Editorial Team 
A S Ponnammal popularly known as Nilakottai Ponnammal, born into a Dalit family on July 1927, was a seven time member of the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu. She won five times from the constituency of Nilakottai (Reserved). A contemporary of Congress leaders Kamarajar and P Kakkan, Nilakottai Ponammal was known for her simplicity and boldness that she shared with these leaders. A long standing MLA, her fraternity and association within the political circle made her to be known as Akka (elder sister). In her public career spanning decades, she broke through the iron-clad structures of patriarchal and caste powers.
Nilakottai Ponnammal belongs to the Pallar (Devanthirakula Vellalar) community in Tamilnadu and played an active role in the education of Dalits through the Harijan Sevak Sangh of the Congress Party. A long time member of Indian National Congress, she was mentored and inducted into the Congress Party by Dalit leader, Ayakudi Balakrishnan Kudumban.
She succumbed to cancer on Tuesday, the 24th of November 2015 in a Government Hospital at Madurai. Her long political career stands as a testament to her charismatic personality and people’s faith in her ability.
Savari pays tribute to this leader who broke through caste, patriarchal and class barriers to serve as an able politician. We welcome readers who knew A S Ponammal to share their thoughts and memories.
