(The article contributed by Asiriyar Dr. K. Veeramani in honour of Dr.Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi’s Birth Centenary Valediction)
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Kalaignar brought legislation for women’s rights also in the ancestral properties. It was a historical phase in “Women Liberation and Empowerment” of the Dravidian Model rule. Kalaignar presented the Bill in the State Legislative Assembly. The Bill was a follow up measure of one of the vital resolutions, passed in the First Madras Presidential Self Respect Conference, organised by Thanthai Periyar at Chinglepet in 1929.
Dr. Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi was a rare specimen of leadership as well as dynamic administrative acumen. He was also undaunted fighter, and untiring swimmer against the current throughout his career. He had been an indefatigable toiler.
In his wonderful autobiography ‘Nenjukku Needi’ he writes that meeting of Thanthai Periyar and Arignar Anna were the turning points in his life.
His record of public service for more than eight decades is an inimitable lesson for lads and youths and a glittering example for them to work. For him work is also worship. Nothing more.
He is a literary legend, who stands above time and he carved himself by his unique unstoppable progress towards his goal to be a voice for the voiceless millions. When asked by a reporter to describe himself in a simple one line, he shot back “A dignitable Self-Respector” (மானமிகு சுயமரியாதைக்காரன்).
Thanthai Periyar, a great visionary of twentieth century had identified Kalaignar ahead of times. In 1969, Periyar commanded him to be the worthy successor and head the government after the untimely passing away of the then Chief Minister Anna. Though Kalaignar was reluctant, he obeyed Thanthai Periyar and accepted the mantle of Chief Ministership.
He always answered press persons’ queries like a computer, with a deep sense of dignity and humor!
For an instance – “You have been charged by the opposition that your decisions were hasty decisions.”
When a reporter said it, Kalaignar replied, “No, my decisions are always quick decisions. You must understand that quick decisions are different from hasty decisions”.
His contribution to the Tamil Language is historically impressive and even glittering in the history of Tamil by making the Government of India to declare Tamil as a classical language. Tamils all over the universe are deeply indebted to him for this adorable achievement. He was not after power, but power was after him and he had sown that power more than an adorative symbol, as an opportunity to break the chains on the depressed and downtrodden.
After succeeding late lamented Anna, Kalaignar as Chief Minister formed a State Level Commission for the Backward Classes with Sattanathan as Chairperson to formulate social justice and welfare measures for the depressed people.
Having won 1971 election with historic mandate, Kalaignar was very particular about the upliftment of the depressed classes. As a follow up on the recommendations, Kalaignar enhanced the reservation in both education and jobs for the Backward Classes from 25 to 31 per cent and for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes from 16 per cent to 18 per cent. When he became the Chief Minister again in 1989, he allocated an exclusive 1 per cent reservation for the Scheduled Tribes as per the direction of the Madras High Court.
He was the first Chief Minister of State in the whole of India to create a separate Ministry in the Cabinet for the Welfare of the Backward Classes.
Kalaignar brought legislation for women’s rights also in the ancestral properties. It was a historical phase in “Women Liberation and Empowerment” of the Dravidian Model rule. Kalaignar presented the Bill in the State Legislative Assembly. The Bill was a follow up measure of one of the vital resolutions, passed in the First Madras Presidential Self Respect Conference, organised by Thanthai Periyar at Chinglepet in 1929. The sixty year – dream became a reality and Periyar’s role was duly mentioned in the statement of Object and Reason of the presented Bill.
He fought and got for all Chief Ministers of States as elected representative of people, the right to hoist the National flag on Indian Independence Day, August 15th every year, as is the line of the Prime Minister hoisting the National flag at Red Fort, New Delhi every year.
Is this not an unparalleled achievement of a leader, in establishing the state rights?
In social revolution side, his creation of Periyar Memorial Samathuvapuram (பெரியார் நினைவு சமத்துவபுரம்) is a monumental edifice for the eradication of caste and untouchability – a symbol of social harmony and solidarity.
So far no other State has dared to think of caste eradication. In that sphere, he has fulfilled the dreams of Thanthai Periyar and Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Untouchability found a haven in the sanctum sanctorum (கர்ப்பகிரகம்) (Gabargraham) in temples by appointing brahmin priests to conduct pujas in temples. He relentlessly fought, passed two special Acts which were upheld by the apex court (Supreme Court) as valid. Now his worthy successor to our unique leader, Hon’ble Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin implemented the Acts by appointing archakas and thereby fulfilled the wish of Thanthai Periyar, our Dravidian Mentor, to come into force.
Alas, a silent bloodless revolution of social transformation! A leader is to lead, even when there are stumbling blocks, and stunning defeats and shocking events. He is the most telling example for that axiom.He is a sculptor to modern Tamil Nadu and that is why the Dravidian ideology and the government, are both path breaking power and glittering examples in history.
There is another important aspect that needs mention Dr.Kalaignar’s is his role and contribution as an emulatory – exemplary Leader of Opposition for many years.
He was a mighty opposition leader in the nearly sixty year of legislative record. Nearly Half of his tenure was in Legislature in both the Houses, Legislative Assembly as well as Legislative Council. As Chief Minister as well as Leader of Opposition, his quick – witted, humorous answers are well-known.
His piercing penetrative questions at the ruling “Junta” was equally amazing and not easily answerable by them.
He was a leader of opposition ‘Par Excellence’. He always made a very constructive contribution to the ruling party. He created unique history by sacrificing his Chief Ministership and the Government for the sake of his principles and policies. The most telling example is his firm stand in 1975 – 76, not to support the Emergency imposed by the then Prime Minister Ms. Indira Gandhi.
Another occasion was in 1989 – 90 his firm support for the rights of Eelam Tamils. He never ever compromised his priceless ideologies for the sake of retaining power.
Is this not a history by itself? For him power was nothing but an instrument to fight for justice.
Till his last day he remained a doughty warrior in his fight for his ideologies and always emerged a victor. He was never a vanquished person. This should be a lesson for all. Kalaignar was like a light house that helps a ship to sail further – even if the seas are turbulent.
The Dravidian rule is the contribution of Kalaignar. By strengthening it he has glorified Tamil Nadu. The Model contributed by him continues to exist majestically even today. At present the entire country emulates the Dravidian Model rule. The credit for this widespread impact should go to Kalaignar
Courtesy: The Rising Sun
