Freedom fighter I. Mayandi Bharathi (98), a Gandhian and socialist, passed away here on Tuesday. He was hospitalised after a fall in his house while preparing to go for the Republic Day parade at 3 a.m.

He was one of the very few leaders of his generation to fight for both political and social freedom. Till August 1947, he fought for Indias freedom. Post-independence, he was involved in a relentless struggle against the ruling class, said S. Venkatesan, Sahitya Akademi winner.

Mayandi Bharathi, who had spent 13-years in prison, was a social activist, a powerful writer, an orator and a journalist. Mayandi earned the title, Bharathi, from his colleagues for unwavering passion for Subramania Bharathis songs. As per his recollection in 2007, Mr. Bharathis tryst with the freedom movement began when he was in the middle school. While watching a protest by supporters of the Congress party against a toddy shop near the present Government Hospital from his classroom, he ran out, emptied his bag and used it to supply stones for pelting at policemen.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, he never used his involvement in the freedom movement for personal gains, said Mr. Venkatesan.

The body of Mr. Bharathi will be kept at the CPI (M)s office before being taken for cremation at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

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Freedom fighter Mayandi Bharathi dead