Karunanidhi asks PM to help Tamils in Malaysia

Karunanidhi asks PM to help Tamils in Malaysia:

New Delhi / Chennai: The Malaysian government has cracked down on protesting ethnic Tamils, who took to the streets alleging lack of job opportunities, education and political power.

• The country's government is threatening to invoke the controversial Internal Security Act against street rallies which allows for detention without trial. 

• The protests are also a problem to ethnic Indian politicians. The longest serving minister in the country, Minister of Works, S Samy Vellu, who also heads the Malaysian Indian Congress, has dismissed the agitation as unnecessary.

• "They are just leveling unfounded excuses in order to popularise themselves. I considered them. They are not fighting for the Indians. They are fighting to create a problem," says Vellu.

• The protests have kicked up a political storm in India as well. Tamil Nadu MPs across party lines demanded the Centre's intervention to secure the release of the detained Tamilians and its got the state's ruling and opposition parties together. 

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M Karunanidhi has already written to the Prime Minister asking him to take "immediate and appropriate action on the sufferings and bad treatment of Tamils in Malaysia". 

• Opposition leader and MDMK Chief, Vaiko too has voiced his concern.

• MDMK MP, Krishnan says, "The Central Government needs to speak to the Malaysian government to bring relief to many Indians in Malaysia who have been treated rather unfairly."Jayalalithaa too has joined in calling for immediate action and called the attack on the protestors barbaric. 
  
  
  
  
  

Read more...

Police have right to protect themselves: Karunanidhi

Police have right to protect themselves: Karunanidhi

Chennai, March 18: Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday said the two police officers, ordered to be suspended by the Madras High Court in connection with the February 19 police-advocate clash, have the right to protect themselves if they felt aggrieved but said it would comply with the order.

• Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said in a statement here tonight that the government would implement the court order to suspend A K Viswanathan then Additional Commissioner of Police and M Ramasubramani Joint Commisioner at an 'appropriate time'. 

• "Unlike lawyers who had rejected the Sri Krishna Commission report, we will respect the judiciary," he said. 

• The Commission, appointed by the Supreme Court, had indicted both the police and the lawyers for the clash. 

• Karunanidhi said right from the beginning, he was for an amicable settlement of the issue.

• On February 19 when the violent incidents took place in the High Court premises between lawyers and the police, he had deputed Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Public Secretary to talk to then acting Chief Justice S Mukhopadhyay and even offered to meet him at his house, despite him being in the hospital, Karunanidhi said. 

• Tamil Nadu government also agreed to the wishes of the acting Chief Justice to hand over the case to the CBI. 

• As per the instructions of the Supreme Court, the government had appointed senior IAS officer Sundaradevan to inquire into the incidents and the probe was on. But it was the lawyers who had not respected the Supreme Court order asking them to return to work, he said. 
  
  Bureau Report
  
  

Read more...

Treat Tamils, Prabhakaran with dignity, says Karunanidhi

Treat Tamils, Prabhakaran with dignity, says Karunanidhi:

Chennai : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said that the Sri Lankan government should treat Tamils and LTTE supremo V Prabhakaran with respect and dignity even if the militant outfit loses in the ongoing battle against the army in the island nation.

• Tamils in the island republic should be treated with self-respect, honour and dignity and also given a share in power as envisaged in 1987 Indo-Sri Lankan accord, he told a rally here to press for cessation of hostilities in the island nation.

• "Even if Prabhakaran loses, treat him like Porus," the DMK patriarch said, pointing to the historical episode involving Alexander the Great and Indian ruler Porus who was treated with dignity and honour by the Greek emperor despite losing against him in a battle.

• "When asked by Alexander, Porus said he wanted to be treated like a king, which Alexander duly obliged. "It shows the magnanimity of Alexander who gave equal respect (to a man defeated by him)," he said.

• The rally was organised by DMK and attended by all its allies, including Congress, as Sri Lankan government troops advanced to capture the last areas held by LTTE.

• The DMK patriarch cautioned Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse against any intention of "annihilating" the Tamil race in the offensive, saying if he did so, "history would never forgive him."
  
  

Read more...

Start new IIT, IIM in TN, Karunanidhi writes to PM

Start new IIT, IIM in TN, Karunanidhi writes to PM:

• Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to set up an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at Madurai, an Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER) at Trichy and an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Coimbatore. 

• Welcoming the Prime Minister’s announcement in his Independence Day address that more IITs, IIMs and IISERs would be opened across the country, the CM said in his letter that the measure proposed by the PM was timely and highly appropriate.

• Stating that Tamil Nadu had always been giving great emphasis to education, particularly to technical and professional education, Karunanidhi said the availability of such skilled manpower had enabled the state to attract huge investments in industry and business. To sustain and give further fillip to these efforts, the state needed a new IIT, IIM and IISER, he added.
  

• The CM also welcomed the PM’s announcements on setting up colleges in districts with low enrolment, Government support for new high quality schools in every block and setting up of appropriate number of industrial training institutes, polytechnics, vocational schools and skill development centres to ensure vocational training for a larger number of youth in the state.

Read more...

TN to expand industrial estates, set up more SEZs

TN to expand industrial estates, set up more SEZs:

Chennai , Aug. 23 

• The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) will promote a joint venture company for oil and natural gas exploration, production and distribution, announced the Chief Minister, Mr M. Karunanidhi, in the Assembly on Wednesday.

• Replying to the debate on the demand for grants to the industries department, he said that the objective would be to enhance the energy security of the State. 

• Natural gas resources have been identified in the Cauvery Basin and the Krishna-Godavari Basin, which could be exploited. The new company would set up a Statewide natural gas distribution network. TIDCO would soon identify a private sector partner. 

To acquire new land :

• The Chief Minister also announced plans to acquire over 2,000 acres land near Sriperumbudur and Oragadam (on the Chennai-Bangalore highway) to expand the existing industrial estates. The State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) will set up a 250-acre special economic zone (SEZ) at Oragadam for automobile component manufacturers. 

• Chennai accounts for over 35 per cent of the automobile components manufactured in India. Many of the component manufacturers also cater to the export market. The SEZ would meet the needs of new investors and those planning expansion, he said. 

• With the industrial development rapid in these areas, a Rs 300-crore plan to upgrade the 24-km stretch of road between Singaperumal Koil and Sriperumbudur and the 20-km road between Vandalur and Wallajahbad would be taken up. These would be developed as 4-lane and in important stretches as 6-lane roads, he said. 

Multi-product SEZ :

• TIDCO would also set up a 3,000-acre multi product SEZ in Perambalur district to attract investments of Rs 5,000 crore. Over 3,000 acres of land has been identified near Perambalur about 250 km south of Chennai. Initially, garment units and light engineering units would be established with 250 acres set aside for each of these sectors. 

• With land cost high in and around Chennai, manufacturing industries need new locations where land is available at viable costs. The SEZ would be equidistant from Tuticorin and Chennai ports and the land is located on the national highway. 

• Mr Karunanidhi said that a leather SEZ would also come up near Chennai. This facility would be established by SIPCOT. 

• He has also sought the Central assistance of Rs 115 crore to set up reverse osmosis facilities at the common effluent treatment plants to recycle leather tannery effluents, he said. 

• SIPCOT would also establish an industrial estate near Madurai, which would contribute to the economic development of the southern districts. 

• The Government has emphasised on land acquisition for industrial estates to allot to the manufacturing sector, as there is stiff demand for land. With land costs soaring in Chennai's vicinity and the available land with the industrial promotion agencies fully taken up by manufacturers there is immediate need for developed land. Tamil Nadu needs such land banks to attract new investors.
  
  

Read more...

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh praises MK's services

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh praises MK's services:

• Chennai, May 11: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tonight said the UPA government, with the support of all its constituents, could be able to bring about a pragmatic and just solution to various difficult problems like river water sharing, OBC reservation and reservation for women in Parliament and state legislature. 

• Replying to the demands raised by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at a rally to celebrate his completing 50 years as state legislator, he said "You have raised many demands. I am confident that with the co-operation of members of UPA, we will be able to bring about a pragmatic and just solution to these problems." He said Karunanidhi's services to the state and to the entire nation were "remarkable" and difficult to rival. 

• "He has been one of the pillars of our polity and a great patriot and nation-builder," the Prime Minister said, 

• The Prime Minister said the country was celebrating two different anniversaries today, in an obvious reference to the 150th anniversary of the First War of Independence. Though Karunanidhi had 50 years of experience, it was almost 70 years since he entered public life,he said. 

• "Karunanidhi's name will forever be written in gold in the history of Tamil Nadu and the history of our nation," the Prime Minister said, paying rich tributes to the octogenarian leader. 

• Tamil Nadu stood as one of the most developed and progressive states in independent India and foundation for the development was laid by great leaders like C Rajagopalachari, K Kamaraj, Annadurai and Karunanidhi, Dr Singh said adding history would record that Karunanidhi was a shining star in the great galaxy of statesmen. 

• Karunanidhi gave leadership to the industrial development of Tamil Nadu, which was called the Detriot of India. "You have a vibrant automobile industry, vibrant textile and leather Industry and a vibrant IT industry. Tamil Nadu is at the forefront of India's knowledge economy," he said. 

• The Prime Minister said Karunanidhi had played an extremely important role, a pioneering role along with DMK founder C N Annadurai and Kamaraj in the social and educational development of the Tamils and contributed to the empowerment of women and to the welfare of farmers. Karunanidhi had been living simultaneously in the world of art, literature and politics, and was a great poet and great writer,Dr Singh said adding his modern rendering of the ancient Sangam literature had brought this great literature into each household. 

• "Karunanidhi, I greet you for your patriotism, for your commitment to the welfare of the poor, your commitment to the empowerment of women, your commitment to the revival and development of Tamil, for your compassion and your humanism and for your commitment to the unity, integrity and progress of our nation," he said. 
  
  
• Tamils had contributed immensely to the cultural, intellectual, social, political and economic development of India and had excelled themselves in many fields and some of the country's scientists, doctors, mathematicians and bankers and businessmen had come from the state. "This is the home of so many accomplished people who have contributed to making us a great nation," he said. 

• "Tamil Nadu needs you, India needs you, We all need you to guide us as we march forward," Dr Singh told Karunanidhi.
  
  

Read more...

Industrial Parks in Tamil Nadu - Karunanidhi's Nrw Industrial Policy.

Industrial Parks in Tamil Nadu - Karunanidhi's Nrw Industrial Policy.:

• The Tamil Nadu government will develop a land bank of 10,000 acres with quality infrastructure over the next five years to provide space for industrial parks, according to the new industrial policy released by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Monday.

• “The land bank will be mostly developed on dry and barren lands. Prime agricultural lands will be avoided,” the policy said. The government will also take steps to amend laws to enable automatic conversion of drylands from agricultural to industrial use. 

• Private industrial parks must directly purchase land, which should be barren, non-irrigated and dry, as far as possible. Proposals with more than 10 per cent wet land or double crop land will be rejected, according to the new criteria for an approved industrial park. Parks should be located at least 50 km away from the Chennai city limits and should not include more than 5 per cent of government land.

• At least 10 per cent of the area in industrial parks developed by SIPCOT and TIDCO will be set apart for social infrastructure, such as skill development centres, financial services, housing, schools and hospitals. Another 20 per cent of allottable area will be reserved for small and medium entrepreneurs...
  
  The Hindu November 06, 2007. 
  

• If any Indian believes in this crap then he is a deluded insane Indian. The rules are framed by an illiterate babu, with scant knowledge of the language either Tamil or English, and is so full of ambiguities, it is a veritable Gold Mine, for the chairman or vice-chairman and their goons of the respective Muncipalities and the respective Political parties. There is an unwritten rule among the Parties whether in Power or in Opposition, to bleed the Tax-paying public to death. 

• The Builders would interpret the rules to their advantage, and build structures that are patently illegal, and the Muncipal authorities would interpret in another way that are "beneficial" to them personally, and the worst sufferer would be the tax paying public. 

• The other day, I witnessed a strong arm tactic of the Muncipal Commissioner of an Industrial Muncipality adjacent to the city limits of Chennai, stopping the construction work of a builder, and taking away the materials used for construction. 

• His parting shot, who came to the site to stop the work in his government vehicle is this: " We are not here to repair bad roads, clean the sewage systems, and other work meant for making the life of the suffering public more tolerable. You build Industrial Parks and earn huge sums by way of rentals, and are we Ilichchavayans to be just passive onlookers? Where is the Promoter and owner of this Industrial complex? Ask him to come to me, meet me in my private chambers and then we shall decide. Till then the progress of work on this site will be suspended."

• His minions, who had come in a government truck, took some construction materials and dumped it in the vehicle, and went away in a caravan. 
  
  I do not know what happened next, but I heard that the work is still in suspended animation. 

• Later I came to know, that this "gentleman" belongs to a party which was close to the ruling DMK, but now has difference of opinion, but when it comes to making money, there is no difference between them whether in power or out of power.
  
  

Read more...

Develop Chennai-Bangalore industrial corridor: Karunanidhi

Develop Chennai-Bangalore industrial corridor: Karunanidhi

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to “announce the development of the Chennai-Bangalore industrial corridor as an Industrial Corridor of Excellence on the lines of the Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor.”

• In a letter to Dr. Singh on October 26, Mr. Karunanidhi said many multinational companies had chosen Chennai to set up huge manufacturing facilities. Many Special Economic Zones were coming up. Most of these investments were in the corridor between Chennai and Sriperumbudur. 

• “Our Government has, therefore, decided to develop Chennai-Sriperumbudur-Ranipet as an Industrial Corridor of Excellence. It is our vision to locate industrial parks, SEZs, IT parks, integrated townships, etc., along the corridor,” he said. The objective was to provide “globally competitive infrastructure and promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development.” 

• Said Mr. Karunanidhi: “We expect that this process of development will slowly move beyond Ranipet on the National Highway towards Bangalore. Thus there is great potential to develop the Chennai-Bangalore corridor as an Industrial Corridor of Excellence similar to the Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor announced by the Government of India. “You will agree that the concept of balanced development of all regions would call for urgent steps to develop the Chennai-Bangalore corridor while the Delhi-Mumbai corridor is being developed. 

• “The corridor between Chennai and Bangalore has already several key strengths in terms of availability of industries, skilled manpower and other basic infrastructure. Such a corridor can capitalise on the strength of Chennai and Bangalore. The international airports in Chennai and Bangalore and the two major sea ports [Chennai and Ennore] in Chennai can further contribute to the growth of this corridor.”

• Asked about benefits of such a corridor, Industries Secretary Sakthikanta Das said it would benefit Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Strengths of Bangalore and its neighbourhood in information technology, and that of Chennai and its nearby areas in automobile technology, manufacturing and electronics would attract more investments to the region. The corridor would also enable development of the neighbourhood within a radius of about 20 to 25 km.
  
  

Read more...

Karunanidhi commissions Caparo's manufacturing facilities

Karunanidhi commissions Caparo's manufacturing facilities: 

• Sriperumbudur / Chennai: Caparo's new industrial complex at Sriperumbudur was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. With this, the first phase of Caparo Group's Rs.600 crore auto metal sheet manufacturing facilities was formally commissioned. He congratulated the Caparo Group for their speedy implementation of the project.
   
• It has been built on 120 acres of land with an initial investment of Rs.400 core. The SIPCOT facility houses a stamping unit, R and D centre, tool room, aluminum foundry and a forging unit which will employ 1,000 persons. 
   
• "We expect revenue of at least Rs 1,000 crore from the facility by 2010," Caparo India Chairman Angad Paul said.  
• Caparo is setting up another manufacturing facility at Oragadam on the outskirts of Chennai with an investment of Rs.300 crore. The unit will manufacture tubular parts, automotive braking systems and fasteners. It will also manufacture aeronautical sheets. The facility will be set up next to the automotive park being set up Nissan, Renualt and Mahindra and Mahindra. 
• Both these plants are expected to generate a direct employment for about 1,400 people. 
   
• Angad said Caparo was also keen to service the maritime sector as well. 
•  "We have got customers in aerospace sector and the automotive sector. As the aerospace sector grows, they are recognizing the need for having quality suppliers," Angad said 
  
   
• Lord Swraj Paul said that last year the company had earned Rs 220 crore in India and is expected to touch a top line of Rs 2,000 crore by 2009. Caparo Group is looking at a turnover of Rs 4,000 crore from its Indian operations by 2011. 
  
  Tamil Nadu to release new industrial policy soon 
•  Karunanidhi said the Tamil Nadu government will soon come out with a new industrial policy which would pave the way for further industrial development. 
  
•  "This policy has been evolved after a wide consultative process.The suggestions made by the industry associations and captains of the industry during the meeting of the Industrial Task Force under my Chairmanship have also been taken into consideration," Karunanidhi said. 
  
• The chief minister said the policy sought to address the concerns of all the stakeholders, who would be provided world class infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the industry. 
  
•  He said that road infrastructure was being improved in Tamil Nadu in order to provide better connectivity. The state government was taking it up with the National Highways Authority of India in order to six-lane the Koyambedu-Maduravoyal-Sunguvarchathiram Highway.
  
  

Read more...

Karunanidhi promises uniform industrial development across State:

Karunanidhi promises uniform industrial development across State:

CHENNAI: The State Government will take steps to ensure uniform industrial development across the State, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said on Friday. 

• People now wanted the establishment of factories in villages and interior parts of the State, not just in and around Chennai, the Chief Minister said, inaugurating the third plant of a battery manufacturing facility of the TAFE (Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited) Power Source at Maraimalainagar, about 40 km from Chennai.

• Comparing the performance of his Government in the last 13 months on the industrial front with that of the previous AIADMK regime, he said while five memoranda of understanding were signed for projects costing about Rs. 2,200 crore when the AIADMK was in power, 10 MoUs were signed during the present DMK regime for projects involving an investment of Rs. 9,710 crore. 
  
  Mr. Karunanidhi recalled his association with A. Sivasailam, chairman of Amalgamations Group, and explained how the latter had come to his rescue when allegations were made against him (Mr Karunanidhi) in the 1970s after the industrialist donated a tractor to him in London.

• The Chief Minister referred to the establishment and growth of the battery manufacturing facility and said till now, 20 million batteries had been produced. 

• Tracing the growth of the group, Mr. Sivasailam said Rs. 300 crore had been invested in Maraimalainagar. 

• Noting that the State had become a destination of information technology sector, he appealed to the Chief Minister to provide support to engineering, manufacturing and textile sectors, which employed thousands of people.

• Jayshree Venkatraman, Director of TAFE, and Indira Sivasailam were among those present. 

• A press release issued by the company said the TAFE Power Source had tied up with BB Battery Company Limited, China, in a technology transfer partnership. This would result in TPS manufacturing and marketing high standard valve-regulated lead acid batteries in India and a host of south Asian countries under the brand name of AMCO BEST.
  
  

Read more...

M. Karunanidhi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister will lay the foundation stone for Nagarjuna Oil refinery

M. Karunanidhi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister will lay the foundation stone for Nagarjuna Oil refinery:

Jun 07, 2008 –

• The Nagarjuna Oil Corporation Limited’s (NOCL) Rs 5,000-crore refinery in Cuddalore will catalyse investments in the petrochemical sector in the area, which is to be promoted as a Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR). 

• Work on the Nagarjuna Oil Corporation refinery is set to start shortly with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr M. Karunanidhi, to lay the foundation stone for the project this month. The 6 million tonnes a year refinery would be the anchor tenant that would provide feedstock for more units to set up petrochemical based industries in the area. 

• The refinery is expected to go on stream in 33 months after construction work starts. The Rs 4,790-crore project with an equity investment of Rs 1,372 crore is promoted by the Hyderabad-based Nagarjuna Group. 

• The Nagarjuna Fertilizers holds a 51 per cent stake in the equity and Tata Sons 30 per cent. Other investors include Cuddalore Port Development Company Pvt Ltd holding 10 per cent, the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation 5 per cent and Uhde, Germany, the balance. 

• With the Nagarjuna refinery as the anchor tenant, the Tamil Nadu Government has proposed to the Centre to form a PCPIR over 250 sq km, covering Cuddalore and Nagapattinam, according to Mr S. Ramasundaram, Chairman and Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO).
  
  # # #
  
  Nagarjuna Oil Corporation Limited :

• The flagship company of the Nagarjuna Group, Nagarjuna Oil Corporation Limited (NOCL) is setting up a 6 MMTPA refinery project at Cuddalore in Tamilnadu with an investment of Rs 5000 crores. Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited (NFCL), a group company of Nagarjuna group along with Tamilnadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited (TIDCO), the investment arm of Tamilnadu Government as a co-promoter, are promoting NOCL. For further details, please visit us at: www.nocl.co.in
  
  

Read more...

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi congratulates A R Rahman

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi congratulates A R Rahman:

• The Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has congratulated A R Rahman on winning the Golden Globe Award. In a statement Mr Karunanidhi said,” I am really happy that A R Rahman has won the Golden Globe Award.

• As a Chief Minister I hereby convey my greetings and wishes to him. A R Rahman is the first Indian to receive this covetous wards. He has got this award for composing the music for the film Slum Dog Millionaire.

• A R Rahman has received so many awards for composing music in Tamil and Hindi. Now he has got this universal award. I whole heartedly wish him that he should win more and more awards in his future endeavours.”
  
  

Read more...

C M Karunanidhi’s with A R Rahman

C M Karunanidhi’s meets  A R Rahman:

• Chief Minister Kalainyar Karunanidhi had hit the bull’s eyes with his stupendous works with his recent flick Uliyin Osai. The film is successfully doing well among the masses and now, he has kick-started with his next project titled ‘Ponner-Shankar’. The film has Prashanth donning dual roles and it’s a historic period movie about brave brothers raising their voices against the colonial domination.

• Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi had personally invited A.R. Rahman to his residence. Sources close to him have stated that he has requested Rahman to score music for this film. Kalainyar had watched period films like Lagaan, Mangal Pandey and got enthralled with Rahman’s musical score.

• Now, Rahman has almost accepted to score music for the film and things would be confirmed sooner. Some Media quoted A R Rahman visited CM regarding KM music conservatory. Now it becomes entirely different scenario. So we need to wait n watch. A week ago Thiyagarajan told that he would be roped in with the country’s best technicians to make the film as an unforgettable historical movie in Indian Cinema.

• It may be recalled that a couple of days ago AR Rahman called on the CM and spent some 40 plus minutes and discussed various things including his dream project KM Music Conservatory which is going to be launched soon in the suburban of the City.
  
  

Read more...

Thiagarajar College of Engineering

The Chief Minister addressed the golden jubilee celebrations of the Thiagarajar College of Engineering:

• Girl students should follow the example set by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, in public life if they were to blossom into good citizens, said Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, here on Monday.

• Addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of Thiagarajar College of Engineering (TCE), Mr. Karunanidhi hailed Ms. Gandhi as a “valiant woman” who abdicated power to serve the nation. The people of the State should be thankful to her for providing classical status to Tamil.
  
  

Read more...

Tamil Nadu bans use of cellphones in schools

Tamil Nadu bans use of cellphones in schools:

• After Karnataka, the Tamil Nadu Government today imposed a blanket ban on the use of cellphones by students within school premises across the state.

• State School Education Minister Thangam Thennarasu said it had been brought to the notice of the government by educationists and parents that the students’ attention was getting diverted due to the use of cellphones.

• The number of students who were keen on sending SMSs instead of concentrating on studies has also increased, he said in a statement here.

• Apparently concerned over students addicted to the cellphones, the Minister said the ban would be beneficial to students and hoped they would show more interest in studies and emerge as outstanding students.

• The School Education Secretary had been instructed to give necessary advice in this regard to students and their parents, he added.

• The Karnataka government last month had banned the use of cellphones in schools by children below 16 years and issued the necessary orders early this month. The ban was widely welcomed in the state as a move to ensure that the students do not stray away from studies.

• The government notification also envisaged punishment to those selling the mobiles to such students. (Agencies)
  
  

Read more...

US-based Sanmina to invest Rs 225 crore in Tamil Nadu

US-based Sanmina to invest Rs 225 crore in Tamil Nadu:

• US-based Electronic hardware maker Sanmina-SCI Corporation today announced an investment of Rs 225 crore for setting up an electronic hardware components project at Oragadam Hi-Tech zone.

• The company will set up the manufacturing unit in a 100 acre area with the investment going up to Rs 315 crore.

• The project is likely to provide direct employment to 4,000 people and indirect jobs to 6,000.

• An MoU with the state government was signed by Industries Secretary Shaktikanta Das and Sanmina-SCI President (Global Operations) Hari Pillai in the presence of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at the State Secretariat here.

• The spare parts manufacturers of the company are also planning to set up a base in Tamil Nadu, an official statement said later.
  
  

Read more...

Law and order in Tamil Nadu is satisfactory: Karunanidhi

Law and order in Tamil Nadu is satisfactory: Karunanidhi

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today said the law and order situation in the State was satisfactory.

• Addressings at the District Collectors and Police Officer’s Conference at the Secretariate here, the Chief Minister said it was the duty of the Police Officials and District Collectors to ensure that Tamil Nadu remained a peaceful state.

• He urged the police to ensure that there were no custodial deaths in the state.

• He said the conference was a follow up of the detailed review meeting chaired by him early this morning, on the progress of various schemes implemented by various departments.

• Listing out the schemes implemented by the government since the DMK assumed office in May 2006, Mr Karunanidhi said of the 177 promises made in the election manifesto, 107 promises were fulfilled. Steps were being taken to fulfill the remaining promises, he added.

• Mr Karunanidhi said 70 of the 180 announcements made in the 2006-07 budget were implemented and orders were issued for 63 other proposals.

• He said 38 of the 183 announcemnts made in this year’s budget were implemnted and orders issued for 52 others.

• Urging the Collectors to intensify steps to identify fake family cards, he said work on computerisation of the mechanism to issue family cards to check the delay, should be supervised.

• Mr Karunanidhi also urged the Collectors to ensure that Rs two per kg rice scheme, one of the populist poll promsies of the DMK, reach the real beneficiaries and good quality rice was provided to them.
  
  On the free CTV scheme, he said under the second phase ending this November 14,62,179 lakh television sets would be distributed and work on distributing 30 lakh CTVs in the third phase would begin in December.

• Observing that Panchayats were even unable to provide basic facilities due to financial crunch, Mr Karunanidhi said the government had ordered allocation of cent per cent of 12th Finance Commission grants to the Village Panchayats in the State.

• The government also decided to increase the fund allocation from the State Finance Commission to 60 per cent from the present 47 per cent.

• Stating that several Panchayats suffered due to the system of fund allocation based on the population, the Chief Minister said henceforth the Commission would provide Rs three lakh each to the Village Panchayats and the remaining funds would be distributed on the basis of population. Source: UNI
  
  

Read more...

Tamil Nadu plans Taiwan Eco Zone near Chennai

Tamil Nadu plans Taiwan Eco Zone near Chennai:

• The Tamil Nadu government is looking at creating a separate Taiwan Economic Zone near Chennai.

• The zone, spread over 500 acres, is planned to attract investments from Taiwanese small and medium enterprises, according to Tamil Nadu industries secretary Shaktikanta Das.

• Das said the state government was exploring possibilities of earmarking 500 acres for the proposed zone out of two locations in Tamil Nadu — Tidco’s SEZ in Ennore and SIPCOT’s industrial complex in Cheyyar.

• The decision to carve out a separate Taiwanese zone comes on the heels of increased interest among Taiwanese companies to invest in India, particularly Tamil Nadu. Taiwanese entrepreneurs recognise India as a powerful economic opportunity and are keen to explore investment opportunities here.

• “While the big Taiwanese companies are encouraged to come on their own, the state government is keen to facilitate investments from SMEs in Taiwan by creating a special zone,” Das said.

• The Taiwan Economic Zone is expected to attract manufacturers of electronics and hardware components, light engineering products and footwear components. Investments to the tune of $700 million has so far flowed from Taiwan into India. Gross committed investments in Tamil Nadu are now almost $500 million.

• A CII report points out that Taiwanese investments in India have the potential to touch $4 billion by 2010. While the larger Taiwanese companies are beginning to make their presence felt in India, it is the SMEs in Taiwan that needed handholding.
  
  Direct air connectivity between Chennai and Taipei is also being proposed to facilitate trade, Das said.

• Taipei World Trade Center Co Ltd executive vice-president Walter Yeh said that earlier, Taiwanese companies used to be more interested in expanding to China, Vietnam and Thailand.

• Now, a number of Taiwanese companies are interested in coming to India owing to burgeoning domestic consumption.

• Taitra (Taiwan External Trade Development Council) has opened a 2,400-sq ft Taiwan Trade Centre in Chennai to disseminate global trade information to Taiwan’s enterprises. Source:Business Standard
  
  

Read more...

Tamil Nadu CM announces setting up of new greenfield airport

Tamil Nadu CM announces setting up of new greenfield airport:

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today announced the setting up of a new greenfield airport at Sriperumbudur and Tiruvallur taluks, apart from the expansion of the existing airport at Meenambakkam.

• The expansion of the existing airport would be taken up at Manapakkam, Kolapakkam, Kerugambakkam and Tharapakkam in Sriperumbudur taluk, Karunanidhi told reporters here today after a resolution to this effect was adopted at a meeting of the legislative party leaders held at the secretariat.

• While the greenfield airport would come up on 4,820.66 acres, expansion of Chennai airport would be done on 1,069.99 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 2,000 crore, he said.

• Karunanidhi said that the work for both the expansion and the greenfield airports would be entrusted to the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The government would provide suitable compensation to 947 households in these areas and also rehabilitation to them.

• The rehabilitation would be done in the first phase of the expansion work itself, he said.

• The Chief Minister said all the parties, including the PMK, MDMK and the DMDK had supported the resolution. However, the opposition AIADMK did not support the resolution.

• D Jayakumar, who represented the AIADMK at the meeting, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister “to reconsider the proposal as people in certain places have raised objections to the project.”

• Karunanidhi said land acquisition was estimated to cost Rs 1,000 crore. The construction would need an investment of another Rs 1,000 crore, he said.
  
  

Read more...

Umara Pulavar Award to Chief Minister M Karunanidhi

Umara Pulavar Award to Chief Minister M Karunanidhi:

• Chief Minister M Karunanidhi will be conferred with ‘Umara Pulavar Award’ during the three-day international Islamic Tamil Literary convention which begins in Chennai from 25 May.

• Speaking to reporters here yesterday, Idhayathullah, general secretary, Islamic Ilakiya Kazhagam said the award is given to the Chief Minister for his contribution to Tamil literature. The award to be given by Raghuman Khan, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, carries a cash prize of Rs One lakh and will be presented at the valedictory function, he said.

• The three-day meet will be inaugurated by State Finance Minister K Anbazhagan at Kalivanar Arangam and will have symposiums, book releases, seminars, religious discussions and speeches, short plays and poetry. Also, a souvenir will be released on the occasion.

• Leaders from various religious will speak on ‘One God, one caste’ where Kunnakudi Adigalar will speak on Hinduism, Anudhasan Adigal on Christianity and KVS Habeeb on Islam. Union Minister G K Vasan will give away cash prizes of Rs 10,000 and a shield to people under 12 different categories like the best poet, educationist, student and lyricist, Idhayathullah said.

• He further said that around 400 Islamic and non Islamic scholars including women, who have done their thesis on Phd / M Phil on Islamic Literature will present their papers and will be awarded shield and certificates.

• At the valedictory function, the Chief Minister will honour the Sahitya Academy award winners - Thoppil Mohammad Meeran, Kaviko Abdul Rahman and M Mehta.

• The seventh literary convention is conducted to create communal harmony through literary initiatives irrespective of caste and religion. The theme of meet is ‘Winning hearts through literature’, Kaviko Abdul Rehman, director of the Islamic Ilakiya Kazhagam said.

• Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, Malaysian Minister Datt G Palanivelu, Sri Lankan Ministers Ravoof Hakkeem, M Ameer Ali and various scholars across the world are participating at the convention. Source: NewsToday
  
  

Read more...

The 100th day function of the movie Periyar

The 100th day function of the movie Periyar:

The 100th day function of the movie Periyar was held at Chennai.

• Periyar, the movie about the great leader, has crossed 100 days in nearly 20 theatres. The 100th day celebration was held at the Kalaivanar Arangam. Honorable Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi who participated in the function distributed the awards for the actor, actresses and also to all the technicians who worked for the movie ‘Periyar’.

• Before they could give the awards CM inaugurated the stone with the name Inamurasu Sathyaraj. The Green stone Ring which belongs to Periyar was given to Sathyaraj by our Kalaingar in order to honor Sathyaraj who came out with his best as Periyar in the movie.

• Sathyaraj, who played the title role, was presented with a ring similar to the one worn by the great reformer. Speaking on the occasion, the actor said that it would not have been possible for him to do the role without the CM’s help. He helped him understand the mannerisms of Periyar and even enacted it for him.

• Khushbu said this was one of her most difficult roles. Manorama, who played Periyar’s mother in the film, said that she had done so many films, but this role gave her the utmost satisfaction.

• The Dravida kazhagam leader Veeramani, Actor Sivakumar, the director of Periyar movie Gyana.Rajashekaran and many other fames in the cinema industry also present at the occasion.
  
  

Read more...

CM watches Periyar:

CM watches Periyar:

• Chief Minister M Karunanidhi watched the special screening of Periyar at Devi Sridevi Preview theatres in Chennai on Tuesday.The movie which features Sathyaraj in the role of rationalist leader Periyar is directed by Gnanarajasekaran with musical score by Vidyasagar and cinematography by Thangar Bachchan.The State government has given away a sum of Rs 95 lakh as financial aid for producing the movie.

• Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, who was closely associated with Periyar, appreciated the cast and crew for giving their best in the movie. He heaped laurels of Sathyaraj and director Gnanarajasekaran for their splendid work. The movie also features Kushboo, Jyothirmayee, and director S S Stanley among others in the cast.
  
  

Read more...

Rajinikanth meets Chief Minister

Rajinikanth meets Chief Minister:

• It was the turn of ‘Super Star’ Rajnikanth to call on Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at the latter’s residence in Chennai. The meeting between the two generated a lot of hype and expectations.

• Sources close to the actor said Rajinikanth has met the Chief Minister Mr.M.Karunanidhi in connection with the Best Actor award given to him by the State Government for his performance in Chandramukhi.

• Rajnikanth expressed his Thanks and his happiness with Karunanidhi and the latter appreciated his performance in the recently-released ‘Sivaji’.
  
  

Read more...

Karunanidhi enjoys Shivaji with Rajini

Karunanidhi enjoys Shivaji with Rajini:

• Chief Minister M Karunanidhi watched the movie Shivaji yesterday along with the hero of the film, superstar Rajinikanth, and was all praise about its aura of grandeur and the perfect screenplay. After watching the movie, Karunanidhi praised Rajini for doing an excellent job, and told him, ' You are a perfect entertainer'. 

• Earlier, the Chief Minister's office informed the AVM production house about the Chief Minister's desire to watch the movie before its release. Immediately, AVM Saravanan made necessary arrangements for the special preview of the movie at the AVM a/c theater yesterday evening. This news was communicated to Rajini also, and he rushed to the campus along with his wife Latha, Soundarya and Aishvarya much earlier than the arrival of the CM. 

• Karunanidhi arrived at the theater at 6.10 pm along with his wives Rajaathi Ammal and Dayal Ammal, son M.K.Stalin, his ministerial colleagues Durai Murugan, Arcot Veerasamy and Pongalore Palanisamy. The producers of the film, AVM Saravanan, M.S.Guhan, and S.P.Muthuraman welcomed the Chief Minister and superstar Rajinikanth. 

• The preview show started at 6.30 p.m. and ended at 10p.m. sharp. 
  
  The CM appeared to be in a very relaxed mood, and after the show was over, he expressed his happiness over the film to Rajini and AVM Saravanan.
  
  

Read more...

Actor Ilayathalapathy Vijay and S. A. Chandrasekharan Met chief minister karunanidhi

Actor Ilayathalapathy Vijay and S. A. Chandrasekharan Met chief minister karunanidhi and greet on his 84th birthday.

Read more...

Sivaji's family thanks M Karunanidhi

Sivaji's family thanks M Karunanidhi:

• Tamilnadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi announced in the State Assembly on Wednesday that a huge statue of thespian Sivaji Ganesan would be installed in Chennai soon. The announcement by the DMK led government has won admiration from all the cine buffs and Tamil filmdom too.

• Meanwhile, thanking Karunanidhi for his gesture in honouring the yeoman services of Sivaji Ganesan, his sons Ram Kumar and Prabhu have expressed their gratitude to him. They said, "This is a rare honour for Tamil filmdom and a jubilation for fans of thespian Sivaji Ganesan." They also personally met him and expressed their thanks.

Read more...

Conference backs Tamils in Malaysia

Conference backs Tamils in Malaysia:

December 17, 2007

• The DMK chief went on to say that he was not against Ram, but against those who were misusing his name for their own benefit. He said ships were forced to encircle Sri Lanka just to go from the east coast to the west of the country and thus the project had to be completed.

• Earlier, 25 resolutions were passed in the conference, one of which was the completion of the Sethu Samudram project. Another resolution passed was for the support for Tamils in Malaysia.

• Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi also addressed the conference. The Rajya Sabha MP concentrated on women's issues in a bid to woo women voters, who have in the past supported All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief J Jayalalithaa.
  
  

Read more...

Karunanidhi & Jackie Chan

Karunanidhi & Jackie Chan:

Read more...

M Karunanidhi greeting the couple

CHIEF GUEST: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi greeting the couple.

Read more...

Karunanidhi’s literary works to be translated into Chinese

Karunanidhi’s literary works to be translated into Chinese:

MADURAI: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s literary works will soon be read in China with a university in that country proposing to translate them into Chinese language, according to G. Thiruvasagam, Vice-Chancellor, Bharathiar University.

• Dr. Thiruvasagam, who was here to launch the participatory programme of the university at Yadava College, said the president of Huaihua University, China, had conveyed the proposal to him.

• Bharathiar University has developed a good rapport with the Chinese University, paving the way for Chinese students to pursue degree courses in Linguistics and Computer Science in the Coimbatore-based university. 

• Having successfully translated ‘Tholkappia Poonga,’ authored by Mr. Karunanidhi, into English, the university has got the clearance to translate all his literary works into English.

• The English version will be sent to Huaihua University for translation into Chinese language, he said.

• The Department of Linguistics of Bharathiar University has translated all poetic works of Subramania Bharathi into English, he said. An exclusive division handled the publication of all translated works.
  
  

Read more...

Literary Works of M. Karunanidhi

Literary Works of M. Karunanidhi:

• Tale of the anklet = Silappathikaram (ancien Tamil epic by Ilango Adigal): play by M.Karunanithi (1967) ; English rendering by T. G. Narayanaswamy. [1st ed.]. Madras :

• Tamizhkani Pathippagam, 1976 
• kuRaLOviyam. Chennai : Parati Patippakam, 1985. 1st ed.
• kuRaL-portraits : Dr. Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi's Kuralovium, a translation from Tamil by
• K. Chellappan. 1st ed. Annamalainagar : Annamalai University, 1989. 
• ilankait thamizha!, ithu keLai!. Chennai : Parati Nilaiyam, 1981. 
• inthiyAvil oru thiivu. Madras : 1978. 
• kaNNatakkam. Tirucci, Tiravitappannai, 2nd ed. [1969]. 
• mutiyAta thotar kathai. Chennai : Tamizhocai Patippakam, 1982. 
• nAlayini. [1968]. 
• nenjukku niithi. Chennai : Tinamani Katir Veliyitu, 1975 
• niithi kettu netiyApayaNam. Chennai : Parati Nilaiyam, 1981, 1st ed. 
• Oli pataitta kanninay, va, va!. Chennai : Parati Patippakam, 1982. 
• orE iraththam. Chennai: Tamizhlkkani Patippakam, 1980; Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• pazhakkUtai, 2nd ed, Tirucci : Tiravitappannai, [1968]. 
• pEcum kalai vaLarppOm, 1st ed. Chennai : Parati Patippakam, 1981. P
• oems, by M. Karunanidhi ; translated into English by Krishna Srinivas. Madras : Poets
• Press, India, c1989. 
• puthaiyal.Chennai : Parati Patippakam, 1975. 
• rOmApurip pANtiyan. Chennai : Parati Patippakam, [1974]. 
• thEnalaikal, 3rd ed. Chennai : Parati Patippakam, 1982. 
• Tiruvalar Teciyam Pillai. 2nd ed, Chennai : Anpu Nilaiyam, [1967]. 
• vaira maNikaL, 2nd ed Chennai : Parati Patippakam, 1982. 
• VeLLikkizhamai.Chennai : Parati Patippakam, [1968]. 
• Yaral? yaral? yaral? Chennai: Parati Nilaiyam, 1981. 
• pAyum puli paNdAraka vanniyan, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• arumbu, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• orE maram pUththathu, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• maNi makutam, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• punitha rAjyam, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• manOkarA, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• vaNdikAran makan, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• pOr muracu, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• kizhavan kizhavu, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• iniyavai irupathu, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• Aru mAtha kadungkAval, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• mahAn peRRa makaL, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• cinna cinna malarkaL, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• mEdaiyilE viiciya melliya pUngkARRu, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• Kalainjarin Tenpantic cinkam., 1st ed Chennai : Apirami Publications, 1983. 
• Kalainjarin kavitaikal. Putiyakavitaikal cerkkappatta, 1977. 2nd ed. Chennai : Parati Patippakam, 1982. 
• Kalainjar tirai icaip patalkal. tokuppu, Ceylon Vijayenthiran, 1st ed. Chennai : Kantalakam, 1989. 
• Kalainjar kavitaiyil kantetutta muttukkal. tokuppaciriyar, Pi. El. Rajentiran, 1st ed.,
• Chennai : Puvalaki Patippakam, 1990. 

• Kalainjar katitam. 1st ed. Chennai : Apirami Nilaiyam, 1986. 
• Kalainjar Karunanitiyin cirukataikal, 2nd ed. Chennai : Parati Patippakam, 1982. 
• Kalainjar kalanciyam. tokuppaciriyar Ki. Cu. Kirusnacami ; patippaciriyar Cita. Irajentiran. 1st ed. Chennai: Parati Patippakam, 1989. 
• kalainjarin colnayam, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• kalainjarin navamaNikaL, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• kalinjarin muththamizh, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• kalainjarin uvamai nayam, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• kalainjarin cinthanai citharalkaL, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• kalainjarin muthukkuviyal, Chennai : Parati Patippakam 
• Bharathi Pathippakam (106 Usman Road, T Nagar, Chennai 600 017 Tel: 91-44-434 0205) has published majority of the literary works of Karunanidhi. 
  
  

Read more...

Desperate LTTE targets Karunanidhi

Desperate LTTE targets Karunanidhi:

• Chennai Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Friday received a death threat allegedly from the banned LTTE, police said. 

• Police said a letter carrying the symbol of the proscribed outfit issuing the death threat was received at Karunanidhi's Gopalpuram residence. 

• Following the threat, security has been stepped up for the Chief Minister, who already is in the “Z plus” category. 

• A case has been filed with the Central crime branch of the city police which is probing the matter. 

• Police officials said the Union Home Ministry had already warned of a terror threat to Karunanidhi from LTTE, which is engaged in what is been termed as the "last ditch battle" in Sri Lanka.

The Indian Express Limited.

Read more...

Lanka Newspapers

Lanka Newspapers:

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Sunday said that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was being misguided by certain outfits headed by leaders like Nedumaran in Tamil Nadu. 

• The LTTE has adopted a wrong approach under the influence of these leaders .only because of that, a solution has been eluding the Lankan Tamils issue``, the DMK chief said writing for Murasoli. 

• Referring to the reports that the LTTE leaders were hailing Nedumaran for criticising him (Karunanidhi) for stating that Prabhakaran should be treated with respect even if the Tigers lose the war, the DMK president said: Those who does not know the history may hail people like Nedumaran...they may even thank leaders like Jayalalithaa for demanding the arrest of Prabhakaran. 

• Karunanidhi further said neutral leaders know that a solution to the Lankan Tamils issue had been eluding just because the Tigers had adopted a wrong approach under the influence of leaders like Nedumaran. The DMK chief said he was one among those neutral persons. 

• Replying to another query, Karunanidhi said neutral leaders know well that the Centre had been doing its best for resolving the Lankan Tamils issue. In this connection, he recalled the visit of External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Lanka in October, 2008 and Centre`s insistence that cessation of hostilities in Lanka should happen and a negotiated political settlement was a must. He also referred to the despatch of medicines and essential commodities to the displaced Tamils in Lanka and the statement made in Congress party`s election manifesto. (Express News)
  
  

Read more...

Treat Tamils with dignity: Karunanidhi

Treat Tamils with dignity: Karunanidhi

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader M Karunanidhi on Thursday said the Sri Lankan government should treat Tamils with honour and dignity even if the LTTE was defeated in the ongoing offensive by the island nation's Army.

• Addressing a rally here to protest against the offensive, he said, "Tamils should be given equal rights and powers in the affairs of Sri Lanka. History will not forgive Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, if he illtreats Tamils."

• He said if Mr. Rajapaksa thought that the Tamil race in the island could be annihilated, he would be wrong.

• He said Congress president Sonia Gandhi should emulate her mother-in-law Indira Gandhi, while handling the Sri Lankan Tamils issue.

• "Though the situation might have differed now, Ms. Sonia Gandhi should emulate Indira Gandhi," he said in an obvious reference to the Indian government dropping food packets in the affected areas in the early eighties.

• He appealed to Ms. Gandhi to take "early steps" to prevail upon the Sri Lankan Government to stop its offensive in northern parts of the island. "Please take early steps to stop the war. Respect our sentiments," he said.

• 
  
  

Read more...

The Genesis

The Genesis: 

To liberate the Dravidian race from the shackles of superstition and religious dogmas, to revive and restore the ancient heritage of Tamil and Tamilnadu, and to protect Tamil language from Hindi imperialism, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam – (DMK) was founded by Dr. C.N. Annadurai – better known as Anna (Elder brother) on 17th September 1949. 

The History of DMK is the history of rational and reformist movement in Tamil Nadu. It is the history of Tamil renaissance it is the compilation of the continuous struggle and concrete efforts taken by a political organisation to preserve the identity of a civilisation par excellence.

Read more...

The Spectrum

The Spectrum :

Under his able leadership, Tamilnadu reached new heights in various fields. To eradicate poverty and to "See God in the smile of poor" he gave priority to the weaker and down-trodden section and for the first time by any Government, pioneered new welfare schemes such as:

Setting up of Slum Clearance board
( the first of its kind in India, later adopted in other states)

Rehabilitation home for beggars and lepers,

Karunai illams (Mercy Homes) in temples,

Free Eye camps with free supply of spectacles.

Supply of free rice and garments on important festival days,

Free supply of electricity to farmers,

Abolition of hand rickshaws by providing cycle rickshaws free of cost.

Legislation for equal property rights for women,

Marriage grant of Rs. 10,000 to poor girls,

Incentive for Inter-caste marriages and widows' remarriages,

Maternity relief for women in poor households,

Enhancement of pension to freedom fighters and old age people,

Free education for poor girls upto graduate level,

Nationalisation of major bus routes in Tamil Nadu.

Adhi-Dravidar free housing Schemes,

Formation of separate department for the welfare of Backward classes and Most Backward classes,

Free buspass to students.

Family benefit scheme for govt. employes providing Rs. 1 lakh to the family of the deceased employee.

Formation of new universities – Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Thirunelveli, Dr. MGR Medical University and

University of Veterinary Sciences in Chennai.

Setting up Police Commission – the first of its kind in India to look into the problems of police personnel.

Setting up of the State Planing Commission, etc.,


Dr. V.V. Giri, the then President of India, commended his social schemes as "Tamilnadu leads the rest of India". 

Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayanan also richly lauded his schemes for the poor. To inspire the masses in establishing the identity to the Tamil race, to remind them their ancient rich heritage and to prepetuate the memory of the people who had devoted their lives for the nation, Dr. Kalaignar constructed mouments like Poompuhar Art Gallery, Valluvar Kottam, Kattabomman fortress etc.

During Dr. Anna's brief life span, DMK had its position consolidated in the State, Kalaignar elevated it to the national level and made it one of the decisive forces shaping the desting of India. He was instrumental in influencing major decisions of the central Government like nationalisation of Banks, providing 8.33% Bonus to the workers irrespective of profit or loss, declaration of May Day as a paid holiday. Revival of inter-state council etc. 

The policies which were enunciated and expounded primarily for Tamil and non- Hindi speaking people are now recognised and accepted by national parties. The policy of reservation, decentralisation and devolution of power to the states, legimate share of state Chief Minister in national decisions are a few shining examples.

Read more...

The Spark

The Spark:

The launching of the South Indian Welfare Association popularly known as Justice Party in November 1916 by Sir P. Thiagarayar and others to promote social, economic and political interests of the Non-Brahmins, was the nucleus of the Dravidian movement. 

The historic achievements of the Justice Party Government namely:
Arresting the domination of Brahmins in administration and social strata.

Enacting the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Act.

Implementation of communal reservation policy.

Midday Meals for poor children in Corporation Schools (later revived by Kamaraj and M.G.R. Governments) and 

Abolition of Deva Dasi system in Hindu temples awakened the spirit of self-respect, rationalism and unity among non-Brahmins.


Fed up with the domination of Brahmins and their religious fundamentalism, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy left the Congress in 1925 and formed the Self Respect Movement which was later transformed into a liberation movement named Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) in 1944. Dr. Anna and the other front line leaders took active role in spreading the ideals of D.K. Due to differences with Periyar over certain policies and programs, they left DK and formed DMK on 17th September, 1949. 

Dr. Anna became the General Secretary Dr. M. Karunanidhi-popularly called Dr. Kalaignar (Connoisseur of letters) – destined to carry and hold aloft the torch lit by Dr. Anna, was made member of the propaganda wing.

Read more...

State Autonomy

State Autonomy :

India is a federation of different communities and diverse cultures. DMK believing in the concept of "unity in diversity" is strongly convinced that true federation is the only solution for the unity and integrity of country. "Autonomy for the states and federalism at the centre" is the policy of DMK. Whenever the rights of any state are infringed or threatened, DMK raised its voice for the states' rights.

"Let us cooperate for cordial relations with the Centre
Let us fight for the States' rights"

is the slogan of DMK.

He was the first Chief Minister since independence who constituted a committee viz Rajamannar Committee (1969) to study the centre – state relations and submit an official report on state autonomy. In April 1974, Dr. Kalaignar introduced an epoch-making resolution in Tamil Nadu Assembly, advocating more powers for the states based on the recommendations of Rajamannar Committee.

The privilege of state Chief Ministers to unfurl the national flag in their state capital on Independence days (since Aug. 15, 1974) which no Congress Chief Minister dared to raise is a notable achievement of Dr, Kalaignar and a march towards State Autonomy.

Read more...

The Flame

The Flame:

Dr. Anna was not born with a silver spoon, but he was born with a silver tongue. With his eloquence (in English and Tamil), and lofty ideal he was able to revive the pristine glory of ancient Tamil culture and millions of men-young and old, followed him. With his masterly skill, he effectively utilised the mass media like cinema, drama, press and platform to awaken the Tamils from their slumber. The magazines like "Dravida Nadu" and "Murasoli" edited by Anna and Kalaignar respectively, educated, enlightened and enthused the cadres; became effective weapons in the armoury of the party and fostered family bond – a unique feature in DMK – among its followers and leaders. Like a small seed of a banyan tree, the DMK got rooted deeply and grew gigantic that would shake the bastion of religious tenets, shape the society and shelter the lives of millions. 

From its inception, the DMK continued to carry the mission set by Periyar in social reforms and dedicated itself to eradicate jointly and individually the social evils through constitutional methods. Dr. Anna declared that DMK and DK would function like a double – barrelled gun. 

Committed to achieve his goal only through fair and legitimate means, Dr. Anna trained the cadres to adhere to the three principles dear to him, namely Duty, Dignity and Discipline. The DMK developed into a mass movement and emerged as a ruling party within a short span of eighteen years which no political party could achieve.

Read more...

Against Emergency

Against Emergency :

With innate character of democracy, the DMK, Whether in power or out of it, has reacted sharply whenever, democracy is threatened.

Despite being a friend of Mrs. Indira Gandhi and a dependable ally of the Congress Party, when Mrs. Gandhi flouted democracy by declaring national Emergency in 1975, the DMK stood by its commitment to democracy and fought tooth and nail against imposition of emergency. The fight against emergency became a second war for freedom.

Tamil Nadu stood in the fore front under the leadership of Dr. Kalaignar. By guiles and threats, DMK was being pressurised into toeing the line of Central Government but no force on each could intimidate Dr. Kalaignar. His faith in democracy was and still is stead fast and is unshakable. Consequently, DMK leaders like Mr. Murasoli Maran, Arcot Veerasamy, Chitti Babu, Sattur Balakrishnan, and M.K. Stalin with more than 500 volunteers were imprisoned under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). But DMK was able to withstand the repression and faced the trials and tribulations. In fact "MISA" became an honour to be prefixed to one's name.

However in 1980, the same Mrs. Gandhi expressed her regret for having imposed emergency and assured the nation that it would not be repeated on any account, DMK magnanimously renewed its alliance with the Congress, forgetting and forgiving the past, as Dr. Anna used to state.

Read more...

The Rising Sun

The Rising Sun:

To carryout its objectives in all fronts, Dr. Anna felt that the entry into legislature was essential and expedient. Approved by a referendum in Trichy conference, DMK contested the 1957 General Elections and won 15 seats in State Assembly, the prominent winners being Dr. Anna, Dr. Kalaignar and Professor Anbazhagan, and two seats in the Lok Sabha. 

The election commission recognised the party and its election symbol the rising Sun as if indicating that no force on earth could stop the rise of DMK. 

The party and its influence increased day by day in 1959 Madras Corporation Election, the DMK became the single largest party winning 45 seats out of 100 Mr. A.P. Arasu became the first DMK Mayor of Madras (now Chennai) 

With Dr. Kalaignar as its President, Professor Anbazhagan as General Secretary and Thiru Arcot N. Veerasamy as Treasurer in the higher echelon, the DMK is a well-knit organisation commending a membership of over 65 lakhs of dedicated Volunteers attached to 60,000 branches in Tamil Nadu alone. It is one of the few political parties, that conducts the inner-party elections periodically and democratically, It has from the grass root level to the top several Wings to take care of the welfare of volunteers, labourers, Adhi dravidars, lawyers, farmers, literature, weavers, fishermen etc. 

The party headquarters Anna Arivalayam (Temple of Knowledge) constructed in 1987 due to the indefatigable efforts of Dr. Kalaignar with donations from the followers and well wishers is the best standing example of the devotion and dedication of Dr. Kalaignar towards the party. 

The achievement was possible since the DMK relentlessly championed the cause of the people with missionary zeal, commitment, close contact, hard work and by organising rallies and agitations against Hindi imperialism, soaring prices and oppressive policies of the then ruling Congress Party.

Read more...

Sri Lankan Tamils

Sri Lankan Tamils :

Dr. Anna once metaphorically explained that the sea water is salty because the tears of the sufferings of overseas Tamilians flowed into it. When the Sri Lanka troops and Sinhala Chaunists systematically began the genocide of Tamils, Kalaignar having dedicated him self for the life and freedom of Tamils wherever they live, pursued all diplomatic efforts to defend the Tamil race and their rights, provided necessary assistance to all Tamil organisations in Sri Lanka and mobilized support among the political parties in India for the cause of Sri Lanka Tamils.

Dr. Kalaignar resigned from the Tamil Nadu Assembly (in 1983) as a mark of protest. The DMK believes in the dictum "We do what we say, and we say what we do." In spite of its open and clear commitment to an honourable settlement to provide lasting peace for Sri Lanka Tamils, opportunists forced the Central Government led by Mr. Chandrasekar to dismiss the DMK Government in 1991 alleging secret links with LTTE. "Loss of power", as Dr. Kalaignar used to say, "is Just loss of towel on the shoulders", and he forebore the dismissal of his G

Read more...

The Social Mission

The Social Mission:

To popularise handloom cloth and to redress the grievances of the millions of weavers (1953), the front line leaders like Dr. Anna, Dr. Kalingnar and others personally sold Handloom cloth in Public places.

The positive efforts in mitigating the sufferings of people affected by storm and flood in Thanjavur (1954), won the hearts of many.

During the Chinese Aggression (1962), despite its differences with Congress Party, the DMK extended support to the Govt. Of India and earnestly contributed funds to the National Defence Fund. Above all, in a major political decision Dr. Anna put the country and its integrity before his party and gave up the demand for Dravida Nadu. It was another milestone in the National outlook of DMK.

During Indo-Pakisthan war (1971) the DMK Govt. Led by Dr. Kalaignar (in fact, the only state government in India) collected public contributions of Rs.6 Crores for National Defence Fund.

To show that DMK is second to none in national defence, during the recent Pakistan troops' intrusion in Kargil sector, Dr. Kalaignar has collected Rs.50.43 crores on behalf of Tamilnadu killed in the Kargil conflict. No other state, no other chief minister in India has done so far to our soldiers.

Besides social services, the party continues its charity measures outside the Government. The DMK Charitable Trust founded by Dr. Kalaignar in 1972, runs a research library, a free eye hospital, helps the poor affected by natural calamites like fire, floor and earth quake in and out side India, and provides financial assistance of more than Rs. 15 lakhs per annum for the education of poor children and for the higher education of meritorious children who have studied Tamil as first language and secured rank in the Plus Two Examinations.

Read more...

Reservation for Other Backward Classes

Reservation for Other Backward Classes:

Never deviating from the path laid by Justice party in promoting the cause of the backward and depressed classes, DMK leaders had a share in persuading the central government) to protect the States' reservation for educationally and socially backward classes in employment and education. When MGR Government tried to dilute it by adding economic criteria (1979), the DMK protested and made MGR give it up.

When Mr. V.P. Singh became the Prime Minister of India with ardent support of DMK. Dr. Kalaignar influenced the centeral government to accept the report of Mandal commission providing 27% of jobs reservation in central government and public sectors services to Other Backward Classes. Thus an opening was made enabling the other backward classes to have a share in central government jobs and in decision making.

DMK's mission will be complete only when it gets reservation in educational Institutions of the Central Government for the Other Backward Classes.

Read more...

Agitations

Agitations: 

In 1953, to protect the self-respect of the Tamils, the DMK launched a three-pronged agitation with the objectives of :

Renaming the Railway station Dalmiapuram (named after a Private Company) as Kallakudi since the latter was the original name of the place, under the leadership of Dr. Kalaignar.

Withdrawal of the caste-based education policy of the Congress Government led by Rajaji and,

Demanding unconditional apology from Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for insulting the people of TamilNadu.

This agitation became a landmark in the history of DMK.

Read more...

Anti Hindi Agitation

Anti Hindi Agitation - 1984

It is an irony of fate that history of 1963 was repeated in 1984. But this time the battle was more against the betrayer than against the enemy. Mr. Rajiv Gandhi introduced the New Education Policy by offering liberal funds to set up Navothaya schools where Hindi would be compulsory language. DMK saw this trap and announced direct action – burning of relevant Part 17 of Constitution of India on Nov. 17 1986 (the very day Dr. Anna died in 1963).

The AIADMK Govt. of Dr. MGR played a dubious game. It passed a resoultion in the Assembly requesting the Centre for the amendment of the relevant Part of the Contitution; but a few days later when Dr. Anbazhagan and six MLAs had burnt the copies of the Constitution, the speaker Mr. P.H. Pandian claiming "sky is the limit to my power" disqualified 10 DMK MLAs resorting to residuary power under section 312 of the Assembly rules. The assembly ratified his undemocratic and unparliamentary action. Dr. Anbazhagan and 9 DMK MLAs sacrificed their assembly seats. Undaunted by this betrayal of MGR the so called brother of Dr. Anna, Dr. Kalaignar continued the agitation. He was arrested with 20,000 volunters. The result; AIADMK's betrayal of Dr. Anna's policy and its hypocrisy to Tamil interests were exposed and DMK won the subsequent assembly election (1989).

Read more...

Against Hindi Imposition

Against Hindi Imposition :

The DMK's struggle against Hindi imperialism is unique in history. It is the only political party that protects the non-hindi speaking people. But for the virulent and successive campaign of DMK against Hindi, the non-Hindi speaking people would have been relegated to second-class citizens in India.

From time immemorial Sanskrit the mother of Hindi made futile attempts to dominate and destroy Tamil. The conflict with Tamil Poet Nakkirar in sangam literature and competition of Sanskrit musician Hemanathan -in Puranas, depict the battles won by Tamil.

During the freedom struggle, backed by the Congress party, Hindi imperialism raised its ugly head. In 1938 when compulsory Hindi was introduced in schools in Tamilnadu ( formally called Madras Presidency ) people from all sects – scholars, religious heads and non-political leaders joined the agitation led by Periyar. Frontline leaders like Dr. Anna, K.A.P. Viswanatham, Elathu Adigal, Maraimalai Adigal and more than 1200 volunteers, which included a large number of women, were arrested.

Dr. Kalaignar at the tender age of 14 joined the agitation, with great enthusiasm. It was his marriage day. In fact, the bride and parties had to wait for the groom.

Mr. Natarajan and Mr. Thalamuthu, imprisoned in jail, became the first martyrs to sacrifice their lives at the altar of Hindi imperialism.

Even the Indian Freedom Struggle did not evoke so much of public response.

After Independence, the Congress Party tried to impose Hindi by subtle and back-door methods in the pretext of promoting it as a national language, common language, link language, administrative language, official language, etc., But as a vigilant watch dog of Tamil, DMK opposed and the struggle was relentlessly carried on by Dr. Anna with redoubled vigour.

Read more...