Stalin, Leaders Pay Tributes To Perarignar Anna On Birth Anniversary

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin paid heartfelt tributes to Dravidian leader and former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, fondly known as “Perarignar Anna”, on his 116th birth anniversary on September 15, 2025. In a post on X, Stalin lauded Annadurai’s enduring contributions to the state, vowing, “We will not let Tamil Nadu, which the leader built, bow its head. #RememberingAnna.” The day saw widespread commemorations across Chennai, with leaders reflecting on Annadurai’s transformative legacy in shaping Tamil Nadu’s identity and politics.

Annadurai (1909-1969), the founder of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), served as the last Chief Minister of Madras State (1967-1968) and the first of Tamil Nadu (1968-1969), renaming the state to reflect its Tamil cultural heritage. His dual-language policy of Tamil and English strengthened regional identity while fostering accessibility. A visionary orator and writer, Annadurai’s advocacy for social justice and federalism elevated the Dravidian movement, influencing Tamil Nadu’s political landscape for decades.

AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami also honoured Annadurai, calling him “synonymous with Tamil Nadu.” In an X post, he emphasised AIADMK’s 53-year commitment to Annadurai’s principles, urging supporters to “rescue Tamil Nadu from family rule” and uphold “#Annaism” for the common people. Palaniswami’s remarks subtly targeted the ruling DMK, highlighting the ongoing rivalry between the Dravidian giants.

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Annadurai’s birth anniversary, marked by floral tributes and public events, underscores his role as a unifying figure in Tamil politics. Leaders across parties reaffirmed their resolve to protect his vision of equality and progress for Tamil Nadu.

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