Defence Minister Rajnath Singh releases commemorative coin to mark Kalaignar M Karunanidhi’s birth centenary in Chennai

• Terms him as a revered leader, able administrator & advocate for social justice

• PM-Modi-led Govt believes in the power of democracy & cooperative federalism: Defence Minister

New Delhi, August 18. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released a commemorative coin to mark the birth centenary of former five-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Kalaignar M Karunanidhi in Chennai on August 18, 2024. In his address, Defence Minister termed him as one of the most revered leaders of the country, a titan of Indian politics, an able administrator, an advocate for social justice, and a cultural stalwart.

Recalling the contribution of the former Tamil Nadu CM towards public good, Defence Minister said: “While deeply rooted in Tamil identity, Thiru Karunanidhi never allowed regionalism to undermine the unity of the nation. He understood that the strength of Indian democracy lies in its ability to accommodate diverse voices and identities. His insistence on state rights was a call for a more balanced and equitable distribution of power within the Union. This commitment to federalism is a key aspect of Indianness. India’s diversity is its strength, and the federal structure allows this diversity to flourish within a unified framework.”

Mr. Rajnath Singh described Kalaignar Karunanidhi as a leader whose role in national governance and advocacy for democratic principles have left an indelible mark on Indian democracy. He added that the inclusive nature of Indian identity is reflected in Thiru Karunanidhi’s policies, which focussed on providing access to quality education for the marginalised and ensuring that women and children received the support they needed to thrive.

“Kalaignar Karunanidhi was a fierce advocate for the rights of women and marginalised communities, pioneering reforms that promoted gender equality and empowered women. His government enacted legislation providing 33 percent reservation for women in local bodies, and he was instrumental in forming Women Self Help Groups. He also played a key role in creating welfare boards for workers in the unorganised sector, including agricultural labourers and transgender individuals. His work serves as a reminder that the true measure of a nation’s progress lies in how it treats its most vulnerable citizens,” Defence Minister said.

Describing Thiru Karunanidhi as an able administrator. Mr. Rajnath Singh referred to his programme ‘Manu Nidhi Thittam’, wherein he had ordered the district officials to reserve one day every week only to listen to the problems of the people. “One of the most significant aspects of his tenure as Chief Minister was the focus on education and infrastructure development. His vision was not confined to Tamil Nadu alone. He recognised that the progress of any one state contributed to the progress of the nation as a whole. His work is a testament to the Indian spirit of self-reliance and progress. His legacy is a reminder that regional development is integral to national development. It best exemplifies the idea of cooperative federalism,” he added.

Defence Minister stressed that the Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, believes in the power of democracy and cooperative federalism. India is not only fulfilling the aspirations of its 1.4 billion people, but it is also providing hope to people that democracy delivers development and empowers people, he said.

Mr. Rajnath Singh emphasised that the Government’s commitment for development is beyond partisan politics, terming the decision to establish Defence Industrial Corridors both in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu as a case in point. “These corridors are aimed at boosting the domestic defence manufacturing sector and reducing dependence on imports. They are designed to attract investment, foster innovation, and create a robust ecosystem for defence production in India,” he said. He also highlighted the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra-Tamil Samgamam initiatives aimed to celebrate the cultural integration of North and West India with South India.

Defence Minister also termed Kalaignar Karunanidhi as a prolific writer, poet, and playwright whose works enriched Tamil literature and cinema. “His efforts to promote the Tamil language and culture were rooted in his belief that preserving and celebrating one’s cultural identity is essential to the broader Indian identity,” he stated. The event was organised by the Government of Tamil Nadu and attended by Chief Minister MK Stalin & Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Dr L Murugan among others.