Mr. Gowder, who was a fixture at Independence Day and Republic Day events till a few years ago, was more than 90-years-old. He had stopped attending public events organised by the district administration in recent years due to failing health.
He was active in protests against the British government and was even arrested and lodged in jail in Coimbatore and Bangalore (now Bengaluru), said officials from the district administration.
“Official records show that nearly 83 leaders from the Nilgiris were arrested, fined or imprisoned… with a few of the prominent leaders being Rao Sahib V.I. Munuswamy Pillai from Ooty (who served as Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development), Bokkai Gowder of Bikkaty village (elected Coonoor MLA in 1967) and M.K.Nanja Gowder of Ketti (elected as MP in 1971).