Katharbatcha Muthuramalingam, the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing the Ramanathapuram constituency, recently provided insights into the origins of his distinctive name. The name, which combines Muslim and Hindu elements, has reportedly garnered public interest and was the inspiration for a Tamil film.
Muthuramalingam, who also serves as the secretary of the DMK’s Ramanathapuram district unit, explained that the 'Katharbatcha' component has been a family name for three generations. He clarified that his grandmother, Meerakkal, was a cousin of Indirani, the mother of the late Forward Bloc leader Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar. The MLA further detailed that Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar developed a strong affinity for Muslims, having been raised by a Muslim wet nurse, Santha Beevi, following his mother's death. The family later incorporated 'Vellaisamy Devar,' the name of Muthuramalinga Thevar’s grandfather, into their lineage. Muthuramalingam additionally noted Ramanathapuram’s historical significance as a region known for fostering Hindu–Muslim harmony, referencing historical figures like philanthropist Seethakathi and ruler Kizhavan Sethupathy.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/katharbatcha-muthuramalingam-syncretic-name-of-an-mla-in-tamil-nadu/article70317504.ece