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.