V. Vasanthi Devi was a sincere and deeply committed educationist and activist who dedicated her life to the cause of children, Scheduled Castes, and marginalised communities.
Highly educated, yet grounded, she never distanced herself from society and worked tirelessly for the uplift of people. Despite her intellectual brilliance, she remained deeply connected with the common people. That connection made all the difference. She was active with Palli Kalvi Pathukappu Iyakkam (movement for saving school education) till her last days.
She strongly opposed the National Education Policy (NEP) and advocated free and equitable education for children. Vasanthi Devi had also pushed for empowerment of school management committees.
She firmly believed that schools, particularly in rural areas, must function with greater autonomy. She ensured that teachers and parents of underprivileged children were part of such committees. Fearless in her convictions, Vasanthi Devi contested a byelection against former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.
Vasanthi Devi was the most active chairperson of the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women. She conducted numerous public hearings and exposed atrocities committed against women and also visited women’s prisons in the State.
