In a message shared on X, PM Modi said, “On this day, we remember and bow to two great sons of Bharat Mata, Tiruppur Kumaran and Subramaniya Siva. Both hail from the great state of Tamil Nadu and dedicated their lives to India’s independence and awakening a spirit of nationalism.”

Tiruppur Kumaran: A Martyr at 27

Tiruppur Kumaran, popularly known as Kodi Kaththa Kumaran (Kumaran who died holding the flag), became a symbol of youthful bravery in the 1930s. At just 27 years old, he was martyred during a protest march against British colonial rule in 1932. Despite the violent crackdown by colonial forces, Kumaran held on tightly to the national flag, refusing to let it touch the ground even in his final moments.

His courage left an indelible mark on India’s freedom struggle. For generations, Kumaran’s sacrifice has represented the determination and dedication of ordinary young Indians who stood up against colonial oppression. In Tamil Nadu and across the country, he is remembered as an icon of youthful valor and unyielding patriotism.

Subramaniya Siva: A Fearless Voice

Prime Minister Modi also honored Subramaniya Siva, a revolutionary thinker, writer, and activist who played a vital role in inspiring youth during the independence movement. Siva was known for his fiery speeches and fearless writings that encouraged Indians to stand against British rule while fostering cultural pride and self-respect.

Even after enduring repeated imprisonments and suffering greatly under colonial punishment, Siva never wavered from his mission. His unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and his ability to awaken national consciousness through literature and oratory made him a powerful voice of inspiration. Today, his legacy remains alive in Tamil Nadu’s cultural and historical memory, celebrated as a symbol of strength and resilience.

A Message of Unity and Progress

In his tribute, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices of heroes like Kumaran and Siva. He noted, “The efforts of these two greats remain etched in our collective memory, reminding us of the struggles of countless people who fought for our freedom. May their contributions continue to inspire us to work for national development and unity.”

This message serves as a reminder that India’s independence was shaped by the sacrifices of countless individuals across every region of the country. By remembering these regional heroes, the nation highlights the collective strength and unity that made freedom possible.

Inspiring the Youth of Today

The lives of Kumaran and Siva continue to serve as powerful examples for today’s generation. Kumaran’s sacrifice underscores the courage of India’s youth in standing for justice, while Siva’s writings and leadership remind young people of the importance of cultural pride and resilience. Their legacies inspire the idea that patriotism is not only about remembering the past but also about contributing to the nation’s progress in the present.

By honoring Tiruppur Kumaran and Subramaniya Siva on their birth anniversaries, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the nation’s gratitude to its freedom fighters. Their sacrifices remind us that India’s freedom was achieved through the determination and courage of countless individuals who believed in the dream of an independent nation.

Their memory continues to encourage citizens to work together for national development, unity, and self-reliance. As India moves forward, the courage of Kumaran and the vision of Siva remain guiding lights, reminding the country of its rich heritage of sacrifice and its enduring spirit of patriotism.

Being Indian First means embracing the idea that our national interests—security, prosperity, and unity—transcend the boundaries of religion, caste, or creed.

As an Indian Muslim and a counterextremism expert, I often find myself at the crossroads of a question that stirs heated debates: Indian First or Muslim First? This question, as I recently tweeted, is not a casual inquiry but a deliberate probe into whether we, as Indian Muslims, prioritize our national identity and the interests of our country over our religious affiliations. It’s a question rooted in history, shaped by the fault lines of our past, and one that demands an honest reckoning.

My answer is unequivocal: Indian First. Always.

This question isn’t about undermining religious beliefs or pushing for a homogenized cultural identity. It’s about recognizing the undeniable reality that religious identity, particularly Islam, has been a significant factor in some of the most divisive moments in our nation’s history.

In 1947, the creation of Pakistan under Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s leadership was driven by the idea that Muslims needed a separate homeland. The partition that followed tore apart the fabric of a united India, leaving scars that still ache. Later, in 1971, the birth of Bangladesh further fragmented the subcontinent.

And in Kashmir, decades of insurgency have been fueled, in part, by the interplay of religious identity and separatist ambitions. These events weren’t merely political—they were seismic shifts where religious identity was weaponized to balkanize our great nation.

Let me be clear: acknowledging this history doesn’t mean vilifying Islam or questioning the faith of millions of Indian Muslims. It means confronting the ways in which religious identity has, at times, been manipulated to prioritize “biradari”—our brethren—over the nation.

This manipulation isn’t unique to Islam; it’s a tactic used across communities to sow division. But as Indian Muslims, we must ask ourselves: can we allow our religious identity to supersede our loyalty to the nation that nurtures us, protects us, and gives us a shared future?

Choosing “Indian First” doesn’t mean abandoning our faith. I am a proud Muslim, and my religious beliefs guide my values and my sense of purpose. But faith is personal—it’s a compass for the soul, not a blueprint for national policy.

When we prioritize our religious identity over our national one, we risk falling into the trap of exclusionary thinking, where “us” versus “them” becomes the lens through which we see the world. That mindset fuels mistrust, alienates communities, and weakens the pluralistic ethos that makes India unique.

Being Indian First means embracing the idea that our national interests—security, prosperity, and unity—transcend the boundaries of religion, caste, or creed. It means recognizing that the progress of our nation benefits us all, regardless of our personal beliefs. It’s about standing firm against any ideology, whether rooted in religion or otherwise, that seeks to divide us. This choice doesn’t dilute our identity as Muslims; it strengthens our role as stakeholders in India’s future.

The question of “Indian First or Muslim First?” also carries a broader lesson for all Indians. In a country as diverse as ours, every community faces moments where loyalty to a subgroup—whether religious, linguistic, or regional—can clash with the greater good. The answer lies in choosing the nation over narrower affiliations, not because we must erase our differences, but because our differences thrive best under the umbrella of a united India.

My work has taught me that extremism often begins with the elevation of one identity over others, creating a hierarchy of loyalty that erodes shared purpose. In India, we have the chance to reject that path. We can build a future where our diversity is our strength, not our fault line.

So, when asked, I say: Indian First. Always. Not because I love my faith any less, but because I love my country enough to know that its unity is our greatest asset. Let’s choose a nation that stands tall, not one divided by the echoes of 1947. Let’s choose India—together.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not reflect Milli Chronicle’s point-of-view.