He was imprisoned several times and spent many years incarcerated in Ooty, Coimbatore, Trichy, Vellore, and Madras.

[clarification needed] Fearing his active involvement, the British arrested him and held him in a jungle inhabited by wild animals, 50 miles from Ooty from which he escaped.

After independence, Kamaraj offered him an MLC post that he rejected due to family circumstances.

[clarification needed] Saravanam launched and co-ran the Nilgiris District Laundry Workers Union.

He was awarded Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's Copper Sword and Commendation Bond.