to Madhar Batcha Sahib and Rabiya Basri,[5] he came from a middle-class merchant family involved in the betel-nut trade.
Involvement in the Indian independence movement
Obaidullah was an early supporter of the Swadeshi Movement, organizing protests and encouraging economic self-reliance. He later joined the Khilafat Movement in 1920, where he worked to foster Hindu-Muslim unity and participated in significant public gatherings advocating for the cause like[5] Nagpur Flag Agitation (1923): Obaidullah was actively involved in the agitation and was sentenced to one year of rigorous imprisonment for his participation[6]
Anti-Simon Commission Protests (1928): As part of the opposition to the Simon Commission, he led demonstrations in North Arcot, famously challenging the police to shoot him during one of the rallies.
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930): He traveled across Tamil Nadu to mobilize public support and was imprisoned for 18 months for his involvement.[5]
Salt Satyagraha: Obaidullah participated in the Chennai chapter of the Salt Satyagraha alongside leaders such as Kodai Idi Kuppusamy Mudaliar, receiving widespread support from local communities during the march.
Quit India Movement (1942): As Vice President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, Obaidullah played a pivotal role in mobilizing rural participation in the Quit India Movement. He was subsequently arrested and imprisoned for 26 months under the Defence of India Act.
Obaidullah served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1952 until his death in 1958. He addressed critical issues during his tenure, including: Advocating for the reopening of the Jalakandeeswarar Temple in Vellore Fort for public worship.[7] Proposing irrigation initiatives to ensure water supply from the Palar River.[8] Promoting the use of the Gandhi Maidan near the Vellore Fort for public gatherings.[7]
Obaidullah died on February 21, 1958, while serving as a Rajya Sabha member.[5] In recognition of his contributions, the V.M. Obaidullah Bus Stand in Vellore was named in his honour. An obituary in the Lok Sabha acknowledged him as a distinguished Tamil orator and a dedicated nationalist who endured significant hardships in the pursuit of India's freedom.[9]
