Manakkal Sundaralingam Iyer Narayanan

Manakkal Sundaralingam Iyer Narayanan
File:Narayanan, Manakkal Sundaralingam Iyer.jpg
Residence	Assistant Engineer, PWD Tavoy, Burma
Occupation	engineer
Society Membership membership ordinary fellow elected_AI 1925.05.19

Notes

House Notes

1925.04.21 proposed by C.G. Seligman, seconded by F.J. Richards

Notes From Elsewhere

Mannakal Sundaralingam Narayanan B.E. M.E. (h.), (b.) was appointed to the service on October 31, 1919, promoted to his present grade on February 1, 1921, Stationed in Tavoy, (South Subdn, Tavoy Dn.) [There’s a handy list of abbreviations at the front of these records. My grandfather had a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in engineering and passed an examination in Hindustani and Burmese, but at a lower standard than if he had a capital H. and B. next to his name ]

The 1921 file lists his name as M.S. Narayanan (had I started here, perhaps it would be have been easier to recognize, but it was an amazing feeling to discover the words Manakkal Sundaralingam). In 1921, he was stationed in Rangoon in the Lighthouse Subdivision. From 1920-1933 he was at the same grade which earned 300 to 800 Rs a month. ......

I learned that from July 1929- August 1930, my grandfather took a 13 month leave of absence. Part of it was paid (A.P.- Average Pay), then H.P. (half pay), then unpaid. There were other leaves noted during his service, but none of this length. What did he do? Where did he go?

My father told me that my grandfather met Gandhi in Burma and that is when he decided to quit the British, give up his worldly possessions, and move to India to join the Freedom Movement. Gandhi visited Burma in March of 1929. At that time, my grandfather’s record said he was stationed in Rangoon “On Foreign Service under the Governing Body of the University College, Rgn.” Did he hear Gandhi speak at the University? Was my grandfather’s leave of absence influenced by this visit?

He returned to his post in 1930. Then in the first quarter of 1934, he is listed on leave until February 17 1934. The abbreviation “P.R.” is noted in the remarks. (Permitted to Resign) I am wondering if I can locate a copy of this resignation letter. A document that signifies his shift from engineer to activist; from civil servant to freedom fighter.

I am almost done making may way through these lists and envision converting my spreadsheet into a detailed timeline and map, marking his time and work in Toungoo, Rangoon, Akyab, Nyaunglebi, Palaw, Tavoy, Myitkyina, Tadagale Katha and Shwebo. I’m also pouring over scholarly records of this time period about Indians in Burma, about Gandhi’s speeches, about lighthouses, etc. to add more context. [blog by SANGAMITHRA]