The Hindu : Call for entertainment tax waiver

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 09, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Call for entertainment tax waiver

By P. Oppili

CHENNAI, MARCH 8. These days of hype and glamour, simple functions to honour unassuming men seem to get little attention.

One such meet was organised last Friday to honour C.P.S.Vairavan, an associate of former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, at the Kamala Theatre here. Only a few seats were occupied.

A movie on the life of the late leader, `Kamaraj _ A film on the kingmaker', is being screened at the theatre.

Lakshmi Krishnamurthy, daughter of Sathyamurthi, freedom fighter, appreciated the producer for ``taking pains to make the film.'' She said the movie would ensure that the next generation did not forget Kamaraj. It was sad no one like him could be found in any political party these days. Urging the State Government to waive entertainment tax for the film, Ms. Lakshmi Krishnamurthy said the gesture would encourage students to watch it.

Producer and director A. Balakrishnan said the film was ``to remind the present day politicians of their duties. Many people appreciated my work and said that I have done a great job. I feel I have not done anything great, but only fulfilled my duty.''

Director S.P. Muthuraman said he felt guilty at not having directed such a good film.

Information on the sacrifices made by several leaders during the freedom struggle had not reached the common man. This was one of the reasons for the present state of confusion.

Richard Madhuram, who played the leader in the movie, said Kamaraj was instrumental in nurturing two key leaders in national politics.

Sharing his views, Mr. Vairavan said a wrong opinion prevailed among many that Kamaraj was not educated.

``He did not go to college or get a degree, but he used to spend five hours daily reading newspapers, books and magazines.'' It was sad that a majority of those who were with him forgot him.

Presenting a cash prize of Rs 10,000 to Mr. Vairavan, CT. Valliappan of the Kamala Theatre said the programme was organised not in consideration of the needs of the recipient but for the service he rendered to society.

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