“Kalaignar Karunanidhi was a titan of Indian politics and a cultural stalwart”
Text of RM’s speech at centenary celebrations of Kalaignar Karunanidhi in Chennai
Vanakkam
It is with great honour and deep respect, that I stand before you today, to celebrate the birth centenary of one of the most revered leaders of our country, Kalaignar Karunanidhi. I pay my homage to Kalaignar on this special occasion. A man whose influence extended,far beyond the borders of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Karunanidhi was a titan of Indian politics, a cultural stalwart, and a relentless advocate for social justice.
Friends, as we gather here, to celebrate his life and legacy, it is imperative to recognize that his contribution to public good, was not limited to Tamil Nadu, but also benefited the entire nation. His vision and actions encapsulate what it means to be Indian — a fusion of diverse identities, a commitment to inclusivity, and an unwavering dedication to democracy and progress.
Thiru Karunanidhi’s political journey is a story of resilience, determination, and a deep-rooted connection with the people. His tenure as the five-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, is marked by his remarkable ability to address the needs of the common people while navigating the complex waters of Indian politics. He was not just a regional leader but a national figure whose influence was felt across the country.
While deeply rooted in Tamil identity, Thiru Karunanidhi never allowed, regionalism to undermine the unity of India. He understood, that the strength of Indian democracy lies in its ability to accommodate diverse voices and identities. His participation in national politics, his role in coalition governments, and his interactions with leaders across the political spectrum reflected his commitment to the idea of India — a nation where diversity is celebrated.
Friends, Thiru Karunanidhi’s advocacy for federalism was rooted in his understanding of India’s unity in diversity which I just described. He recognized that the strength of Indian democracy lies in its ability to accommodate different voices, cultures, and identities. His insistence on state rights, was a call for a more balanced and equitable distribution of power within the Union.
This commitment to federalism is a key aspect of Indian-ness. India’s diversity is its strength, and the federal structure allows this diversity to flourish within a unified framework. Thiru Karunanidhi’s work in this area, ensured that Tamil Nadu’s voice was heard at the national level, while also contributing to the strengthening of India’s federal structure. His legacy reminds us, that Indian-ness is about respecting and celebrating our differences while working together for the common good.
Friends, Thiru M. Karunanidhi was a legendary figure in Indian politics. He emerged as a leader in the 1960s, a period of major transition in post-independence India. Those were the days when several regional parties emerged and even managed to form the Government. From Punjab to Tamil Nadu, this trend was very much evident. In many north Indian states, SVD (Samyukta Vidhayak Dal) Governments were formed. While many regional parties, that emerged during that time have vanished, Karunanidhi ji provided such a strong foundation to DMK that it remains the only regional party of 1960s, continuing to hold power even today.
Friends, India has celebrated its 78th Independence Day this week. Not many people know that before 1973, only the Governor used to hoist the National flag on Independence Day and Republic Day in the state.
Thiru Karunanidhi raised his voice against this, and demanded that the Chief Ministers should be allowed to hoist the Tricolour on National Days. His voice had an impact, and it was decided that only the Chief Minister would hoist the flag on Independence Day. In this way, Karunanidhi also became the first Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu who hoisted the flag on 15 August 1974.
Friends, he was a leader who deeply believed in the democratic process. He played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Tamil Nadu and India. His role in national governance and his advocacy for democratic principles have left an indelible mark on Indian democracy.
Friends, one of the key aspects of his contribution to Indian democracy, was his ability to work with diverse political ideologies. His ability to bring together different political parties to form stable governments is a reflection of the pluralistic nature of Indian democracy.
I shall recall one incident, when Atalji led NDA Government was in power at the Centre and DMK was in alliance with the BJP. I was also a part of that Government as Cabinet Minister for Surface Transport.
Despite ideological differences, Sh. Karunanidhi played a constructive and positive role in supporting the Vajpayee Government. His support was crucial, on issues of national importance, and during significant events.
There was one such event, when the WTO Seattle conference was being held in 1999. Prime Minister Atalji wanted that India’s interests should be protected at all cost. DMK’s Thiru Murasoli Maran was the Commerce Minister at that point of time. Atalji had a word with Karunanidhi ji, and he ensured that India’s stand was strongly represented. The Seattle conference was a success from India’s point of view.
Throughout his career, Thiru Karunanidhi maintained strong relationships with national leaders from various political parties. His ability to work with leaders across the political spectrum while remaining true to his principles is a testament to his statesmanship. These relationships were not just about political alliances but were rooted in mutual respect for each other’s contributions to the nation.
Friends, the inclusive nature of Indian identity is reflected in Thiru Karunanidhi’s policies. Whether in education, where he worked tirelessly to provide access to quality education for the marginalized, or in his efforts to ensure that women and children received the support they needed to thrive, Thiru Karunanidhi’s vision was always of an inclusive society.
He was a fierce advocate for the rights of women and marginalized communities, pioneering reforms that promoted gender equality and empowered women, leaving an indelible mark on the social fabric of Tamil Nadu. His government enacted legislation providing 33 percent reservation for women in local bodies, and he was instrumental in forming Women Self Help Groups, first in Dharmapuri during his regime in 1989, with the objective of empowering women. He also played a key role in creating welfare boards for workers, in the unorganized sector, including agricultural labourers and transgender individuals. His work serves as a reminder that the true measure of a nation’s progress lies, in how it treats its most vulnerable citizens.
Friends, he was an able administrator. He started a programme called ‘Manu Nidhi Thittam’. Under this initiative, he had ordered the district officials to reserve one day every week,only to listen to the problems of the people. Establishing a direct and deep connection with people is something that every politician should learn from him.
One of the most significant aspects of Thiru Karunanidhi’s tenure as Chief Minister was his focus on education, and infrastructure development. He believed that these were the pillars upon which the future of Tamil Nadu—and indeed, India—would be built.
But Thiru Karunanidhi’s vision was not confined to Tamil Nadu alone. He recognized that the progress of any one state, contributed to the progress of the nation as a whole. His efforts in building infrastructure—whether in the form of roads, bridges, or public amenities—were aimed at creating a Tamil Nadu that could bolster India’s march toward development.
Thiru Karunanidhi’s work in this area is a testament to the Indian spirit of self-reliance and progress. His belief in the power of education and infrastructure to transform lives, aligns with the national vision of building a strong, self-sufficient and a self-reliant India. His legacy in this regard is a reminder, that regional development is integral to national development and that the prosperity of each state contributes to the overall prosperity of the nation. It best exemplifies the idea of cooperative federalism.
Kalaignar’s influence extended far beyond the realm of politics. He was a prolific writer, poet, and playwright whose works enriched Tamil literature and cinema. His contributions to Tamil literature and cinema have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Tamil Nadu and India as a whole.
His efforts to promote the Tamil language and culture were rooted in his belief that preserving and celebrating one’s cultural identity is essential to the broader Indian identity. India, as a nation, is blessed with a diversity of languages, cultures, and traditions. Thiru Karunanidhi recognized that each aspect of this diversity contributes to the richness of this great nation.
Friends, Thiru Karunanidhi fought for democracy, and dedicated his life to bring positive changes. The NDA Government under PM Modi also believes in the power of democracy and cooperative federalism. India is not only fulfilling the aspirations of its 1.4 billion people, but it is also providing hope to people that democracy delivers development and empowers people.
At this juncture, I also want to emphasize that our commitment for development is beyond partisan politics. The decision of the Government of India to establish Defence Industrial Corridors both in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu is a case in point. These corridors are aimed at boosting the domestic defence manufacturing sector and reducing reliance on imports. These corridors are designed to attract investment, foster innovation, and create a robust ecosystem for defence production in India.
Since, I belong to the ancient city of Kashi, or the modern day Varanasi or Banaras, I also want to highlight the initiative of Kashi Tamil Sangamam. Towards the cultural integration of India, PM Modi inaugurated the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, a significant initiative aimed at re-discovering, re-affirming, and celebrating the enduring connections between Tamil people and Kashi, that have spanned centuries. Building on the success of the Kashi Tamil, the government has extended its commitment to cultural integration by launching the Saurashtra-Tamil. This initiative seeks to celebrate the cultural integration between West India and South India.
As we reflect on the life and legacy of M. Karunanidhi, it is important to consider the lessons that future generations can learn from his examples. One of the key lessons that young Indians can draw from Thiru Karunanidhi’s life is the importance of staying true to own values. He never wavered in his belief, that every citizen, regardless of their background, deserved the opportunity to live a life of dignity, which best exemplifies the great Indian culture and tradition. This unwavering commitment to his values is a hallmark of his leadership, and a lesson that remains as relevant today as it was during his time.
Unveiling the Kalaignar M Karunanidhi coin, it is a tribute to a life dedicated to progress, justice, and the betterment of society. It serves as a symbol of our collective gratitude and a reminder of the values he championed.
With these words, I would like to conclude my speech. I am grateful to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru MK Stalin and the State Government for inviting me to this event. I once again offer my heartfelt tributes to Kalaignar Karunanidhi ji. His life and contributions to public life will always be remembered.
Thank You!
Nanri!