India mourns the death of Tamil leader Karunanidhi
chennai — Thousands mourned in southern India on Tuesday after the death of revered 94-yearold political leader Muthuvel Karunanidhi.
Karunanidhi, a charismatic selfstyled champion of the poor, had been in intensive care since July 28 in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu state.
A big crowd had been thronging the streets outside the hospital since his hospitalisation but it swelled to some 6,000 on Tuesday, an AFP photographer estimated, after doctors said he had suffered a “significant decline”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately tweeted condolences to Karunanidhi’s family, saying “India and particularly Tamil Nadu will miss him immensely”.
“Deeply saddened by the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi,” Modi said.
“He was one of the senior most leaders of India. We have lost a deep-rooted mass leader, prolific thinker, accomplished writer and a stalwart whose life was devoted to the welfare of the poor and the marginalised,” he added.
Supporters beat their chests and chanted the leader’s name as hundreds of police struggled to contain the surging crowds pressing against barricades. —
abu dhabi — M. Karunanidhi, five-time chief minister of south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, passed away on Tuesday evening leaving residents of the UAE in a state of shock and disbelief.
Abu Dhabi Tamil Sangam president Reginald Samson said Karunanidhi was a campaigner of social equality and this quality made him an unparalleled leader in India.
“Karunanidhi lived his life for the people of Tamil Nadu, even if he was in power or not. I doubt if there is any other politicians who was active even at the age of 94. There were lots of things that he dreamt about when he was young and achieved them too. In 1952 movie ‘Parasakthi’, Karunanidhi wrote dialogues seeking rehabilitation for beggars and gypsies, and ending horse racing and handpulled rickshaws. And when he became the chief minister in 1969, all these were realised. He was top leader as far as social equality is concerned. He would face defeat with grace and it was hallmark of a tall leader. He was very good administrator too,” Samson said.
He noted that Karunanidhi was leader of masses. “He had a soft corner for poor and backward. Anyone could meet him anytime. You can see how the people in the state are reacting on this day. They are all in tears. The tallest leader of family has passed away.”
On Wednesday, Tamil associations will be holding condolence meet in Abu Dhabi.
Long-time residents said Karunanidhi was a leader taller than the party.
Mubarak Ali, 43-year-old resident said, M. G. Ramachandran, J. Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi will never be erased from the minds of people in Tamil Nadu. “There is no day which passes without mention of these leaders. Some old people still believe MGR is alive, so you know the impact these leaders have made on us,” said Ali who is here in the UAE for 25 years.
Karunanidhi was popular among youth too.
Haji Ali, 28-year-old sales executive, said Karunanidhi will be always remembered as someone who contributed heavily to the cause of Tamil language.
“He was a revolutionary leader with a soft spot for drama and literature. He used to convey social messages through the medium of plays, books and cinema. And once he was entered political life, he worked full on for the people. Loss of such a leader isn’t something which affects a state but whole of India because the ideals upheld by Karunanidhi are applicable for everyone,” he added.
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