Tributes Pour In for Congress Leader Kumari Ananthan
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Numerous leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, have expressed their condolences following the passing of veteran Congress leader Kumari Ananthan. Renowned for his contributions to Tamil culture and politics, Ananthan's legacy continues to inspire many.
Key Takeaways
- Kumari Ananthan was a noted Congress leader and Gandhian.
- Condolences were expressed by PM Modi, Governor R. N. Ravi, and CM Stalin.
- He was honored with the Thagaisal Thamizhar Award by the Tamil Nadu government.
- Ananthan was a strong advocate for the Tamil language.
- His legacy includes being a four-time MLA and former MP.
Chennai, April 9 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, and numerous senior state officials expressed their condolences following the passing of renowned Congress leader and Gandhian Kumari Ananthan on Wednesday.
PM Modi shared on the social media platform X, "Thiru Kumari Ananthan Ji will be remembered for his significant contributions to society and his fervor for Tamil Nadu's advancement."
"He made substantial efforts to popularize the Tamil language and culture. I am saddened by his departure. My heartfelt sympathies to his family and supporters. Om Shanti," PM Modi remarked.
The Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan posted on social media that Governor R. N. Ravi honored the late leader with floral tributes.
Describing Ananthan as a dedicated Gandhian, esteemed parliamentarian, and eminent Tamil writer and speaker, the Governor extended his sincere condolences to his daughter and former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan along with other family members.
Chief Minister M. K. Stalin visited Ananthan's home in Saligramam, Chennai, to pay his final respects. He also comforted Ananthan's daughter, BJP leader Soundararajan, and other grieving relatives.
CM Stalin was accompanied by Health Minister Ma. Subramanian, MP Vijay Vasanth, and other leaders.
In an earlier official statement, CM Stalin expressed profound sadness over Ananthan's passing.
He reminisced about Ananthan's role in advocating for the right to speak in Tamil in Parliament, an achievement that brought immense pride to many Tamilians.
CM Stalin also highlighted that the Tamil Nadu government awarded Ananthan the esteemed Thagaisal Thamizhar Award last year, acknowledging his lifelong contributions to Tamil literature and culture.
"I recall with tears the discussion I had with Mr. Ananthan when I presented the award on Independence Day. I find solace in knowing that Ananthan will live on in our hearts through his writings and speeches in Tamil," CM Stalin expressed.
Opposition Leader and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami also honored Ananthan on X, stating he was deeply saddened by the loss of a revered literary figure.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President K. Selvaperunthagai referred to Ananthan as a cornerstone of the party.
He also recalled Ananthan's relentless activism, including undertaking 17 padayatras covering 5,548 kilometers for various causes. MDMK General Secretary Vaiko termed Ananthan's passing an "irreparable loss".
"Ananthan carved out a unique niche in Tamil Nadu politics. He was a multifaceted individual - a compelling orator, thinker, and writer," Vaiko remarked.
He also reminisced about Ananthan's influential tenure as an MP, which included his successful push for the use of Tamil in Parliament and ensuring postal applications were available in Tamil.
PMK founder S. Ramadoss praised Ananthan as one of the greatest presidents of the Tamil Nadu Congress, adding, "He advocated for flight announcements in Tamil and shared a special bond with me and our party."
PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss reiterated these thoughts, labeling Ananthan's passing a "significant loss" for the prohibition movement in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) President G. K. Vasan emphasized Ananthan’s efforts to implement various development schemes in Tamil Nadu and praised his contributions to Tamil literature, stating, "His death is a tremendous loss for Tamil Nadu."
AMMK General Secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran celebrated Ananthan’s lifelong commitment to uplifting the Tamil people and language.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President Vijay also honored the late leader’s initiatives to implement prohibition in the state.
DMK MP Kanimozhi characterized Ananthan's influence on Tamil Nadu's political arena as "substantial", calling his demise a "great loss to the Tamil community".
CPI(M) State Secretary P. Shanmugam remembered Ananthan's early years in Congress and commended him as an eloquent speaker, a nationalist, and a proponent of secularism.
DMDK General Secretary Premalatha Vijayakant regarded him as a paragon of discipline with a deep love for Tamil and its political landscape. Puthiya Tamilagam President K. Krishnasamy and Dravidar Kazhagam President K. Veeramani also expressed their condolences, joining the widespread expressions of sorrow.
Kumari Ananthan leaves a remarkable legacy as a four-time MLA, a former MP, a literary icon, and a steadfast Gandhian.
His unwavering dedication to the Tamil language, his role in shaping the state’s political discourse, and his lasting values continue to motivate leaders and citizens alike.
