Shri. M V Duraiswamy

Shri M.V.Duraiswamy

(AD 1909 - AD 1979)

Freedom Fighter-Congress Leader-Social Worker

President-Bombay Dadar-Kurla District Congress

President- Dharavi Social Service and Welfare Society

President- Bombay Tanners Association

President- Bombay Tanneries Workers Union

Chairman- Dharavi Co-op. Housing Society Ltd

Member- Bombay Pradesh Congress Committee

Vice President- Bombay Tamilian Association

President- Dharavi Tamilian Association

Shri.M V Duraiswamy, famously known as M.V.D, was the King maker of Dharavi,Mumbai for nearly 4 decades. His Charisma was bigger than Dharavi itself, as his maneuvering brilliance made him the Greatest son of Dharavi. He is often Credited as the "Architect of Modern Dharavi". He was the "GOD FATHER" for Tamils in and around Dharavi, during the Mid-decades of previous Century. Even though he is remembered well for his outstanding service to the Tamil society in Mumbai, his service to all the other sections of society and humanity in general, could not be ignored either. Being a biggest patron of Social justice, he helped anyone and everyone in distress irrespective of their Caste, Creed, Religion, Sex, Ethnicity, and endeavored to uplift their lifestyles.

MVD's Early life

Shri. M.V.Duraiswamy was born on 25th october 1909, to Shri.Velumayil maesthriyaar and Smt.Pathaamaal in Melapalayam,Tirunelveli District,Tamilnadu State, his native place. He was the eldest son of the family and his father was a small land owner. His mother was a house wife. He was the first son of the first wife of his father, as his father had three more wives. He was the eldest among all the children of his father and hence responsibility thronged on his shoulders very early. He didn’t shy away either and did all his work with utmost love and care and took care of all his brothers and sisters with elderly care and affection. He showed equal love and affection towards his own siblings and step-siblings. Hence such a family situation crafted an egalitarian in him so early. He did his initial schooling in Palayamkotai in Tirunelveli. His mother loved him so much, but it didn't last long as she expired due to illness when Shri.MVD was 11 years old. Hence after this, he moved to Dharavi,Mumbai, where his family since right through the period of his great grandfather have been inhabitants. Few centuries ago, his predecessors migrated to Dharavi, in search of work. Traditionally, all migrated Tamilians work in tanneries and other newly developing western industries for their livelihood. Shri.Duraiswamy was no different either as he joined as a helper in a tannery at tender age of eleven. The then prevailing stringent and acute economic conditions forced him to abandon his studies in order to eke out a living to sustain himself and to support his family. His childhood was both of roses and thorns, but the greatest quality of him was he never complained and crossed all the storms against his way with ease.

A Born Egalitarian

Shri.MVD was a dauntless, daring and an intrepid bold human being. He never showed a smallest sign of fear, even at great perils. Even at very young age he used to show high degree of courage in his activities. This dauntless nature of him convinced him to fight against the British later. Such a fearless trait of his automatically made him the hero of the masses in his teenage among tannery workers. He was always committed towards work and was obliged to his employers, but at the same time fought for justice of his fellow workers, if any tort is done to them by their employers. Shri.MVD, a true egalitarian, was a strong believer of the words, ”Every human being is entitled to get what every other human being gets in world”. He strived hard to ensure this even as a tannery worker. He instituted ‘Dharavi Tanneries Worker’s Union’ and fought for the rights of the workers. There are only a few in this world who never forgets their past when they become rich and affluent. Shri.MVD was one of such rarest gems, who helped all the poor tannery workers, his employees and strived still vigorously to uplift their livelihood, when he became affluent. Even after becoming a Tannery owner, he remained as the President of the Tanneries Workers Union by the wish of the masses and continued to fight for them. At the peak of his power, Shri.MVD was elected as the President of ‘Dharavi Tanners Association’ and also the President of ‘Dharavi Tanneries Worker’s Union’. Wielding the caps of two opposite camps is synonymous to ‘Playing with fire’. But still Shri.MVD handled this task with maximum diplomacy and used this tool to maintain industrial peace and harmony.

Shri.MVD & Thanthai Periyar

Shri.MVD, naturally being an egalitarian and a patron of social justice got inspired by Thanthai Periyar’s Self Respect Movement and its virtues. He along with his friends tried to spread Periyar’s ‘Anti-Caste’ ideas in a Caste violence prone Dharavi, to Promote peace and stability in the region. Even though Shri.MVD didn’t join Self Respect Movement or Justice Party, his affiliation towards Periyar was ideological. Under this circumstance, representing the Youth federation of Dharavi, Shri.MVD invited Periyar to deliver a speech in his locality. He met Mr.Annadurai, the secretary of Periyar at that time and fixed the date and time for Periyar’s function. But Periyar, ill-informed of this fixture, gave the same dates to a function to be organized by the elder leaders and big-shots of Dharavi. When Shri.MVD came to know of this confusion, he got furious over Anna and quarreled with him. Periyar inspired by the dauntlessness and presence of Shri.MVD assured him of the dates, but asked him to join hands with the elder leaders and hold a single function. Shri.MVD readily accepted this giving due respect to Periyar’s words. Shri.MVD made sure that, the function was carried out in a very grand way and was attended by nearly all Dravidians of Dharavi. He brought Periyar to the function in a Horse chariot and escorted him back to the railway station with hundred’s of volunteers. Delighted by this, Periyar complimented Shri.MVD. Shri.MVD remembered this incident through out his life as he considered getting such a compliment from Periyar, who is hailed as the ‘Socrates of South East Asia’ cannot be emulated.

An Indian Independence Activist

Shri.MVD later on started to give more emphasis also on his Nationalist ideas, rather than just Social justice. Since he believed that Social justice without freedom is of no use. He joined Congress and became an active member of it. During that period congress was the only big national party which was fighting for freedom. He started to give his nationalistic feelings a shape, along with implementing INC’s(Indian National Congress) decision in Dharavi. Whenever the Congress demanded volunteers for organizing movements against any atrocity of British administration, he immediately organized thousands of Volunteers for the struggle. The Volunteers were not just Tamils, but it included all the People of Dharavi including Maharastrians, Gujrathis, Telugus, Marvadi’s etc. This was the time in Shri.MVD’s life where all the inhabitants of Dharavi started to accept his leadership, irrespective of their Caste, Creed, Religion and Ethnicity. All started to adore his charisma and started to follow his ideals blindly. Shri.MVD started to emerge as a significant figure in Dharavi’s sphere. His influence among the masses made him so close to the other leaders of Congress National Movement. This is when he became so close to Shri V.K.Krishna Menon( Union Minister of ­­­­­­­­­Independent ­­­India), Shri K.Kamaraj (Chief Minister of Madras state in ­­­­­­­­­Independent ­­–India), Shri. Kakkan (Minister of Madras State in ­­­­­­­­­Independent ­­­India) etc. His maneuvering brilliance was admired and adored by all that who saw him. His glory started to cross the boundaries of Dharavi and Mumbai. His involvement in the national movement not just helped the major cause, but also this made him the undisputed leader of the territory.

Peerless Leader of Dharavi

Shri.MVD became a well known figure in congress. He became the president of Dharavi Congress committee and he adorned the chairmanship of Dharavi-Kurla congress committee. He became the first Tamilian to become the BPCC (Bombay Pradesh Congress Committee) member. He remained as the King maker and helped his followers to get elected to the Municipal corporation of Bombay from Dharavi and toiled hard for the upliftment of all the inhabitants of Dharavi. Again, Shri. Duraiswamy had the oppurtunity of associating with the national leaders like Shri. V.K.Krishnan Menon (Former Union minister of Defence), Shri S.K.Patil(Former Union Minister), Shri V.P.Nayak (Former Chief Minister of Maharastra), Shri K.K.Shah (Former Governor of Tamilnadu), Shri. C.Subramaniam(Former Governor of Maharastra), Shri.K.Kamaraj (Former Chief Minister of Tamilnadu), Shri P.kakkan (Former Minister of Tamilnadu) etc. All these leaders had great trust over Shri.MVD’s leadership Qualities. The congress leadership trusted him a lot and he too in return had influenced a considerable amount of political victory for Congress in Municipal, Assembly elections. As a person, he was endeared with the people of Dharavi and got mingled with the sentiments and culture of the local inhabitants. His sweat and blood were smeared in the soil of Dharavi. He was solidly responsible for several civic amenities brought to the people of Dharavi. Later as he fell ill, to continue the good work he made his first son Shri.D.Viswanathan as the municipal councilor in the Bombay municipal corporation. He too following his father’s footsteps, worked tirelessly for improving the civic amenities in Dharavi.

Protector of Social Justice

Shri.MVD was associated with many social service organizations in the city. He founded the ‘Dharavi Social Service and Welfare Society’ to serve the needy. He served the people irrespective of their caste and creed. Even though he helped all, he also instituted many specialized organizations to enrich the downtrodden community of the society. The region of Dharavi saw frequent caste violence and ethnic disturbances. But whenever any violence brakes out, the first person who emerged in the scene to save the public from them was Shri.MVD. He with enormous conviction and determination will bring the warring groups to the negotiating table and prevailed upon them to maintain enduring peace and amity. Even the police administration, in recognition of his efforts, paid rich encomiums and applauded his efforts. During 1970’s the state of Tamilians in Mumbai became fragile by the ‘SHIV SENA’ activists. They indulged in mass atrocities against the Tamils in Mumbai. But the degree of violence was so less in Dharavi due the presence of Shri.MVD. His Magnetic Sphere protected the Dharavians from the Shiv Sena. Even during this period, more than few Tamilians won the Maharastra elections by the brilliance of Shri.MVD. His Charisma was as big as none of the violence that erupted after this, could affect a single stone of his reign. He restored the rights of Tamils on the land and politics of Maharastra with pride. He was instrumental in restoring the freedom of Tamils in Dharavi and Mumbai. The real freedom according to him was ‘the freedom from fear’. To ensure this, he founded ‘Dharavi Tamilian association’ and sworn in as the Vice-president of ‘Mumbai Tamils Protection Front’. All admired his shrewdness and dauntlessness in Politics. This also created a few enemies. “Greatness is not measured by the number of persons who adore you; instead it is measured by the number of persons who envy you”. As his stature grew big, the enviers and enemies too increased and at one point of time they threatened his life too. But still Shri.MVD would come in public intrepidly and help the people in spite of this jeopardy. Nothing in this world bothered him when he stepped out to help others.

An Absolute Altruistic Philanthropist

There were many fascinating faces of Shri.MVD, which inspired one and all. But the most respected trait which made him the greatest son of Dharavi was his benevolent, benign, magnanimous philanthropy. He helped anyone and everyone who knocked his door anytime. He donated huge amount of wealth to uplift the disabled and disadvantaged section of the society. He endorsed many charity works of his own. He instituted ‘Dharavi Social Service and Welfare Organisation’ for this purpose only. Right through his younger age his contribution to schools, religious institutions, Charity Organizations was innumerable. During British period, in interest of the people of Dharavi, Shri.MVD, representing the ‘South Indian Mahajana Sangh’ tried to build a Ganesh temple. But when one British officer intervening the proceedings ordered Shri.MVD to Remove Lord Ganesh’s Idol in a gun point, he dauntlessly stood in that place and asked the officer to shoot if he can! This valor made the Ganesh temple possible in that region which still remains the landmark of the area. Shri.MVD made arrangements for conducting daily pujas in the temple. On the occasions of Ganesh Chadurthy, religious and cultural activities were conducted in a grand scale and he was eulogized as a messiah by the locals for conducting the religious activities in pomp and splendor with religious flavor. He also helped in solemnizing hundreds of marriages at his own cost. His house was an asylum to all the Tamils who came from Tamilnadu in search of work. He provided them with food and shelter and supported them, till they learn to sustain themselves. This philanthropic nature of his earned him the title ”Eegai Thendral”( Philanthropic Breeze), given by a renowned Tamil poet Thiru.Murugesa Bhaagavadhar. Shri.MVD was one of the greatest humanitarian and a gift of mankind.

The Architect of Modern Dharavi

Shri.Duraiswamy had a lifetime cherished dream of providing decent residential accommodation to the poor people of Dharavi. He wanted to pull them away from the sprawling slums. It was his bounden wish to see the people of Dharavi to live a decent Life with self-Respect. With such noble and lofty ideals, he floated the Dharavi Co-Operative Housing Society consisting of about 300 flats initially. During this period he was afflicted with age related diseases such as Diabetes and Blood Pressure. Though the affliction was acute he used to work with missionary zeal to complete the housing project. Even the failing health could not deter his will power and determination in completing the project. The first phase of the project was completed and the possession of about 300 flats was handed over, which brought his soul boundless bliss. Despite the deteriorating Health he, like a young man with an unflinching determination liked to provide more housing accommodation to some more of his poor Dharavians. But the destiny had its own parallel, and his brilliant spirit was snuffed away for ever.

The idea of the construction of housing project was solely conceived by him, he single handedly shaped it like a temple to be offered to the poor people endeared to him as Dharavians. He wanted to erase the despicable epithet of the name as a "BIG SLUM" given to Dharavi in the map of the then Bombay. In the ordinary course, any person who had devoted and sacrificed everything for the development of the housing project, which was the first ever constructed housing complex with modern amenities in Dharavi, could have named the complex in own name or in the name of his blood relatives. But Shri.Duraiswamy, a man of great virtues and values, named the complex as 'Dr.Baliga nagar'. Dr,Baliga was a nationalist and philanthropist who rendered free medical and other free services to the people of Dharavi. In order to honour Dr.Baliga, the housing complex was named after him.

Destiny's Child

“If you have a true desire, the whole Universe conspires to realize your Dreams”- these are the famous words from the book ‘the Alchemist’. All the people have dreams, but only few have a true desire to go behind the dreams and achieve it and make it their destiny. Shri.MVD was a destiny’s child. He had a true selfless desire and the whole universe conspired and made him the greatest gift of mankind. Shri.Duraiswamy considered Dharavi as his own birth place and left no stone unturned in developing that place. He used his good offices to meet people in power, to improve the living conditions of the people living in Dharavi. He had spent all his earnings for the welfare of the place and people. When people in difficulties met him for help, he used to readily come forward to find out a job and also extended financial help. Such a spontaneous attitude earned him a great name among all the people irrespective of their caste, creed, communal and regional affiliations. Affectionately called as MVD by all people irrespective of their caste and religion, his passing away on 18th February 1979 caused utmost sorrow and grief to them. As a mark of respect to great man who had rendered his service of 50 years towards the upliftment of poor and downtrodden, his funeral procession was attended by people in thousands, a never seen tribute in the history of Dharavi. Even today, everyone nostalgically recall the golden period they experienced during his lifetime.

Smt.Rathinammaal Duraiswamy

As the old saying goes “Behind every successful man there is a woman”, Smt.Rathinammal Duraiswamy was behind each phase of Shri.MVD’s phenomenal career. She was married to Shri.MVD in a relatively younger age. Her father Shri.Gopalakrishna maesthriyaar was a renowned Tamil scholar. She carried the same trait of her father’s and was so intellectual. She remained an apt wife for such a philanthropic husband. She never complained about his helping nature and also aided in all ways to carry out his social works. Once when there was a threat to her husband’s life from anti-social elements, she immediately summoned 2 of her brothers, Shri.G.Chandrasekharan and Shri.G.Ganeshan to safeguard her husband. Even though Shri.Duraiswamy had police protection and many personal guards, she wanted to secure safety herself and felt relieved only after summoning them. She was very affectionate and showed equal love to all the Children. For educational purposes of her children,she with her children went to Melapalayam(Tirunelveli,Tamil nadu), her husband’s native place and stayed there with them. She was very much concerned with family dwelling and for her, the world started with her husband and her children and ended with them. The biggest set back for Shri.MVD’s career, if there was any, was her passing away on September 3^rd 1970 at the age of 48. The strength, the back bone of Shri.MVD withered away and this marked a slight decline in Shri.MVD’s career in Politics and Business. Slowly after this, Shri.MVD retired from active politics and business giving way to his first son. To say the least, “She was the divine parallel on earth to Shri.MVD, to realize his Destiny”.

Shri.MVD's Family

Shri.MVD-Smt.Rathinammal MVD had 7 children. Both the couples loved their children more than their life. Even if Shri.MVD was busy in his works, he would never forget to come home to eat in time with children and wife. He maintained this habit through out his life and also spent valuable time with their children whenever possible. All the children were given good education and were married to fitting life partner.

The First son is Shri.D.Vishwanathan, Ex-MC Bombay, he who took care of all the business and social works of his father as he fell ill. Next is, Smt.Vijayalakshmi Chelladurai, house wife to Shri.Chelladurai (Officer, Railways). Their second son is Dr.D.Vasantha kumar, President-Vasantham Gardens Owners Welfare Association, Vyasarpadi, Chennai. He runs a private clinic in Vyasarpadi, Chennai, named ‘Rathna clinic’ after his mother’s name. Next son is Shri.D.Jeyaprakash, named after the congress legend, Shri.Jeyaprakash Narayan. He owns a petrol Bunk in Rajapalayam, near Tirunelveli district. Next daughter is Smt.Manorama Velraj, a house wife married to Shri.T.Velraj, M.A.,B.L.(Officer Reserve bank). Next daughter is Smt.Jeyashree Devan, a house wife married to Dr.V.Devendran,M.B.B.S(Govt. General Hospital, Tuticorin). Last daughter is Smt.Shobana Vijayakumar, a house wife married to Shri.V.Vijayakumar (CDCSM, IOC ltd, Madurai).

Shri.MVD in News.

Shri.MVD's Memorial

Shri.MVD’s ash was spread over all the auspicious rivers of Hindus, honouring his wish. A Beautiful Memorial was constructed in Melapalayam, Tirunelveli, remembering the legend. Every year on 18^th February(his death anniversary) all his survivors, their spouses, their children, their grand children and other people gather in that place to seek his blessings. Every year on his death anniversary, all the residents of the locality will be given food in Shri.MVD’s house “VASANTHA BHAWAN”.

Vasantha Bhawan

This Sacred house built by the sweat and blood of Shri.MVD and Smt.Rathinammaal MVD has become the landmark of the area. Actually, it was the desire of Smt.Rathinammaal to build a house for themselves in the vacant garden land they had. Shri.MVD, Who loved her wife so much, obliged and built this Modern house of 1960’s. The house was named ‘Vasantha Bhawan’ after his second son Dr.D.Vasantha Kumar, whom they loved most. The house has a big gorgeous Wooden Swing in the middle room where Shri.MVD and Smt.Rathinammaal MVD used to take rest in their free time. The swing is itself so sacred as anyone sleeps in the swing even now feels the love of the couple.

Centenary Celebrations - Free Medical Camp

Shri.MVD's Centenary celebrations took place in Chennai, Mumbai and Madurai on 25th October 2009, his centenary birthday(1909 - 2009). As a part of the celebrations a free medical camp to poor was organised by Dr.D.Vasantha Kumar in Vyasarpadi, Chennai. He is a resident of Vyasarpadi for 20 years and runs a private clinic named 'Rathna Clinic' in the name of his Mother. Following his father's footsteps, he went Philanthropic on his beloved father's 100th Birthday. Huge posters were placed in the locality commemorating the Legend's centenary celebrations. On the Occasion, Biography of Shri.MVD, written by Dr.D.Vasantha kumar was released. It was released by Smt.Jannat Jiya(MC , Chennai Corporation) and was received by Dr.Mehrali,M.D(Former Dean, Tuticorin Govt. Medical College and Hospital). Following the opening ceremony, the free medical camp for poor and downtrodden got rolled. Three other doctors including Special physicians were called for the proceedings. People gathered in hundreds and got benefited from the arrangement.All the prescribed medicines for prescribed days was given free for all. Other than that free 'Blood test', free 'Nerve Conduction Test' was done for all. Special Physicians were present to examine the results and prescribe the drugs. The free medical camp started by 9 am and extended till 3 pm in the afternoon. The celebrations created a festive mood to the locality.

Free Medical camp

Date: 25th October 2009

Time: 9 am to 12 pm

Venue: Vasantham Gardens, MKB nagar, Vyasarpadi, Chennai.

Chief Guest: Smt.Jannat Jiya, MC Chennai Corporation

Doctors: Dr.Mehrali, M.D, Former Dean, Tuticorin Govt.Medical College and Hospital

Dr.Anbarasu, M.B.B.S

Dr.Muthukrishnan, M.B.B.S

Dr.D.Vasantha Kumar, M.B.B.S

Pharmacists: Mr. Venkatesan, Saroj Medicals

Mr.A.R.Rehman, A.R Medicals

Mr.Selvakumar, Ganesh Pharma

Nerve Conduction test: Mr.Ravindran & team

Blood Test: Mr.Nanda Gopala Krishnan & team

Apart from this, celebrations also took place in Mumbai and Madurai.In Mumbai, Dharavi, Shri.D.Vishwanathan, Ex MC, had arranged for a grand pooja, followed by food donation in the Ganesh Temple which was built by the initiative of Shri.MVD. Hundreds of poor people of Dharavi were given food on this auspicious day. Earlier, advertisements were given in newspapers commemorating the occasion.

Free Medical Camp in News.

Centenary Celebrations in Madurai

Shri.MVD's Centenary celebrations took place in Madurai as well. Smt.Shobana Vijayakumar, the last daughter of Shri.MVD on the occasion of her father's centenary birthday donated food in "Meenakshi Mission Hospital", Madurai.Hundreds of Patients in all wards were covered and with a motherly care she with her husband directly went to the children's ward and gave food to them.

Advertisements on Centenary Birthday in Newspapers

Biography of Shri.MVD written by Dr.D.Vasantha Kumar