Valampuri John (14 October 1946 – 08 May 2005) born in Uvari village in Tirunelveli district, was a Tamil writer, orator and former Rajya Sabha member of India.
Politcal Career
Valampuri John started his career as a lawyer and activist of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Later, he joined the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). He also associated himself with the erstwhile Tamil Maanila Congress founded by the late G.K. Moopanar in 1996. He had authored several books on different subjects including literature, politics and Siddha medicine.
He was elected to Rajya Sabha in 1974 and 1984. He became a member of the then Legislative Council in 1983.
Rajya Sabha Election History Position Party Constituency From To Tenure Note Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha(1st Term) Tamil Nadu 3 April1974 2 April1980 * Disqualified on 14 October 1974 on Age Criteria. Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha(2nd Term) 3 April1984 2 April1990 --
Personal life
Valampuri John was born to Devasagayam Fernando (Father) & Viyakulam (Mother).He had a elder brother Albert and a younger brother Mohan..He married Marybanu and had four daughters,one son (Prabhu).
Though he experienced many ups and downs throughout his life, he was has officially declared bankrupt by the Madras High Court after he failed to repay a Rs. 12.28 lakh debt owed to another person.
Education
He did his primary schooling in his native Uvari and moved to St. Xavier's High School, Palayamkottai for his higher secrondary education. Completed his under graduate and Master of Public Administration in St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai. He moved to chennai to pursue Master of Laws in Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College, Chennai (1972-1973).
In 1992 he completed his dissertation Prof.Ruthnaswamy - A Parliamentarian in Pachaiyappa's College for D.Litt and his PhD for Economic Empowerment.
Film Career
Valampuri John also tried his hand in the film industry. Utilizing his writing talent, he had a few opportunities to write songs and dialogue for Tamil films.Songs associated with him include lyrics connected with films such as Varaprasadham(1976),Priyamudan Prabhu (1984), Poruthathu Pothum (1989), Gnana Paravai (1991),Paththini (1997).He was also dialogue writer for 1988 film Sudhanthira Naattin Adimaigal.Venturing into filmmaking with no prior experience, he took on the roles of director and producer for the 1988 movie Adhu Antha Kaalam. The film failed at the box office, leaving Valampuri John in financial trouble.
Magazine career
Valampuri John worked as editor "Thaaii", a Tamil periodical, launched by the late Chief Minister, M. G. Ramachandran. He also wrote articles in several Newspaper & Magazines.
Books
Vanakkam - Talks about his working experience between MGR, Jayalalitha Nayagam Engal Thayagam - 1995.
Death
Valampuri John died in a Private Hospital,Chennai on 08 May 2005, at the age of 59.
Awards & Recognition
Kalaimamani award S. P. Adithanar Literary Award
See also List of Rajya Sabha members from Tamil Nadu
References
External links