Tamil Nadu CM Vijay pays floral tribute to K Kamaraj on 124th birth anniversary
Chennai, July 15
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday paid floral tributes to the statue of former Chief Minister K Kamaraj on Mount Road in Chennai on the occasion of his 124th birth anniversary.
The Chief Minister offered flowers and paid homage to the late Congress leader, remembering his contributions to the state's development and the field of education.
Tamil Nadu BJP leaders also paid tribute to the Congress leader.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid rich tribute to K. Kamaraj on his birth anniversary, describing him as a "stalwart of India's freedom movement" and an "exceptional public figure" who dedicated his life to the service of the nation.
The Prime Minister, in a post on the social media platform X, also highlighted Kamaraj's transformative work in the fields of education and social welfare.
"Remembering Thiru K. Kamaraj Ji on his birth anniversary. A stalwart of India's freedom movement and an exceptional public figure, he dedicated his life to nation-building," PM Modi posted on X.
The Prime Minister further emphasised that Kamaraj's vision for an equitable society remains a source of inspiration for the country.
"His unwavering commitment to areas like education, inclusive development and the welfare of the underprivileged continues to guide generations", the Prime Minister added.
Kumaraswami Kamaraj was born humble and poor in a backwards area of Tamil Nadu on July 15, 1903. His schooling lasted only six years. At the age of twelve, he was already working as a shop assistant. He was barely fifteen when he heard of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which was the turning point in his life.
Kamaraj was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1937, unopposed. He was again elected to it in 1946. He was also elected to the Constituent Assembly of India in 1946 and later to Parliament in 1952.
He became Chief Minister of Madras in 1954. In 1963, he suggested to Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, that senior Congress leaders should leave ministerial posts to take up organisational work. This suggestion came to be known as the 'Kamaraj Plan'.
He was honoured posthumously with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1976.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Such a humble beginning for a man who shaped modern Tamil Nadu. No fancy degrees, only pure hard work and love for the nation. His 'Kamaraj Plan' to make senior leaders work at grassroots was brilliant. The fact that even PM Modi and BJP leaders are remembering him shows his legacy transcends politics.
Kamaraj was a kingmaker without being king-sized in ego. He gave up his CM post for party work. Today, I wonder if our politicians would ever do such a selfless thing. His focus on education changed the lives of millions. Respect. 🙌
It's good that CM Vijay paid respects, but I wish the state government would do more to implement Kamaraj's model of school education. Even today, many rural kids in TN lack basic facilities. Remembering is nice, but action speaks louder. Just my honest opinion.
Born poor, no formal schooling, but became one of India's greatest administrators. Kamaraj proved that it's not about degrees, but about having a heart for the people. And he was a bridge builder between North and South politics. Bharat Ratna was well deserved.
Kamaraj was the man who gave us free education up to 11th standard in Tamil Nadu. That's why we had 100% literacy when many states were struggling. Politicians today should study his life, especially how he kept corruption far away. That's the real tribute. 👏
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