C.N. Annadurai, commonly known as Anna, was a prominent Indian politician and the founder of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a major political party in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Here’s a detailed overview of his life and contributions:
Early Life
- Full Name: Chinnaswamy Narayana Iyengar Annadurai
- Birth: September 15, 1909, in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Education: Annadurai was educated at Pachaiyappa’s College, Chennai, and later at the Madras Law College, but he did not complete his law degree. He was an avid reader and had a strong interest in literature and politics from a young age.
Political Beginnings
- Initial Involvement: Annadurai was influenced by the Dravidian movement, which aimed to promote the rights and identity of the Tamil-speaking people of South India. He initially worked with the Self-Respect Movement led by E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar), which advocated for social justice and the eradication of the caste system.
Formation of DMK
- Founding of DMK: In 1949, Annadurai founded the DMK after splitting from the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK), which was led by Periyar. The DMK aimed to focus more on political power and governance rather than just social reform.
- Ideology: The DMK promoted Dravidian identity and social justice, and its policies were often against the dominance of the Brahmin community and Hindi imposition.
Political Career
- Legislative Achievements: Annadurai first entered the legislative assembly in 1957 as a member of the Madras Legislative Assembly. His party won a significant number of seats in the elections held that year.
- Chief Minister: Annadurai became the Chief Minister of the Madras State (now Tamil Nadu) in 1967. He was known for his progressive policies, including the promotion of Tamil as the official language of the state and various social welfare schemes.
Contributions
- Language Movement: Annadurai was a strong advocate for the Tamil language and worked towards its promotion in administration and education. His efforts led to the establishment of Tamil as the official language of Tamil Nadu.
- Social Reforms: Under his leadership, the DMK government introduced various reforms aimed at improving social justice, including policies to support education and healthcare.
Legacy
- Literary Works: Annadurai was also a prolific writer and a skilled orator. He wrote plays, novels, and essays in Tamil, many of which dealt with social issues and Dravidian identity.
- Death: C.N. Annadurai passed away on February 3, 1969, after a brief illness. His death was widely mourned, and he is remembered as a significant figure in Tamil Nadu’s political and social history.
Influence
- DMK’s Continuation: After Annadurai’s death, his party was led by his successor, M. Karunanidhi, who furthered his vision and maintained the party’s prominence in Tamil Nadu politics.
- Cultural Impact: Annadurai’s contributions have had a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s cultural and political landscape. He is remembered as a champion of Dravidian rights and Tamil identity.
Annadurai’s legacy is still influential in Tamil Nadu’s political and cultural spheres, and he is revered for his role in shaping modern Tamil Nadu.