Gandhian Kaumudi Teacher – A symbol of renunciation

Gandhian Kaumudi Teacher – A symbol of renunciation

Kaumudi teacher was a Gandhian and an Indian freedom fighter from Kannur, Kerala. She was known for voluntarily donating her ornaments to Gandhi when the latter visited Vatakara in 14 January 1934 which was acknowledged by Gandhi when he wrote an article “Kaumudi’s renunciation” in Young India.

Kaumadi Teacher was born in the royal family of Kadathanad to A K Ramavarma Raja and Devaki Kettilamma on May 17, 1917. She later began to take interest in the India freedom struggle and pledged to not wear ornaments after her act of renunciation for the cause of Harijans in 1934,   studied Hindi and got appointed as the first Hindi teacher in Malabar, at the Government Girls High School. A disciple of Vinobha Bhave, she had also been associated with the Bhoodhan Movement.

When Gandhiji visited Vadakara in 1934 for raising Harijan Welfare Fund, she donated all her gold ornaments to Gandhiji for this fund. Gandhiji was impressed by her commitment and courage. In the autograph, Gandhiji wrote “Tumhara Tyag Tumhara Bhooshan Hai”. She was 15 years old when she donated her ornaments for the welfare of Harijans. Subsequently, she joined in the freedom struggle and participated in all the agitations for freedom in Malabar. Though she was born in a high caste royal family, she participated in the inter-caste dining organized in Koyilandy under the auspicious of Kasturba Gandhi. She worked as a teacher in Hindi since 1938 in various schools in Malabar. After retirement, she joined in the Bhoodan Movement of Acharya Vinoba Bhave in Kerala. Kaumadi Teacher died on 4 August 2009. She remained unmarried and has been honoured by various Gandhian organizations.

This special cover issued on 21-11-2022.