Dr. C. Natesan is hailed as the father of the Dravidian movement and he was the first person to use a word Dravidian. In the first quarter of 20th century there arose a powerful movement in Madras Presidency against the dominance of the upper castes. For the upliftment of the oppressed communities Dr. Natesan along with Pitti Theagarayar and Dr. T.M. Nair started 'South India Welfare Society' which later became Justice Party. It became a powerful voice of the deprived and downtrodden.

Dr. Natesan was born in 1875 at Tiruvallikeni in Chennai. He studied in the village school and subsequently graduated from Madras University.  He worked as a Lecturer in Pithampuram Maharaja College and later as Dubasha in Gordon Woodrof Company. But these jobs did not provide him with the challenge he was looking for. He was enamored by medical profession and went on to achieve a medical degree from the Medical College.

He was exceedingly successful as a doctor. He treated his patients with compassion and care. He provided free medical care to the poor and the deprived people.

The plight of poor and the downtrodden people suffering at the hands of the strong upper castes moved him to action. Some of the employees of the Revenue Department approached him with horrendous tales of suffering of weaker sections at the hands of the higher castes. Dr. Natesan organized 'The Madras United league' and became its Secretary with the sole purpose of providing effective voice to the deprived. Subsequently, its name was changed to 'Dravida Sangam'.

'Dravida Sangam' conducted evening classes for educating senior citizens and government employees. The students suffered at the hands of higher castes in hostels and colleges in Madras. To alleviate the suffering of such students Dr. Natesan organized separate  hostels for them in the name of 'Dravidian Association Hostel'. He contributed immensely in running these hotels and collected small fees from those who could afford. The Association also became a platform for meeting of great minds like Dr. T.M. Nair, L.D. Samikannu, Thiru Vi.Ka. They would often organize lectures series and counseling sessions for the benefit of the students.

Dr. Natesan was twice elected to the state assembly during 1920-26 and 1953-37. He was a powerful speaker and raised many pertinent issues in the assembly on the upliftment of the weaker sections. As member of Madras Municipal Council he opposed the decisions of the Council to dump garbages near residences of scheduled castes living on the periphery of the town.

In the government formed by the Justice Party, important legislations like Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Act and the Legislations for abolishing Devadasi system were enacted. The impact of these legislation on the society has been profound.

Dr. Natesan was a rationalist and he rebelled against superstition, discrimination, illiteracy and exploitation. He devoted his life for the upliftment of the poor exploited. He worked for achieving equality, social justice, education and eradication of poverty. He awakened and shook the conscience of the people towards the rampant ills of the society of the times. His efforts made the Dravidian Movement a force to reckon with and alleviated the suffering of millions.

India Post is happy to release a commemorative postage stamp in the memory of Dr. C. Natesan.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India