Honoring Lakshmana Swami Mudaliar: A Tribute to His Impact at Farook College

Abstract

Sir Arcot Lakshmanaswami Mudaliar was an Indian educationist, Physician, Vice Chancellor of longest period in Madras University and Chairman of the Mudaliar Education commission. Born on October 14, 1887, in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, was an influential figure in Indian education and public health. He was the younger twin brother of Sir Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar, a notable lawyer and politician. After excelling in his studies at Madras Christian College and Madras Medical College, Lakshmanaswami Mudaliar joined the faculty at Madras Medical College, eventually becoming its Principal and modernizing its curriculum. In 1936, he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Madras University, a position he held for 27 years, during which he supported the establishment of Farook College in Malabar, often referred to as the 'Aligarh of South India.' Farook College, founded in 1948, played a crucial role in empowering Kerala Muslims, offering extensive educational opportunities and promoting social reform. Maulavi Abussabah Ahmed Ali, the founder of Rouzathul Uloom Arabic College and a prominent social reformer, significantly contributed to the college's development. The college honors his legacy through the naming of a hostel founded in 1960 as"A.L.M." in his memory. His sympathy and generosity helped a great deal in the establishment and growth of the College. Mudaliar's tenure saw significant improvements in the university's academic standards, infrastructure, and student welfare.