The Hindu : Front Page : Karunanidhi honoured with Periyar award

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Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008
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Karunanidhi honoured with Periyar award

S. Ganesan and R. Rajaram

DMK’s honour in recognition of his contribution during more than 70 years of public life

— Photo: M. Moorthy

Well deserved: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi receiving the Periyar Award from Finance Minister K. Anbazhagan at a function in Tiruchi on Sunday. (From left) PWD Minister Durai Murugan; Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin; Electricity Minister Arcot Veeraswami; and Transport Minister K.N. Nehru are in the picture.

TIRUCHI: Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M. Karunanidhi was honoured with the Periyar Award by his party here on Sunday.

The award, in recognition of his contribution during his more than 70 years of public life, was given away at a function to mark the birth centenary of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai and to distribute the party awards.

Deputy general secretary M.K. Stalin was honoured with the Kalaignar Award, while treasurer Arcot N. Veeraswami was given the Anna Award. PWD Minister Durai Murugan was given the Bharathidasan Award.

General secretary M. Anbazhagan, who read out the citation of the Periyar Award, traced the life history of Mr. Karunanidhi and recalled his contribution to politics, literature and social life.

Leaders of the DMK and its allies, including the Congress, felicitated the awardees.

Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, expressing awe at M. Karunanidhi’s hard work in his 73-year political career, appealed to him to lead a revolution against social evils such as majoritarianism, superstition, usury, untouchability and female infanticide.

Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation G.K.Vasan described Mr. Karunanidhi as a multi-faceted personality, who steadfastly followed the social justice policies advocated by Periyar.

TNCC president K.V. Thankgabalu, MP, said Mr. Karunanidhi had safeguarded Periyar’s movement through his writings, actions and ideals. He had championed the 27 per cent reservation. The Congress would support the DMK’s policies for uplift of the backward and oppressed sections. He welcomed Mr. Karunanidhi’s statement that the party was willing to share power with the Congress, provided that the party high command requested.

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol. Thirumavalavan said his party had already conferred the title of Samathuva Periyar on Mr. Karunanidhi for implementing Periyar’s ideals, from which he had never wavered, despite many hurdles.

Indian Union Muslim League leader Khader Mohideen, MP, said the UPA government was working under the guidance of the Chief Minister, and Tamil Nadu was a model State in upholding secular, democratic and socialistic principles.

MGR Kazhagam leader R.M. Veerapan recalled his long association with the Chief Minister and said Mr. Karunanidhi was at the forefront of the campaign for State autonomy.

Dravida Kazhagam leader K. Veeramani said it was apt that Mr. Karunanidhi had been conferred with the award named after Periyar.

Hyder Ali of the Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam; Pon. Kumar of Vivasayigal Thozhilalar Katchi; Puvai Jaganmoorthy of Puratchi Bharatam; L. Ganesan, MP; Kundarakudi Ponnambala Adigalar and Ministers spoke.

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