Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 5 (UNI) Centenarian Freedom Fighter and senior most Advocate K Ayyappan Pillai died due to old age-related illness at a private hospital here on Wednesday.
He was 107.
After a meeting with Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, he had contested election as an Indian National Congress (INC) candidate from Thiruvananthapuram in the newly formed Legislature of Travancore.
As a lawyer and having close association with late Maharaja of Travancore Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, he carried out negotiations with the Indian National Congress during the Independent days.
As an active participant in the Quit India Movement, Ayyappan Pillai was advised by the Mahatma Gandi to enter electoral politics to serve people better.
Ayyappan Pillai, son of Kumara Pillai of Nagercoil, was born in the princely state of Travancore to an aristocratic family related to the ruling dynasty of Travancore.
He was educated privately and graduated from the Law College, Trivandrum.
The freedom fighter had also served as a member in the Sri Mulam Popular Assembly (Sri Moolam Praja Sabha) of Travancore. He was also known as the the senior-most living member of the Bar in India.
During the formation of BJP, he was requested to be a figurehead of the party. He also served as the Vice President and the Treasurer of the Kerala BJP for several years.
Ayyappan Pillai also authored several books.
He also served as the Corporation member of Thiruvananthapuram and the Chairman of the Law Academy Law College here.
UNI DS CS0854