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{{Short description|Indian social activist (1934–2021)}} |
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{{redirect|Traffic Ramasamy|the film|Traffic Ramasamy (film)}} |
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{{Use Indian English|date=September 2016}} |
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2016}} |
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{{Infobox person |
{{Infobox person |
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| caption = |
| caption = |
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| birth_name = K. R. Ramaswamy |
| birth_name = K. R. Ramaswamy |
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| birth_date = |
| birth_date = 1 April 1934 |
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| birth_place = [[Tamil Nadu]] |
| birth_place = [[Tamil Nadu]] |
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| death_date = |
| death_date = 4 May 2021 (aged 87) |
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| death_place = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]] |
| death_place = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]] |
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| nationality = |
| nationality = Indian |
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| other_names = Sampath, Traffic Ramaswamy |
| other_names = Sampath, Traffic Ramaswamy |
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| occupation = |
| occupation = |
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| years_active = |
| years_active = unknown–2021 |
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| known_for = |
| known_for = Issuing cases against injustice |
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| notable_works = |
| notable_works = |
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}} |
}} |
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'''K. R. Ramaswamy'''<ref>{{Cite web|date= |
'''K. R. Ramaswamy'''<ref>{{Cite web|date=16 September 2019|title='Will ensure those who put illegal banners are sent to jail': 'Traffic' Ramaswamy to TNM|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/will-ensure-those-who-put-illegal-banners-are-sent-jail-traffic-ramaswamy-tnm-108972|access-date=4 May 2021|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref> (1 April 1934 – 4 May 2021), referred to by the media as '''Traffic Ramaswamy''', was an Indian public interest litigator and social activist from [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]]. He was a mill worker, a founder member of [[Tamil Nadu]]'s Home Guard, and a self-appointed traffic policeman.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/traffic-ramaswamy-dies-in-chennai/articleshow/82391186.cms | title=Traffic Ramaswamy dies in Chennai | publisher=[[The Times of India]] | work=A Subramani & Pushpa Narayan | date=4 May 2021 | accessdate=5 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/traffic-ramaswamy-man-who-fought-people-s-rights-passes-away-chennai-148320 | title='Traffic' Ramaswamy, the man who fought for people's rights, passes away in Chennai | publisher=The NewsMinute | date=4 May 2021 | accessdate=5 May 2021}}</ref> |
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==Activism== |
==Activism== |
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Much of his activism relates to regulating traffic in Chennai and filing |
Much of his activism relates to regulating traffic in Chennai and filing public interest lawsuits in court.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.echarcha.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32297|title=One man army : Traffic Ramaswamy|last=|first=|date=24 July 2009|website=eCharcha.Com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402113505/http://www.echarcha.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32297|archive-date=2 April 2015|access-date=17 September 2019}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=May 2021}} Initially he started unofficially directing traffic at the city's busy [[Parrys Corner]].<ref name ="Chennai Best">''Chennai Best''</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=May 2021}}{{unreliable source?|date=May 2021}} The local police were pleased with his efforts and provided him with an official identity card.<ref name ="Chennai Best"/>{{unreliable source?|date=May 2021}} He acquired the nickname ''Traffic'' Ramaswamy after that.<ref name ="Chennai Best"/>{{unreliable source?|date=May 2021}} |
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He has brought many public interest lawsuits in the [[Madras High Court]] as well as [[Supreme Court of India]].<ref name ="Chennai Best"/> In 2007, he was attacked by his opponents' lawyers on the steps of the courthouse.<ref name ="Chennai Best"/> This was not the first time, he has been attacked: in 2002, he was assaulted by fish sellers |
He has brought many public interest lawsuits in the [[Madras High Court]] as well as [[Supreme Court of India]].<ref name ="Chennai Best"/> In 2007, he was attacked by his opponents' lawyers on the steps of the courthouse.<ref name ="Chennai Best"/> This was not the first time, he has been attacked: in 2002, he was assaulted by fish sellers after he obtained a ban on the use of motorized fish carts. His family later disowned him.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Shunned by family, a man vows to continue his drive for better traffic|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/Shunned-by-family-man-vows-to-continue-his-drive-for-better-traffic/articleshow/15660458.cms|access-date=4 May 2021|website=Mumbai Mirror|language=en}}</ref> He has also had his office ransacked and papers were stolen.<ref>{{Cite web|date=29 November 2006|title=Chennai loves this traffic stopper with a cause|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/chennai-loves-this-traffic-stopper-with-a-cause/story-6SY0Hs7aTjtFRGrGh8SZXJ.html|access-date=4 May 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> However, helped by donations from friends and public he claimed he would ''continue his fight'' to make ''Chennai the most livable and lovable city'',<ref name ="Chennai Best"/> his Advocate Mr. S. Ganesan helping him to file PIL case from 2007.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}} |
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His activism |
His activism has resulted in the demolition of many illegally constructed buildings in Chennai, restrictions on motorized fish carts, decongestion of major bus routes by banning [[auto rickshaws]] from them, and a review of lavish state funding for a feature film (arguing the money could be more properly used for development work).{{citation needed|date=May 2021}} He was accompanied day and night by an armed police bodyguard appointed by the Madras High Court.<ref>{{Cite web|date=21 March 2015|title=Traffic Ramaswamy - one man in Chennai everyone needs to know about|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/traffic-Ramaswamy-one-man-in-chennai-everyone-needs-to-know-about|access-date=4 May 2021|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref> |
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His work in the removal and banning of illegally placed hoardings received renewed public interest in September 2019 following the |
His work in the removal and banning of illegally placed hoardings received renewed public interest in September 2019 following the traffic death of Chennai-based engineer Subasri.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/onus-is-on-police-not-politicians-to-crack-down-on-illegal-hoardings/article29426162.ece|title=Onus is on police, not politicians, to crack down on illegal hoardings: 'Traffic' Ramaswamy|last=Jesudasan|first=Dennis S.|date=16 September 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=17 September 2019|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/i-refuse-to-accept-that-my-daughters-death-was-an-accident/article29434821.ece|title=I refuse to accept that my daughter's death was an accident: Subasri's father|last=Poorvaja|first=S.|date=17 September 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=17 September 2019|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> She had been traveling on her two-wheeler when an illegally placed banner of the [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] fell from a height of approximately 15 feet directly in front of her two-wheeler causing her to lose control and fall to the ground and be crushed by a water tanker lorry coming from behind her which was unable to halt in time.<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 September 2019|title=23-yr-old Chennai techie Subhasri killed after AIADMK leader's hoarding turns death trap|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/23-yr-old-chennai-techie-subhasri-killed-after-aiadmk-leaders-hoarding-turns-death-trap|access-date=4 May 2021|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref> |
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==Death== |
==Death== |
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On May |
On 4 May 2021, Ramaswamy died in Chennai at the age of 87.<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 May 2021|title='Traffic' Ramaswamy, the man who fought for people's rights, passes away in Chennai|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/traffic-ramaswamy-man-who-fought-people-s-rights-passes-away-chennai-148320|access-date=4 May 2021|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref> |
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His death was reported to be due to battling complications of [[COVID-19]] at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai.<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 May 2021|title='Traffic' Ramaswamy dies due to Covid-19 at 87|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/traffic-ramaswamy-dies-due-to-covid-19-at-87-101620155539826.html|access-date=5 May 2021|website= Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> |
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==Popular culture== |
==Popular culture== |
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A biopic titled ''[[Traffic Ramasamy (film)|Traffic Ramasamy]]'' on the life of Traffic Ramaswamy was directed by debutant Vicky in which father of [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] and |
A biopic titled ''[[Traffic Ramasamy (film)|Traffic Ramasamy]]'' on the life of Traffic Ramaswamy was directed by debutant Vicky in which the father of [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] and director [[S. A. Chandrasekhar]] had played the titular role.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/241217/its-a-big-honour-to-be-a-part-of-the-traffic-ramasamy-biopic-prakash-raj.html|title=It's a big honour to be a part of the 'Traffic' Ramasamy biopic: Prakash Raj|last=Subramanian|first=Anupama|date=24 December 2017|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|access-date=17 September 2019}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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== |
== External links == |
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*[http://www.chennaibest.com/timepass/Batteling4cause.asp ''Chennai Best'', "Battling for the Cause of Chennai Citizens"] Retrieved: 9 July 2007 |
*[http://www.chennaibest.com/timepass/Batteling4cause.asp ''Chennai Best'', "Battling for the Cause of Chennai Citizens"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517054035/http://www.chennaibest.com/timepass/Batteling4cause.asp |date=17 May 2015 }} Retrieved: 9 July 2007 {{unreliable source?|date=May 2021}} |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071001062611/http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/27/stories/2006112714300400.htm ''The Hindu'', 27 Nov 2006 Online edition of India's National Newspaper] Retrieved: 10 July 2007 |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071001062611/http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/27/stories/2006112714300400.htm ''The Hindu'', 27 Nov 2006 Online edition of India's National Newspaper] Retrieved: 10 July 2007 |
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*[http://www.ibnlive.com/news/this-73yrold-is-largest-pil-filer/31852-3.html ''IBN Live'',, 23 January 2007, "This 73-yr-old is largest PIL filer"] |
*[http://www.ibnlive.com/news/this-73yrold-is-largest-pil-filer/31852-3.html ''IBN Live'',, 23 January 2007, "This 73-yr-old is largest PIL filer"] |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Ramaswamy, Traffic}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ramaswamy, Traffic}} |
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[[Category:People from Chennai]] |
[[Category:People from Chennai]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:2021 deaths]] |
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[[Category:Activists from Tamil Nadu]] |
[[Category:Activists from Tamil Nadu]] |
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[[Category:1934 births]] |
[[Category:1934 births]] |
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[[Category:Deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic in India]] |
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Latest revision as of 20:03, 5 June 2024
Traffic Ramaswamy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | K. R. Ramaswamy 1 April 1934 |
| Died | 4 May 2021 (aged 87) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Other names | Sampath, Traffic Ramaswamy |
| Years active | unknown–2021 |
| Known for | Issuing cases against injustice |
K. R. Ramaswamy[1] (1 April 1934 – 4 May 2021), referred to by the media as Traffic Ramaswamy, was an Indian public interest litigator and social activist from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He was a mill worker, a founder member of Tamil Nadu's Home Guard, and a self-appointed traffic policeman.[2][3]
Activism
[edit]Much of his activism relates to regulating traffic in Chennai and filing public interest lawsuits in court.[4][unreliable source?] Initially he started unofficially directing traffic at the city's busy Parrys Corner.[5][unreliable source?][unreliable source?] The local police were pleased with his efforts and provided him with an official identity card.[5][unreliable source?] He acquired the nickname Traffic Ramaswamy after that.[5][unreliable source?]
He has brought many public interest lawsuits in the Madras High Court as well as Supreme Court of India.[5] In 2007, he was attacked by his opponents' lawyers on the steps of the courthouse.[5] This was not the first time, he has been attacked: in 2002, he was assaulted by fish sellers after he obtained a ban on the use of motorized fish carts. His family later disowned him.[6] He has also had his office ransacked and papers were stolen.[7] However, helped by donations from friends and public he claimed he would continue his fight to make Chennai the most livable and lovable city,[5] his Advocate Mr. S. Ganesan helping him to file PIL case from 2007.[citation needed]
His activism has resulted in the demolition of many illegally constructed buildings in Chennai, restrictions on motorized fish carts, decongestion of major bus routes by banning auto rickshaws from them, and a review of lavish state funding for a feature film (arguing the money could be more properly used for development work).[citation needed] He was accompanied day and night by an armed police bodyguard appointed by the Madras High Court.[8]
His work in the removal and banning of illegally placed hoardings received renewed public interest in September 2019 following the traffic death of Chennai-based engineer Subasri.[9][10] She had been traveling on her two-wheeler when an illegally placed banner of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam fell from a height of approximately 15 feet directly in front of her two-wheeler causing her to lose control and fall to the ground and be crushed by a water tanker lorry coming from behind her which was unable to halt in time.[11]
Death
[edit]On 4 May 2021, Ramaswamy died in Chennai at the age of 87.[12]
His death was reported to be due to battling complications of COVID-19 at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai.[13]
Popular culture
[edit]A biopic titled Traffic Ramasamy on the life of Traffic Ramaswamy was directed by debutant Vicky in which the father of Vijay and director S. A. Chandrasekhar had played the titular role.[14]
References
[edit]- ^ "'Will ensure those who put illegal banners are sent to jail': 'Traffic' Ramaswamy to TNM". The News Minute. 16 September 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
- ^ "Traffic Ramaswamy dies in Chennai". A Subramani & Pushpa Narayan. The Times of India. 4 May 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
- ^ "'Traffic' Ramaswamy, the man who fought for people's rights, passes away in Chennai". The NewsMinute. 4 May 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
- ^ "One man army : Traffic Ramaswamy". eCharcha.Com. 24 July 2009. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f Chennai Best
- ^ "Shunned by family, a man vows to continue his drive for better traffic". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
- ^ "Chennai loves this traffic stopper with a cause". Hindustan Times. 29 November 2006. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
- ^ "Traffic Ramaswamy - one man in Chennai everyone needs to know about". The News Minute. 21 March 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
- ^ Jesudasan, Dennis S. (16 September 2019). "Onus is on police, not politicians, to crack down on illegal hoardings: 'Traffic' Ramaswamy". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ Poorvaja, S. (17 September 2019). "I refuse to accept that my daughter's death was an accident: Subasri's father". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "23-yr-old Chennai techie Subhasri killed after AIADMK leader's hoarding turns death trap". The News Minute. 12 September 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
- ^ "'Traffic' Ramaswamy, the man who fought for people's rights, passes away in Chennai". The News Minute. 4 May 2021. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
- ^ "'Traffic' Ramaswamy dies due to Covid-19 at 87". Hindustan Times. 5 May 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
- ^ Subramanian, Anupama (24 December 2017). "It's a big honour to be a part of the 'Traffic' Ramasamy biopic: Prakash Raj". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
External links
[edit]- Chennai Best, "Battling for the Cause of Chennai Citizens" Archived 17 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved: 9 July 2007 [unreliable source?]
- The Hindu, 27 Nov 2006 Online edition of India's National Newspaper Retrieved: 10 July 2007
- IBN Live,, 23 January 2007, "This 73-yr-old is largest PIL filer"
