Many doctors may have come across a Monthly Medical Journal “The Antiseptic“. This Journal – A monthly publication of medicine and Surgery, was established in the year 1904, in Madras (now Chennai). This Journal was started by Dr U Rama Rau and Dr TM Nair. Both of them were medical doctors, as well as active politicians in Madras Presidency. Dr U Rama Rau also started another publication “Health” in 1923. Both “The Antiseptic” and “Health” are still in publication. This is one of the least talked about legacy of Dr TM Nair, and many in the medical world may well have forgotten him.
Madhavan Nair was born in 1868, in Taravath family of Madras Presidency. While he secured admission at Madras Medical College, he left the course, and moved to UK to complete his medical degree. By 1896, had completed MB&CM and MD degrees. He returned back to Madras, set up his practice, specializing in ENT.
Eloquent in English, he was an Editor of his Edinburgh University magazine, as well as a public speaker of repute. By 1906 he was elected at a councilor in Madras Corporation, and in 1912 as a member of Madras Legislative Council. As first world war broke out, he volunteered to work on HS Madras, a hospital ship for injured soldiers. t the end of the war he was awarded the Kaiser-i-Hind medal and posthumously the War Service medal.
Till 1917, Dr TM Nair was a member of the Indian National Congress. South Indian Liberal Federation, also known as the Justice Party in collaboration with Sir Pitti Theagaroya Chetty. Between 1917 and 1919, there took place hectic press warfare between Dr TM Nair and Ms Annie Besant. On one hand TM Nair became the champion of the non-Brahmins while Annie Besant was supported by the Brahmin elites. Later Justice party became a foundation for Dravidian Movement in Madras Presidency. Justice Party was also a forebearer of Dravida Kazhagam (DK), which was formed in 1925.
Dr TM Nair became ill, due to Diabetes related complications. He traveled to England in 1918 and 1919 for health as well as political reasons. Many portrayed him to be close to British Colonialists, also because his eloquence in English, and his western attire. Dr Nair died in England on 17 July 1919 at the age of 51.