15 July,2025 10:32 PM IST | Chennai | mid-day online correspondent
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin. File Pic.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin led heartfelt tributes on Tuesday to K. Kamaraj, the esteemed former Chief Minister and Congress President, on his 123rd birth anniversary. Chief Minister Stalin particularly highlighted Kamaraj's profound contributions to the education sector, specifically acknowledging his pioneering introduction of the mid-day meal scheme in schools, reported news agency ANI.
In a post on the social media platform X, Stalin remarked: "That day, what was served in schools was not just lunch; it was the foundation for a century-long dream of education! Thankfully, there were no self-proclaimed geniuses back then saying, 'Schools should only provide education; are they hotels to serve food?' That's why Tamil Nadu reaps so many benefits today! Salutations to the great leader Kamarajar, who opened the eyes of education!"
Chief Minister Stalin further honoured Kamaraj by paying floral tributes to his portrait in a video also posted on X, where he was seen interacting with schoolchildren.
The accompanying caption read: "Wearing a khadi shirt, the Karmaveerar who performed the duties of a black-shirted worker! A true Tamilian who governed under the guidance of Thanthai Periyar! A great leader who boldly declared that talent does not come from birth but can be achieved by anyone given the opportunity! On his birth anniversary, I pay my respects to him, who lived as a simple leader among the people, and launched the project to reach out to the people."
Concurrently, several Tamil Nadu Ministers, including Sekar Babu and Anitha Radhakrishnan, along with Chennai Mayor Priya, paid their respects by offering floral tributes at K. Kamaraj's statue and portrait on Anna Salai in Chennai, reported ANI.
Beyond state borders, national political figures also offered their homage. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi remembered Kamaraj as a genuine people's leader and a tireless champion of the marginalised. In his post on X, Gandhi stated: "Remembering Bharat Ratna and former AICC President Thiru K. Kamaraj on his birth anniversary. A true people's leader and tireless champion of the marginalised, whose integrity, humility, and service continue to inspire generations."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to K. Kamaraj on his birth anniversary. "Paying homage to Thiru K. Kamaraj Ji on his birth anniversary. He was at the forefront of India's freedom struggle and provided invaluable leadership in the formative years of our journey after Independence. His noble ideals and emphasis on social justice inspire us all greatly," PM Modi posted on X.
Kumaraswami Kamaraj, born into humble and impoverished circumstances in a backward region of Tamil Nadu on 15th July 1903, had a limited formal education, attending school for only six years. By the age of twelve, he was already working as a shop assistant. A pivotal moment in his life came at barely fifteen, upon hearing of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Kamaraj's political career began when he was elected unopposed to the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1937, and again in 1946. He was also elected to the Constituent Assembly of India in 1946 and subsequently to Parliament in 1952. He ascended to the position of Chief Minister of Madras in 1954.
Moreover, in 1963, he proposed to Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, that senior Congress leaders should step down from ministerial roles to focus on organisational party work - a suggestion that became widely known as the 'Kamaraj Plan'.
In recognition of his immense contributions to the nation, he was posthumously honoured with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1976.
(With inputs from ANI)
