This is the story that proves humanity is still alive. Meet advocate V Akathiyan who visited Vayaloor village in Tiruvannamalai district and helped nearly 30 tribal families belonging to the Kattunayakkan tribal community obtain their caste certificates which were long pending. Until the lawyer’s intervention, a piece of paper stood between a young man and his dream of securing a government job. For years, his family and other tribal households had approached government officials, submitting petitions in the hope of obtaining community certificates.The documents were important for getting educational opportunities and employment benefits.In 2022, Akathiyan came to the village and helped them. Among those who received the document was M Manikandan, a young man preparing for competitive examinations. Three years later, he cleared the examinations and secured a government clerk’s job at the state secretariat.A childhood experience that shaped his mission
Law (Canva)
Akathiyan’s commitment to the cause began long before he became a lawyer. As a young boy, he saw a friend from a tribal community being denied school admission because he did not have a caste certificate. The incident left an impression on him. He educated himself about the topic and understood the importance of a piece of paper.Born in Royapuram, Chennai, Akathiyan grew up in Pillur in Villupuram district. His parents worked as daily-wage labourers. He completed his higher secondary education in Chidambaram while working at a tea shop. With financial support from well-wishers, he began studying law in 2013.Even as an undergraduate, he spent time visiting villages and understanding the issues faced by tribal communities. He eventually began practising at the Madras High Court in 2021.Why a community certificate can change a family’s futureFor many people, a caste or community certificate is a routine administrative document. For members of Scheduled Tribe communities, however, it can determine whether they can access educational reservations, scholarships and employment.In Tamil Nadu, obtaining these certificates can be a challenging process, especially for families whose parents do not possess the necessary records.For families such as those in Vayaloor, the consequences are worse because without the needed paper, young people are at a higher risk of losing opportunities despite their willingness to study.Akathiyan’s approach was to identify such families and understand their circumstances. He would then help them pursue the process with the relevant authorities. In the Vayaloor case, the results came quickly: all 30 families received their certificates within 15 days of his visit in 2022.From certificates to a government jobWhen Manikandan met Akathiyan in 2022, he was preparing for the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission’s Group II examinations. He wanted to secure a government job, but he didn’t have a community certificate. The document was eventually issued along with those of the other families.Three years later, Manikandan cleared the examinations and secured a government clerk’s position at the secretariat.Looking beyond paperwork
Community certificate (Canva)
Akathiyan’s work has since extended to other tribal settlements, particularly in Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Vellore and surrounding districts. Along with helping people secure community certificates, he has assisted some families in pursuing housing and other basic amenities. He also represents tribal people facing legal disputes and works to connect families with support for books, clothing and other essentials.But for Akathiyan, the task is not simply to help people obtain papers. It is also to ensure that eligible families can access opportunities and public services without being held back by prolonged administrative delays. Sometimes, opening a door does not require creating a new opportunity. It requires ensuring that someone who is already qualified to pursue it is finally allowed to walk through.
