Chennai, June 3 (IANS). Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Wednesday celebrated the 103rd birth anniversary of its founding leader and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. On this occasion, party president M.K. Stalin reached the Karunanidhi Memorial located at Marina Beach in Chennai and paid tribute to him.
Senior party leaders, ministers, MLAs and a large number of DMK workers attended the event. Karunanidhi was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu five times and played an important role in giving a new direction to the politics and social development of Tamil Nadu.
Stalin shared an emotional message on the occasion and recalled Karunanidhi’s lifelong contribution and dedication to the welfare of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil people.
Describing Karunanidhi as a great leader of Tamils, Stalin said that despite his advancing age and health challenges, the former Chief Minister remained dedicated to serving the people till his last days.
Stalin wrote, “He was a great leader who worked tirelessly for the progress of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil people till his last breath. Despite being confined to a wheelchair in the last years of his life, he did not give up his resolve to serve the public.”
DMK President Stalin said that Karunanidhi is still playing the role of guide in his political journey. He said that he got the strength to face both victory and defeat situations strongly from Karunanidhi.
Stalin said, “I have never let success dominate my head nor failure become a burden on my mind. I have got the strength to face every challenge only from you.”
Referring to the recent election defeat, Stalin said that the party had lost the opportunity to remain in power. However, he said that Karunanidhi’s ideals and his fighting nature are still inspiring him and the thousands of party workers he has groomed.
He said the values, ideas and leadership received from Karunanidhi helped DMK achieve many election victories in the past. These values also played an important role in taking Tamil Nadu forward on the path of progress and development.
At the end of his message, Stalin called upon the party workers to move forward with new enthusiasm and determination. He expressed confidence that DMK will once again achieve electoral success and create a new history.
“We will create a new history of victory. With the light of the rising sun, we will drive away the darkness engulfing Tamil Nadu,” he said, referring to the DMK’s party symbol and reiterating the party’s resolve to return to power.
–IANS
SHK/VC
