V. M. Obaidullah

V. M. Obaidullah Sahib was an Indian political leader from Tamil Nadu known for his active participation in the Indian independence movement.
Born on 2 May 1905, in Vellore to Madhar Batcha Sahib and Rabiya Basri, he came from a middle-class merchant family involved in the betel-nut trade.

Involvement in the Indian independence movement

In 1920, Obaidullah joined the Khilafat Movement.
Obaidullah served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1952 until his death in 1958. HIs legislation he advanced included advocating for the reopening of the Jalakandeeswarar Temple in Vellore Fort for public worship as well as proposing irrigation initiatives to ensure water supply from the Palar River. Promoting the use of the Gandhi Maidan near the Vellore Fort for public gatherings.

Positions held

Councillor, Vellore Municipal Council
Vice-president and member, North Arcot District Board
President, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee
Member, Provisional Parliament
Rajya Sabha Member

Legacy

Obaidullah died on 21 February 1958, while serving as a Rajya Sabha member. In recognition of his contributions, the V.M. Obaidullah Bus Stand in Vellore was named in his honour. An obituary in the Lok Sabha acknowledged him as a distinguished Tamil orator and a dedicated nationalist who endured significant hardships in the pursuit of India's freedom.