Social reformers and activists
Iyothee Thass Pandithar founded the Sakya Buddhist Society (also known as Indian Buddhist Association)
M. C. Rajah a Dalit politician, social and political activist from Tamil Nadu
J. Shivashanmugam Pillai first Dalit mayor of Madras and first speaker of Madras Legislative Assembly s

Politicians
V. I. Munuswamy Pillai, Indian National Congress leader. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in the C. Rajagopalachari ministry
P. Kakkan, Former Minister of Public Works, Agriculture & for Home Affairs, Madras State.
Margatham Chandrasekar, Indian National Congress, Member of Parliament from Tiruvallur and later, Sriperumbudur
Thirumavalavan, Member of the Parliament and the President of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal political party.
A. Raja, Minister of Communications and Information Technology
Parithi Ilamvazhuthi, Minister for Information, Tamil Nadu.
Dalit Ezhilmalai, former Union Minister of State, Health and Family Welfare (Independent Charge)

Entertainers
Gangai Amaran, Director, Lyricist & Producer, Tamil Films
Venkat Prabhu, Director, Tamil Films
Jai, Actor
Premji Amaran, Supporting actor
Lawrence Raghavendra, Dance Choreographer, actor and director

Music
Padma Vibhushan Isaignani Ilaiyaraja- Veteran Tamil Musician/Composer/Arranger
Yuvan Shankar Raja - Prominent South Indian Music Director and son of Ilaiyaraaja
Karthik Raja - notable musician,son of Ilaiyaraaja
Deva -Affluent music composer in Kollywood
Sabesh Murali - successful musical duo in Kollywood music
Bhavatharini - famous singer and daughter of Ilaiyaraaja
Sivamani - Percussionist

Literature
Meena Kandasamy, Chennai based English writer, poet, orator, and social activist.