Contribution of Makkal Mandram In The Development of The Irula Tribes Living In The Northern Districts of Tamilnadu

Abstract

 Although there are 37 types of tribes in Tamil Nadu, my title analyzes only the Irulas who live widely in the northern districts like Krishnagiri, Vellore, Tirupattur, Ranipet, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Tiruvallur. Just as Prof. Prabha Kalvimani or Kalyani, Advocate Lucia, etc., are politicizing the Irula people in areas like Villupuram, Kallakurichi, and Gingee and striving to improve their standard of living similarly, the 'Makkal Mandram' functions as a bulwark and a movement that protects the rights of the Irula people living in the above-mentioned northern districts, centered on Kanchipuram.

For more than twenty-five years, the Makkal Mandram has rescued Irulas who were in bondage from various rice mills and brick kilns in the northern districts. The Makkal Mandram has succeeded in greatly improving the lives of the Irula people who were rescued from slavery. Mahesh and Jessy, the coordinators of the Makkal Mandram are both women. Both of them have dedicated their lives to the oppressed people without getting married. As a result of their dedication, many Irula youths in northern districts have completed degrees from various colleges. Many Irula youth are working as lawyers and work in the private and government sectors. The research article, attempts to portray the contributions of Makkal Mandram  in the development of lives of the Irula people.