T. Madiah Gowda

Thimmasandra Madiah Gowda (17 March 1896 – 24 May 1971) was an Indian politician. He was elected to the Lok Sabha, the Lower House of the Parliament, from Bangalore south constituency in 1952 as a member of parliament from Indian National Congress. He was also Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Ramanagara between 1962 and 1967.

Education
Madiah Gowda started his educational journey at the Government High School in Channapatna. His academic path led him to the halls of the esteemed Central College in Bengaluru, where he accomplished his graduation in the arts. The thirst for knowledge then led him to ILS Law College in Pune, where he earned his LLB degree. Notably, it's worth mentioning that during his time at ILS Law College, he shared his academic voyage with the later Chief Minister of Karnataka, S Nijalingapa.

Political career
Madiah Gowda was involved in political activities with the Indian National Congress in Ramanagara earlier known as Closepet prior to independence of India. After independence, he was elected as a member of the First Lok Sabha from the Bangalore South constituency in 1952. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka from the Ramanagara constituency in 1962.

Madiah Gowda also served in Mysore Representative Assembly, Mysore Legislative Council, Mysore Constituent Assembly and Mysore Legislative Assembly. He enabled the building of many schools, colleges and hospitals across his constituency and also took part in the development of various agricultural, irrigation and industrial projects.

Posts held


Mr. Gowda entered the legal profession upon earning his law degree. Throughout his career, he served as an advocate for institutions such as the Mysore University Council, University Senate, Secondary Education Board, School Board of Adult Education Council, Rural Development Committees, and Co-operative Societies. He actively participated in seminars focusing on agricultural and experimental union, the Sir M Visvesvaraya Rural Industrialising Scheme, and cottage industries programs. Notably, he was a member of the Ramanagara Municipal Council, Bangalore District Board, and Bangalore Local Education Board.

Assuming the role of President of the Mysore State Adult Education Council in 1947, Mr. Gowda's leadership journey began. Later, he ascended to the position of Vice-President of the Indian Adult Education Association. His involvement extended to roles like District Scouts Commissioner and Chairman of Bangalore Rural District. Additionally, he was a member of the Bangalore District Rural Development Committee.

Adult education council
T. Madiah Gowda's impactful legacy spans eight years as the President of the Adult Education Council of Mysore Presidency, from 1947 to 1955. His dedication and achievements extended even further, as he later assumed the role of Vice President of the All India Adult Education Council, a testament to the recognition of his influential contributions between 1952 and 1955. Throughout his tenure, he dynamically led and orchestrated significant events such as All India Adult Education Council seminars, the South India Literary Workshop, and the South India Adult Education Conference. His leadership extended beyond boundaries as he presided over the All India Adult Education Conference in Delhi.

A visionary with a passion for adult education, T. Madiah Gowda worked alongside distinguished writers, poets, and laureates, channeling their literary brilliance to the masses. Eminent figures like D. V. Gundappa and Kuvempu found their works in his efforts to promote learning among the people. T. Madiah Gowda's influence was particularly felt through the simplified literature versions of Kuvempu's "Janapriya Valmiki Ramayana," "Puttachariya Kaadu Koli," and D. V. Gundappa's "Baligondu Belaku," which he tirelessly championed.

Notably, T. Madiah Gowda's commitment reached beyond national borders. He facilitated an international adult education committee seminar in collaboration with UNESCO, a powerful initiative aimed at raising awareness about the significance of adult education. This impactful conference was meticulously organized, a reflection of his enduring dedication to empowering individuals through education.

In the year 1954 in collaboration with UNESCO and experts of Denmark Adult education experts institutions for staff training centre for adult education was formed in Mysore by Mr T Madiah Gowda.

Participation in Indian freedom movement
Madiah Gowda was inspired by the M K Gandhi and participated in Indian freedom movement. He participated in Shivapura Dhwaja Satyagraha where The tricolour flag was hoisted on 9 April 1938 He was part of organising committee when Gandhi visited Channapatna in 1942.