Who Is M Kaliyammal? Irula Tribal Woman Joins TN Bar Association

The 30-year-old M Kaliyammal, an Irula tribal woman, became the first-ever tribal woman from the Koppanari settlement in Coimbatore’s Anaikatti Hills. Tamil Nadu Bar Association announced its latest enrollment list, and her name was on it putting a full stop to her struggles.

After waging a battle against the hurdles of being born into one of the most backward communities, she became the first-ever tribal woman from Anaikatti to wear the black robe.

M Kaliyammal is born to Maruthan and Aantichi, both coolie workers. She is the first learner, so education was never an easy pursuit for her. She did her primary schooling up to Class five, at the settlement. Later went to the Government High School at Anaikatti. She walked four km daily to attend school till Class 10. The educational journey became challenging when she enrolled in higher secondary schooling at the Seeliyur Government School near Tholampalayam. The school was 18 km from her hamlet.

Irula tribal Woman Becomes Lawyer

Distance, money, and other resources created a barrier. However, with the support of several good Samaritans over the years, she could make it. They assisted her to enroll for BA in Economics at the Government Arts College in Coimbatore. Also, in 2014 helped her apply for LLB, a course that she was aspiring to pursue it for her people.

Kaliyammal stated to TNIE that When I was in Class 7, an advocate often used to come to our hamlet and used to interact with us. He provided us with legal aid. At that moment I decided to pursue law to guide my people with basic rights.

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For Kaliyammal challenges never ended, her father got paralysed right after she entered the LLB course. Kaliyammal's father couldn't work and hence the family survived on the mother’s wages and thanks to volunteers’ support that they received. Kaliyammal is grateful to a nurse working in her village, volunteers, and teachers at the Government Arts College for their constant support.

K Kalaiyarasan, secretary of the Coimbatore Bar Association applauded her. He pointed out that hardly two advocates from tribal communities are practising in Coimbatore. This will add to the strength.

Students from tribal communities rarely pursue a law degree. When M Kaliyammal becomes one, this brings hope to the community and indicates a change in society. More people from tribal communities should choose the career of a lawyer because tribes are usually framed under crimes they never committed. Kaliyammal now plans to practise law, either at the Coimbatore or Mettupalayam Court.