Early Life:
Madabhushi Ananthasayanam Ayyangar was born on 4th of February 1891 in Thiruchanur, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. He attended the Devasthana High School, Tirupati and went on to obtain a B.A degree from Pachiappa's College, and a law degree from Madras Law College.
After having begun his career as a Mathematics teacher, Ayyangar joined the legal profession in 1915 and built a law practice. He advocated for Indian judicial reform-argued for the judicial system to be centred on Indian conditions rather than merely importing the British practices.
Role in India’s Independence Movement.
He was deeply involved in the Non-cooperation movement, 1921; individual Satyagraha in 1940 and Quit Indian movement, 1942.
In 1934, he was elected to the Central Legislative Assembly from the Congress Party, a move to influence the British from within the government. In the Legislative Assembly, he was known for his oratory and debating skills; he took part in the proceedings and provided valuable insights on all issues.
Contribution to Constitution Making:
Ayyangar was elected to the Assembly from Madras province on a Congress Party ticket. In the Assembly, he actively participated in the debates and intervened in issues ranging from fundamental rights of arrested and detained persons, to the Supreme Court.
Later Contributions:
Ayyangar was appointed as the Deputy Speaker between 1952 to 1956 and thereafter as the Speaker of Lok Sabha from 8th March 1956 to 16th April 1962.
He held various positions including Delegate, Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, Ottawa, 1952; Chairman, Railway Convention Committee, 1954; Governor of Bihar between 1962 and 1967.
He passed away in 1978.
Key Writings:
His writings include 'Our Parliament and Indian Culture and Religious Thought'.
Member, Steering Committee.