A nonagenarian from Virudhunagar on a mission to spread Gandhi’s message

A. Pitchai. | Photo Credit: S.R. Raghunathan Middle-aged persons may be contemplating taking early retirement from their work, but in Tamil Nadu, a nonagenarian from Virudhunagar district is not only physically and mentally active but also continues to write Tamil articles and launch books.By contributing articles to Tamil journals, A. Pitchai, 91, has been spreading the importance and relevance of Gandhian thought since his retirement from service in the State government. Recently, he brought out a Tamil book on Gandhian philosophy, a subject that is dear to his heart. He is working on yet another book on the topic.Born in February 1935, Mr. Pitchai, who was the first Director of the State government’s exclusive unit for the welfare of persons with disabilities after it was separated from the Directorate of Social Welfare in 1992, received a Ph.D. from the University of Madras, at the age of 70, for his study on Tamil Nadu’s experiences in rehabilitation management of persons with disabilities. A recipient of the State government’s “best social worker award,” the scholar of Gandhian philosophy has been serving, in his individual capacity, persons with disabilities through an organisation (Speaker Chellapandian Charitable Trust) instituted in memory of his father-in-law.His latest book, ‘Gandhi Ennum Aarparithaadum Sol’, published by Sandhya Publications, contains articles carried by Tamil newspaper Dinamani between September 2021 and January 2026. Recalling Gandhi’s momentous decision in Madurai to change his attire to a simple dhoti and shawl from the elaborate Gujarati attire on September 22, 1921, the author suggested that the day be observed as a ‘day of simplicity’ and that the Tamil Nadu government organise an event to mark the occasion.Another piece talks of Gandhi’s favourite devotional song, Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye, and its composer, Narsinh Mehta of Gujarat. One of the articles, published in November 2022, captures the plight of the Porbandar house where Gandhi was born, and calls for the early reopening of the structure that remained closed ostensibly for repairs. Mr. Pitchai also echoes the concerns of fellow Gandhians over the Gujarat government’s plan to renovate the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and argues that in the name of redevelopment, the spirit and ethos of Gandhian simplicity should not be disturbed but preserved. Published - November 13, 2026 02:55 pm IST