The Tamil Nadu tableau has been displayed in the Chennai Republic Day parade. It has been displayed in all major TN cities for public viewing. Due to Covid restrictions, the number of tableaus was reduced during the parade on Marina. The rich Tamil heritage in the freedom struggle was the theme of this year’s tableau.
The first of the three tableaus depicted the Vellore Sepoy Mutiny in 1806, the first-ever Sepoy Mutiny in Indian history. Also, Rani Velu Nachiyar, the only queen who fought with the British regained her kingdom; Kuyili, a woman soldier who made a suicide attack on the munitions depot of East India Company by setting herself ablaze were part of the first tableau. Also, Veerapandiya Kattabomman who had been a nightmare for the British; Veeran Sundaralingam who was the commander of Veerapandiya Kattambomman’s army; Ondiveeran, who fought alone and destroyed the British forces; Poolithevan, the first in the history of the Indian freedom movement to voice Quit India; Veeran Azhagumuthkon, who opposed paying tax to the British and the Kalaiyar Temple worshipped and patronised by Marudhu Brothers were also depicted in the first tableau.
The second Tableau showcased Mahakavi Bharathiyar, who apart from kindling patriotism in the minds of the people with his fiery patriotic songs and writings, also fought for social liberation and women’s emancipation.
This float also showcases VO Chidambaranar who founded the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company to compete against the British and was charged with sedition by the British Government, sentenced to imprisonment and made to pull oil press. This float also depicts Subramaniya Siva who fought for freedom and reformer Vijayaraghavachariar.
The third float depicted Thanthai Periyar who fought for social reforms, women‟s liberation and for eradicating untouchability; the other leaders from Tamil Nadu who played key roles in the freedom struggle who were depicted in this tableau include Rajaji, Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar, Kamaraj, Rettaimalai Srinivasan, Vanchinathan, Theeran Chinnamalai, Va Ve Su Iyer, Quaid-e-Millet, JC Kumarappa and Kakkan.
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