- +91 72992 29494
- info@tuberbuddy.com
Remembering the lioness leader - A Snippet on The life of J.Jayalitha's journey and struggles
An iconic power leader, and a splendid spectacle on-screen J.Jayalalitha ruled people’s hearts for almost a decade and was loved & revered by her subjects dearly. From rags to riches her story is inspiring for all the women out there to get out og the kitchen and to stand for themselves. And today on her day tuberbuddy shares a snippet on the southern Iron Lady as a tribute.
The Beginning Stage
ayaram Jayalalithaa was born to Vedavalli and Jayaram in a humble family on February 24, 1948 at Mysore, Karnataka. Her mother Vedavalli was an actress. Losing her father at a very young age she witnessed her mother Vedavalli, also known as Sandhya struggle for raising her kids alone. Soon the family shifted to chennai and there began the life of Jayalalitha. An exceptional student, Jayalalithaa excelled in academics, winning a gold state award for her performance in Class 10. Fluent in multiple languages, she initially aspired to be a lawyer, but fate had other plans.
A Rising Star
Her debut in Tamil cinema at just 16 alongside M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) marked the beginning of an illustrious film career. She starred in over 140 films across Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada industries, becoming one of the most sought-after actresses of her time. But cinema was only a stepping stone for what was to come.
Guided by MGR, the AIADMK founder and then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa entered politics in 1982. But her journey was far from easy. Following MGR’s death in 1987, she faced humiliation, resistance, and opposition within her party. Who could forget the infamous Assembly incident in 1989, where she was physically assaulted and had her saree pulled. But she walked out with her head held high, vowing to return as the Chief Minister—a promise she fulfilled in 1991. Like the Draupadi, she emerged from the shame and became the woman that stood high above them all.
Battles, Betrayals, and Triumphs - A Revolutionary for People
Jayalalithaa’s tenure as Chief Minister was marked by both adulation and controversies. She championed numerous welfare schemes for the people, introducing initiatives like the cradle baby scheme to combat female infanticide and the famous Amma canteens, ensuring food for the poor at minimal cost. Under her leadership, Tamil Nadu became one of the most industrially developed states in India. In her own words:
“My life is an open book. I have nothing to hide. My people know my struggles, and they stand by me.”
However, her political career was fraught with challenges. She faced multiple legal battles, imprisonment, and betrayals from those she trusted. Yet, like a phoenix, she always rose.
The Icon of People’s heart
“மக்களால் நான் மக்களுக்காக நான்”
Despite her stern political stance, she was deeply loved by her people. Her schemes like offering free laptops for students, gold for brides from poor families, and subsidized medicines and no they weren’t mere political strategies; they were lifelines for many. Jayalalithaa’s connection with her supporters was beyond politics; it was devotion.
She became Amma – The mother of her subjects.
The Final Bow
Her last tenure from 2016 was short-lived as she fell ill and was hospitalized in September. On December 5, 2016, Amma bid farewell to the world, leaving behind a legacy that still echoes in Tamil Nadu’s political corridors.
A Legacy Unmatched
From being the first female leader of the opposition in Tamil Nadu to breaking the shackles of male-dominated politics, Jayalalithaa proved that courage and intelligence can triumph over adversity. Her words still inspire:
"Politics can do without women. And they tried really hard to make it happen without women."
This statement reflects her awareness of the gender biases in politics and her determination to overcome them. Today, even years after her passing, Amma lives on—not just in statues and party symbols but in the hearts of those who still whisper her name with reverence. A lioness may rest, but her roar remains eternal.