Madabhooshi Ananthasayanam Ayyangar, the second Speaker of the Lok Sabha, was an outstanding parliamentarian of India. His role in formulating a healthy parliamentary system in the new independent India is unforgettable.
Ayyangar was born on February 4,1891 at Tiruehanur in Andhra Pradesh. After finishing his secondary education at Tirupati, he moved to Chennai for his graduation degree and a degree in Law. Then he joined a school as Mathematics teacher in 1912. But his passion for the legal profession brought him in to the field of judiciary.
In 1934, Ayyangar was elected to the Central Legislative Assembly. His debating skills on issues brought him names like ‘Emden of the Assembly’. In 1952, he was unanimously elected the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha. On 8 March, 1956 he was chosen as the speaker of Lok Sabha. His views on Adjournment Motions, Bills, Resolutions, Standing Committees, Notices etc, are today the settled parliamentary practices. He died on March l9,1978.