The first tiger to die for the cause of freedom did so in the embrace of a leader

Muthamizh—comprising Iyal, Isai, and Nadagam—flourished in Madurai, a city deeply rooted in Tamil identity, history and tradition. The first tiger to die for the cause of freedom did so in the embrace of a leader fighting for a brighter dawn. Name: Selvachandran Sathyanathan City: Kambarmalai, Jaffna (Yazhpanam) Recognized as the first hero of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, he was a childhood friend of Tamil Eelam National Leader Prabhakaran, and among the earliest members of the armed struggle movement for the liberation of Tamil Eelam. He was wounded during a siege conducted by the occupying Sri Lankan troops in the Tirunelveli area of Jaffna (Yazhpanam), Tamil Eelam. Although he was transported to Madurai, Tamil Nadu for treatment, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries before any care could be administered. Since 1989, his day of heroic sacrifice has been recognized as “Tamil National Heroes’ Day.