T-Shirts
VALLIAMMA – Classic T-Shirt | Black
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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Courage has a voice.
The story behind it
Thillaiyadi Valliammai was born on 22 February 1898 in Johannesburg. Her parents came from the village of Thillaiyadi in Tamil Nadu. In 1913, she and her mother joined the Indian community’s non-violent protest in South Africa – against a three-pound tax on Indian workers and a ruling that refused to recognise Hindu and Muslim marriages.
She was sentenced to three months of hard labour, fell ill in prison and refused early release. She died on 22 February 1914 – her 16th birthday. Gandhi wrote that her name would live on in the history of Satyagraha. India honoured her with a postage stamp in 2008.
The design
- Front: small “THIS IS TAMIL” logo with தமிழ் on the chest
- Back: “VALLIAMMA” – young Valliammai with other women of the protest before a red sun. Below: “Courage has a voice.” and “1913 · South Africa”.
Product details
Soft, lightweight and with just the right amount of stretch – an everyday tee.
- 100% combed and ring-spun cotton
- Fabric weight: 4.2 oz/yd² (142 g/m²)
- Pre-shrunk fabric
- Side-seamed construction, shoulder-to-shoulder taping
- Note: the fabric is slightly sheer, especially in lighter colors.
SHIPPING
Every piece is made to order just for you and shipped from one of our international production centres. Delivery usually takes 7–14 business days (remote destinations may take longer), depending on your country and availability. Customs duties and import taxes may apply depending on your country. Details in our shipping policy.
RETURNS
Returns within 14 days of delivery – unworn, unwashed and with the original tag only. Return shipping is paid by you. All details in our refund policy.
COURAGE HAS MANY NAMES
SHE WAS 16.
SHE WAS NOT AFRAID.
SHE WAS RIGHT.
Tamil women have made history – as poets, teachers and fighters. Thillaiyadi Valliammai stood up against injustice in South Africa in 1913, went to prison for it and died at the age of 16. Her courage lives on in every generation that stands up for dignity and equality.

Read the full story in our magazine: Avvaiyar and Valliammai: two strong Tamil women →
- 1898 BORN IN JOHANNESBURG
- 1913 PROTEST IN SOUTH AFRICA
- 16 YEARS YOUNG
- 2008 INDIAN POSTAGE STAMP
அச்சம் தவிர்
ACHCHAM THAVIR
“Leave fear behind.”