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Arignar Anna founded the political party, ‘Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in 1949. DMK is the first Dravidian political party, securing the mandate of people, to rule the state of Tamil Nadu. Anna was its first Chief Minister in 1967. As an ardent disciple of Periyar, Anna chose the political path by entering the election politics to achieve the ideals of Periyar. While answering a member in the State Legislative Assembly, Anna declared that entire DMK rule is dedicated to Periyar. It was not merely a statement.Anna began to translate the ideals of Periyar and implemented them by due legislative action and executive orders.
During the short stint as the CM, Anna, founded the Dravidian Model Rule through three significant actions.
i. Legislation of exclusive Act to legalise Self-Respect Marriage, advocated by Periyar, devoid of priests and rituals.
ii. Declaration of ‘two language policy’ of Tamil and English in educational institutions.
iii. Named the ‘Madras State’ as State of TamilNadu’ reflecting the culture and values of Tamil language and the people.
The legacy of Dravidian party rule was continued after Anna, by Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi and presently by M.K. Stalin as Dravidian Model. The Model has distinguished Tamil Nadu from others and has placed the stateon a high pedestal for the pioneering and leading role in education, health and economic development.
