He completed his early education from Devasthanam High School, Tirupati and the Pachiappa's College, Chennai.

Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi he participated actively in Indian Freedom Struggle and was jailed twice.

Dowry prohibition act 1961 was passed by joint session of parliament with M. A. Ayyangar as speaker.

After his tenure as governor, Ayyanagar retired from politics and moved back to Tirupati.

He continued A life size bronze statue of this celebrated statesman was erected at his hometown Tirupathi in 2007.