Most of the times we talk about the future and sometimes about the present, but there are certain occasions when we think of History and that too of a particular person and also get a feeling that a person had played a decisive role in our lives.
Kamaraj, the leader who represented the Congress Party is one such person. He introduced free education, mid day meals for children from all background way back in the 1950's . This is one of the very strong reasons behind Tamil Nadu being a leading state in the field of education even today. My grand father I believe went only till 5th std or so, but he made sure that all his children went to High school and in some cases (my Dad) to college as well. My father grew up when Kamarajar was the Chief Minister of the state of Tamil Nadu and my grand father was from a humble background, he may not have afforded education for all his kids if it weren't for free education. If it weren't for education,my father might have never reached Chennai and may be I also woundn't be where I am currently.
Kamaraj's greatness is so true that even leaders from Opposition parties celebrate his birth day even today, infact Tamil Nadu's current CM Karunanidhi (who belongs to a non-congress party) makes it a point to bring in a new welfare scheme for the state every year on Kamaraj's birthday, even today on his 106th birthday the CM has announced that Bananas would be provided to those school children who don't take egg during their mid-day meals (Infact I believe Tamil Nadu is the only state in India to provide mid-day meals on all days and 3 eggs per week for School children).
Even my grand-mother who was not political at all always felt proud for one thing which she and the people of her district gave to Kamaraj. Kamaraj lost the election to the State Assembly which happened at the peak of the Anti-Hindi movement in Tamil Nadu during the 60's. Infact he lost in his own Home turf of Virudhnagar, soon after this loss he stood for elections in a by-poll in my parents native district, KanyaKumari district and won the by-poll. Most elderly people of this place are still proud of the fact.
He is the one who brought most of the Industries to the state, but when he died it is said that he had only six rupees. I am sure there is never going to be a leader like him again, I can only wish.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
its happening vice versa now... politicians born with 6 rs. and expiring with 60+ crores.... saving enuf money for the next generation to invest and earn more.... from the outside perspective, i guess the system is worser than cocaine or heroine... just make any one a big-money-addict :)
Post a Comment