January 3, 2026, marks the centenary of birth of Shri T.S. Sankaran (1926–2012), a towering figure in Indian public life, a champion of workers and the marginalised, and the founder president of Lok Raj Sangathan (LRS). On this occasion, we remember not only a remarkable individual, but also the enduring values he lived by: justice, dignity, equality, and the right of every person to participate meaningfully in shaping society and governance.
Born in Taruvai village in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, Sankaran’s early brilliance led him to study Physics at Presidency College, Allahabad. Though he was a gold medallist and gifted academic, he chose to enter the Indian Administrative Service in 1950. Over his long and distinguished career, he held important positions in both the Tamil Nadu state government and the central government. He served as Labour Commissioner, Chairman of SIPCOT, First Member of the Board of Revenue in Tamil Nadu, and as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Labour in Delhi. He was a key contributor to labour policy and legislation in India and handled several sensitive events with fairness and clarity.
Even after retirement, he remained deeply committed to public life and the cause of workers. He advised movements, chaired expert committees, and mentored many young activists, trade unionists, researchers and policymakers. He was admired for his clarity, humility, warmth and willingness to help all who approached him.
It was after retirement that Shri Sankaran helped found Lok Raj Sangathan, along with organisations working for people’ empowerment and stawarts such as Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, Prof. Rajni Kothari and others. He believed that political power must be brought into the hands of the people—not just through voting, but through a transformation of the system itself. As President and later Honorary Chairperson of LRS, he helped shape the vision of a political process where people are not passive subjects but active decision-makers. In one of his most widely remembered speeches at the founding of the Committee for People’s Empowerment in 1993, he observed that the existing political process excludes the majority of people, and that it is the people themselves who must take charge of the changes needed to control their destiny. These were not rhetorical statements, but the beliefs of a man who spent a lifetime working to democratise administration, lawmaking, and participation in governance.
Shri Sankaran was known not only for his intellect and insight, but for his deep humanity. To the thousands who knew him, he was simply “Mama” — someone who listened, encouraged, advised, and stood by people in their struggles. His phenomenal memory, wide-ranging knowledge, and love for Tamil language and culture made every interaction with him rich and inspiring. His sense of humour and personal simplicity touched all who met him.
His life’s work continues in the campaigns and convictions of Lok Raj Sangathan and in the hearts of workers, organisers, and students across the country. On this 100th anniversary, we pay tribute to his enduring legacy and reaffirm our commitment to the cause he gave his life to—the empowerment of the Indian people and the creation of a truly democratic India.
Lok Raj Sangathan
January 3, 2026
