Tribute to Dr Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi, former chief minister of Tamil Nadu |17 August 2018

The Tamil community living in Seychelles paid their respect and offered their condolences to the great political leader of Tamil Nadu, India, Dr Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi who passed away in Chennai on Wednesday August 7, 2018 at the age of 94.

Dr Karunanidhi was leader of his political party, DMK, for 50 years since 1969 after the death of his mentor C. N. Annadurai.

He was elected to the legislative assembly 13 times since 1957 till the time of his death. This stands as a record for being a member of Assembly for 55 years without being defeated in any of the elections.

During this long political career he was instrumental in bringing a lot of reforms, developments, concentrated on the welfare of the poor community and moreover his desire to bring his native language – Tamil – to greater heights and putting all efforts to get the status of classical language for Tamil.

He focused his vision in developing the field of information technology, road infrastructure and welfare of the poorer section of the society. Apart from his political career, he spent his early days in the cinema field to write dialogues, screenplays and was involved in promoting several films with his powerful messages in bringing equality among social differences.

Dr Karunanidhi was also a renowned author of several books which brought revolutionary changes in the society.

He ruled the State of Tamil Nadu for 20 years as a chief minister after being elected five terms in office.

Overall the passing away of the great leader is a great loss to the Tamil people in general.

Contributed