Early life
- C.N. Annadurai (Conjeevaram Natarajan Annadurai) was born on 15th September 1909 at Kanchipuram. He was born in poor family. His parents worked as weaver. His father‟s name is Natarajan and his mother‟s name is Bangaru ammal. He was brought up in his aunt‟s house whose name is Ms. Rajamani.
- He studied in Pachiyappa‟s School, Kanchipuram.
- He worked as clerk in Kanchipuram Municipal Office in 1927.
- In 1930, he married Ms. Rani. In 1931, his first essay named “Pengal Samathuvam” was published in magazine named “Tamilarasu” which was started by Masilamani Mudhaliyar.
- He graduated with B.A. (Honours) and M.A. (Economics & Politics) at Pachiyappa’s college, Chennai.
- He worked as a teacher in Govindappa Naicker’s school, Chennai.
Social Life
- Professor Varadharajan and Justice Party‟s Venkatasamy has introduced 3 important ideas which made him to involve in social life. The three important ideologies are
- Social Justice
- Non-Brahmins upliftment
- Bringing social changes with the support of political party
- He joined in Justice Party with the motto of establishing “Casteless Society” in 1934. For this, the editor of Magazine “Sunday Observer” P. Balasubramaniyam and the editor of journal “Justice” T.V. Nadhan helped him to join in this party. (They both were described as Political Twins).
- Anna‟s first short story named “Kokarakoo” was published in Ananda Vikatan magazine in 1934.
- He met Periyar E.V. Ramasamy for the first time in Sengunthar Youth Conference held in Tiruppur.
- He has contested in local body election from Chennai‟s Pedhunaicken Pettai ward in 1936 and lost in election.
- The authority of managing the journal “Balabarathi” was given to Anna in 1936 which was started by Basudev.
- His first poetry named “Congress Uzhal” was published in Vidudhalai Magazine in 1937.
- In 1937, he headed Self Respect Conference held at Thuraiyur , Trichy.
- He worked as a sub-editor in “Navayugam” magazine in 1937 which was started by Kanchi Manimozhiyar.
- He went to Erode and became a full time sub - editor in magazine Kudiarasu and Vidudalai which were published by E.V. Ramasamy.
- When Rajaji was the Chief Minister of Madras Province, Hindi was made as a compulsory language in school. This issue faced severe criticism. In 1938, during first Anti-Hindi agitation Anna got 4 month imprisonment (first time).
- Since 1938, he has written & published open letters to various leaders under the pen name of “Bharathan”. Anna also wrote articles, stories, criticism and dramas under various pseudonyms (pen name) such as Sowmiyan, Otran, Sammatti, Nakiran, Samadharman, Venus, Veeran, Aani and Kurippon.
- In 1939, Anna‟s first short novel named “Komalathin Kovam” was published in Kudiarasu magazine.
- He became a General Secretary of Justice Party in 1939 when Periyar E.V.R. was its president.
- Congress leader Dr. Varadarajalu described him as the “Brain of Justice Party”
- His first novel named “Veengiya Uthadu” was published in Kudiarasu.
Dravida Nadu policy
- State Conference of Justice Party has commenced on February 24, 1940 in Thiruvarur. The policy resolution “Dravida Nadu for Dravidians” was passed in this conference which was proposed by „Sunday observer‟ Balasubramanyam and Seconded by C. Basudev and Arignar Anna.
- He published “Dravida Nadu” magazine at Kanchipuram with the help of T.P.S. Ponappa, Anga Muthu and Ganesan in 1942 which was supported by R.Arangannal and Thilai Villalan.
- His first Drama/play, “Chandroodhaya” was staged at Lakshmi Vilasdrama theatre at Thiruvadhipuram in 1943.
Ideology Politics
- On August 27, 1944, the resolution was presented by Anna at 16th State Conference of Justice party in Salem. The Resolution says, Renounce the titles/names given by British Government like Sir, Rao Bahadur, Diwan Bahadur, Rao Sahib.
- People should resign from their Chairman of Local Council post and honourable Magistrate post.
- No caste sur name should be with their names.
- South Indian Liberal Federation (Justice Party) should be renamed as Dravidar Kazhagam.
- The above resolution was passed after so many debates which was called as “Annadurai Resolution”.
- According to this resolution, Dravidar Kazhagam‟s new President was Periyar E.V.R and its General Secretary was Anna.
His Creations/Works
Drama/Plays
Or Iravu, Velaikari, Sivaji Kanda Hindu Samarajayam, Needhi Dhevan Mayakkam, Kadhal Jothi, Paavaiyin Payanam, Kumasthavin Penn, Kolakariyin Kurippu.
Movies (Story-Screenplay)
Nallathambi, Velaikari, Or Iravu, sorgavassal Novels Rangoon Radha, Kalingathubharani, Parvathi B.A., Dhasaavatharam, En Vazhuvu, Kumarikottam, Vandikaran magan, Kadaisi Kanavu, Makkal Theerpu, Vellai Maaligaiyil.
Other Books (Essays)
Romapuri Ranigal, Kambarasam, Periyapurana Puthaiyal, Panathottam, Maaji Kadavulgal.
Election Politics
- He worked as a editor for newspaper “Maalaimani” in 1949 which was started by T.M. Parthasarathy.
- Conflict of interests arose between Periyar E.V.R and Anna.
- Periyar E.V.R married Maniyammaiyar on July 09, 1949, resulted in split of Dravidar Kazhagam and leader like Anna, E.V.K. Sampath, Nedunchezhiyan, M. Karunanidhi, N.V. Natarajan left the party. On September 17, 1949 they met at Tiruvottiyur Shanmugam’s house which was located at No.7, Pavalakara Street, Parris Corner, Chennai. Meeting was held in this house which was headed by K.K. Nelamegam. And later formed a new party called Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
- The inauguration of new party was held at Robinson Park (Royapuram) Chennai on the same day, which was headed by “Pethampalayam” Palanisamy
- Ideologies of DMK are
- Social Reform
- Equality in Economy
- Liberation from imperialism of North Indian Politics
- Anna announced his party‟s triple code of conduct were Kadamai, Kanniyam, Kattuppadu (Duty, Dignity, Discipline).
- In 1950, Tiruchi court sentenced him six month of imprisonment for his work “Arya Mayai” (which was published in 1943) and Congress Government banned his work Arya Mayai and Latchiya Varalaru.
- In 1951, first DMK state conference was held in Chennai which was headed by C.N. Natarajan. At this conference, DMK decided not to participate in upcoming elections. At the end of the conference Anna made a emotional speech named “Kaneer Thuligale! En Kannin Manigalae”.
- In 1953, he announced a famous “Three corner protest” (Mummunai Porattam). Against
- Kulakalvi Thittam (Led by E.V.K. Sampath)
- Rail Blockade Protest
- Renaming the name “Kallakudi” (Led by M. Karunanidhi)
- In 1953, he published “Nam Nadu” magazine for his party.
- In May 1956, the second DMK state Conference held at Tiruchi, the party announced that it will contest General Election in 1957.
- As per the party decision, DMK contested and won 15 seats in MLA election (Legislative Assembly Election) and 2 seats in Lok Sabha election.
- Anna won in Kanchipuram constituency and went to assembly.
- He started new English weekly magazine named “Home Land (1957)” and “Home Rule (1966)” to spread his ideologies around the world.
- In February 1962 General Election, DMK contested and won 50 seats in Legislative Assembly Election and 7 seats in Lok Sabha Election despite Anna lost in Legislative Assembly election, later got elected to Rajya Sabha in March 20, 1962.
- As per 16th Amendment Act, 1963 informally referred to Anti-secession Bill, prevented local political leaders in different regions within India from using the electoral process to propagate secession from the Union. This Amendment was passed due to consequences of India-China war in 1962.
- As the result, Anna dropped the claim for separate “Dravida Nadu”.
- Following this, the magazine “Dravida Nadu” stopped its publication in 1963 and he spread his ideas through magazine “Kanchi”.
- In 1963, DMK opposed the constitutional Amendment which made Hindi as official language in Part XVII of Indian Constitution (deals with official language). Anna opposed part XVII of the constitution and declared the protest against it.
- Anna felt that the Central Government was imposing Hindi on Tamil people as per this amendment.
- Before commencing the protest (17th November 1963) all DMK leaders were arrested including DMK party head Anna and charged cases on him.
- He was imprisoned for 6 months. This incident created popularity to DMK among people of Tamil Nadu.
- In 1965, Indian Government made Hindi as their official language. Due to this congress influence in Tamil Nadu started to decline and DMK headed by Anna influence began to rise.
Formation of Government
- In the General Election held in February 1967, Rajaji‟s Swatantra Party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the Muslim League and DMK was allied together with Ma.Poo.Sivagnanam‟s Tamilarasu Kazhagam and Adityanar‟s “Naam Tamilar” party. This coalition of parties together called as United Front.
- DMK won 138 seats in Legislative Assembly and 25 seats in Lok Sabha and enjoyed great victory. The main reason for victory was Anti-Hindi agitation & scarcity of rice (food insecurity) during the period of government headed by Chief Minister Bhaktavatsalam.
- DMK MLA‟s choose Anna as their party head of the assembly.
- Later Anna went to Tiruchi from Chennai and met Periyar E.V.R and received wishes and greeting from Periyar E.V.R. who supported DMK‟s rule until his death and called DMK‟s rule as rationalized one.
- On 6th March 1967, DMK Party formed the Government under Chief Ministership of Anna. He did not contested in Legislative Assembly election at that time, later he contested in by - election on April 22, 1967 in a vacant seat on Tamil Nadu Legislative Council and won the election.
- The other ministers (DMK) were:
- R. Nedunchezhiyan (Education)
- M. Karunanidhi (public works)
- K.A. Mathiazhagan (Food)
- A. Govindasamy (Agriculture)
- Sathiyavani Muthu (Welfare of Adi Dravidar)
- S.J. Sadhik Baadsha (Health and Family Welfare)
- S. Madhavan (Law)
- M. Muthusamy (Local Governance)
Achievements
- His rule is secular (not belongs to any religion). His ideology was religion should not mix with politics. Because of this, he passed a Government Order (GO) not to keep god images in any state Government office.
- He advocated the principle of “One Community – one God” (Ondre Kulam – Oruvane Devan).
- During election Campaign in party‟s manifesto he promised to give minimum cost rice. In order to achieve this, he introduced scheme Padiyarisi (One measure rice for one Rupee) in Coimbatore and Chennai at 15th May 1967.
- He enacted the Government law for approving Self Respect Marriage which took place since 1925.
- During those days, marriages were held under the priest (Brahmins) who recite Sanskrit Mantras to perform weddings, which was strongly opposed by Periyar E.V.R. and introduced a new system of marriage without Mangalaya Suthra (Thali) and reciting Vedic Mantras which was called as Self Respect Marriages.
- Anna introduced Hindu Marriage Amendment Bill in Legislative Assembly session. After this the bill became act and Self Respect Marriages got legal recognition (1967).
- He introduced Gold Medal Scheme which was given to couple who did Inter-Caste Marriage.
- Anna Government gave priority in public employment for person who marries widow.
- In July 1967 he renamed the Secretariat, St. George Fort to Thalamai Seyalagam.
- He introduced the resolution to change name of Madras Province to Tamil nadu. (C. Sankaranalinganar sacrificed his life for the change of state name in 1957).
- The resolution got passed without any opposition and subsequently the parliament amended the Article 3 of the Indian Constitution. From January 14, 1969 Madras province was officially called as Tamil Nadu.
- He changed the term “Satyamev Jayathe” in Gopuram Symbol (State Emblem) to “Vaimaiyae Vellum” and other term “Government of Madras” to “Tamilnadu Arasu” and put it in regular official use.
- Seerini, a 1300 member volunteer organization was created.
- Tamil was introduced as official language and field of Governance by Anna.
- Scheme to rejuvenate coovam river was inaugurated by Anna.
- He abolished land tax for land whose cultivation depends on rain (Punsailand).
- He took free elementary and high school education to next level.
- Accordingly, he introduced new scheme to children whose parents monthly income is less than Rs. 1500 will be given free Pre-University Course (PUC).
- He named his economic policy as Scientific Socialism. He defined “Socialism is not just wealth; Socialism is not just about ensuring wealth but to strive to create equality”.
- The first step of socialism policy is Nationalization of Public transport (bus) in order to check the growing monopoly of private buses in Tamil Nadu which was first move in all over India.
- He developed a “Veeranam Project” for ensuring drinking water supply need to Chennai people.
- This project was launched in Cuddalore district which was implemented later.
- Chief Minister Welfare Fund was created by Anna.
- He hosted 2nd World Tamil Conference in 1968.
- In January 08, 1968, Official Languages (Amendment) Act was implemented. Tamil students staged a protest against this act. Later on, the protest got back as per promise made by Anna. As the result, bilingualism (2 language policy) came to existence in Tamil Nadu (i.e, English and Tamil)
Special Recognition:
- Pavendar Bharathidasan conferred the title “Arignar” to Anna at the function held in Chennai, then after he has been called as Arignar Anna by people. Then he was called “Perarignar Anna” by people.
- For his honesty and soundness ideologies he was called as “Thennatin Gandhi” (South India’s Gandhi).
- In 1968, Yale University in United States awarded him the title “Chubb fellowship”. Anna was first non-American to receive this award (Chubb fellowship award was given to great scholars).
- Annamalai University conferred the honorary doctorate to „Anna” in 1968 for his Leadership quality, Good Governance and Political manners.
- Kalki Krishnamoorthy impressed with the revolutionary works of Annadurai and compared him to German drama artist Ibsen. He also called Anna as “Thennatin Bernadsha” (South India’s Bernadsha).
- Former President V.V. Giri praised “Anna is abode of high qualities”.
- A foreign scholar Lesslie Newbign said “The Creative Power of Poet; The Magnetic Power of Great Genius; A political sense of humour has imbibed in Anna”. His simplicity and discipline were being loved by all people. All this qualities are inscribed in a single person who was Anna.
- Anna is a excellent orator and his stage speech were unique.
Twilight Days
- Anna was diagnosed with Cancer in September 1968. He was sent to United States for treatment and got admitted in New York Memorial Hospital and treated by Dr. Theodore Miller. He returned Chennai after his treatment.
- He participated in statue opening ceremony of Kalaivanar N.S. Krishnan held in January 14, 1969 which was last public function attended by Anna.
- Anna passed away on February 03, 1969. At his last funeral about 15 million people were appeared and his body was buried in Marina Beach, Chennai. Since then, the memorial has been erected in public tribute in the name of “ANNA SQUARE”.
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