Deiva Zivarattinam, Indian lawyer and politician (b. 1894)

Deiva Zivarattinam, an influential Indian politician, was born in Pondicherry on December 3, 1894. His life, deeply intertwined with the political landscape of his native region, came to an end in the same city on March 25, 1975. Zivarattinam played a pivotal role in representing Pondicherry, then a French colony, within the broader French political arena during a transformative period.

Early Career and Wartime Contributions

Before stepping onto the national political stage, Zivarattinam pursued a legal education, becoming a respected lawyer. His expertise and dedication led to his appointment to the provisional Constituent Assembly, a critical body convened by General Charles de Gaulle in Algiers in November 1943. This assembly was a cornerstone of the Free French government, designed to lay the groundwork for a new French republic amidst the turmoil of World War II. Zivarattinam's mandate was officially validated on January 13, 1944, marking his formal entry into this significant political forum. He was swiftly integrated into the Overseas Commission of the assembly, focusing on matters pertaining to France's colonial territories.

Despite facing health challenges during this demanding period, Zivarattinam remained committed to his duties. As the provisional Constituent Assembly transitioned from Algiers to Paris, a move that symbolized France's liberation, he relocated to the capital on November 7, 1944. His active participation continued unabated during the Paris sessions, where his contributions extended beyond the Overseas Commission to include the Labour and Social Affairs Commission, the Permanent Coordination Commission, and the Muslim Affairs Commission, demonstrating his wide-ranging engagement with crucial societal and governmental issues.

The 1945 Election and Assembly Role

The year 1945 marked a significant electoral milestone for Deiva Zivarattinam. He successfully contested the French Constituent Assembly election for the French India seat, running as a candidate for the Social Democratic Union. His victory was decisive, garnering 22,171 votes, which constituted a strong 46.8% of the total. This achievement underscored his standing and popularity within the French Indian community. Within the assembly, Zivarattinam aligned himself with the Democratic and Socialist Resistance (RDS) group, contributing to its legislative efforts. He continued to be a vital member of the Overseas Commission, where he ascended to the position of one of its secretaries, working closely with the esteemed chairman, Lamine Guèye. Furthermore, he lent his legal acumen to the Justice and General Legislation Commission, shaping foundational laws for the emerging republic.

Later Political Engagements and the Call for Integration

However, the political tides turned swiftly. In the June 1946 elections, Zivarattinam faced a surprising defeat. He lost his seat to Lambert Saravane, receiving a mere 18 votes, a stark contrast to his previous electoral triumph. Despite this setback, Zivarattinam remained a prominent figure in Pondicherry's political landscape. As French colonial rule over Pondicherry began its inevitable decline, he emerged as the leader of a political party known as the Town Congress. This party championed a clear and resonant objective: the integration of Pondicherry with newly independent India, a vision that ultimately aligned with the historical trajectory of the region.