V. Subbiah and the Labour Movement in French India: Struggle for Workers' Rights and Nationalism

Summary

V. Subbiah emerged as a prominent labour leader in French India, particularly Pondicherry, during the early 20th century. Born in 1942, he was deeply influenced by Marxist literature and the writings of Indian nationalists like Mahatma Gandhi, Lokmanya Tilak, and Jawaharlal Nehru. Subbiah organized the working class, which constituted a significant portion of Pondicherry's population, to fight against exploitative French colonial rule. He established trade unions, including the Labour Protection League in Madras and committees in Pondicherry, despite facing severe repression from the French administration. His efforts led to the formation of the first trade union in Pondicherry in 1934. Subbiah also launched the Tamil journal *Swathanthiram* in 1934 to spread nationalist ideas among workers. In 1936, he organized a historic Labour Conference in Perambai, South Arcot, after the French banned it in Pondicherry. The conference passed resolutions demanding workers' rights, which were later sent to French trade unions. A major turning point came in July 1936 when a general strike by textile workers turned violent, resulting in the French police opening fire and killing 12 workers. This incident galvanized public support against French rule. Subbiah sought international support, including from Nehru, who visited Pondicherry and condemned the French actions. Following Nehru's intervention, the French government introduced the Trade Union Act in 1937, granting workers an eight-hour workday, paid leave, and the right to form unions. Subbiah's relentless efforts also led to the establishment of workers' unions, libraries, and educational centers across Pondicherry, fostering political consciousness and solidarity among the working class. His leadership played a pivotal role in transforming the socio-economic conditions of workers in French India.