CM Joseph Vijay and PM Modi Pay Tribute to K Kamaraj on His 124th Birth Anniversary

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay paid floral tributes to the statue of former Chief Minister K Kamaraj on Mount Road in Chennai on Wednesday to mark his 124th birth anniversary.

During the event on Mount Road, Chief Minister Vijay offered flowers and paid homage to the late Congress leader. He remembered Kamaraj’s significant contributions to the development of the state, particularly in the field of education.

Tamil Nadu BJP leaders also gathered to pay their tributes to the former Chief Minister. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tribute to Kamaraj on his birth anniversary through a social media post on X. The Prime Minister described Kamaraj as a "stalwart of India's freedom movement" and an "exceptional public figure" who dedicated his life to the service of the nation.

In his post, Prime Minister Modi highlighted Kamaraj's transformative work in education and social welfare, stating that his vision for an equitable society remains an inspiration for the country. The Prime Minister added that Kamaraj's unwavering commitment to inclusive development and the welfare of the underprivileged continues to guide generations.

Kumaraswami Kamaraj was born into a humble and poor family in a backwards area of Tamil Nadu on July 15, 1903. His formal schooling lasted for only six years, and by the age of twelve, he was already working as a shop assistant.

A major turning point in his life came at the age of fifteen when he heard about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This event drew him into public service and the freedom struggle.

Kamaraj's political career saw him elected unopposed to the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1937. He was elected to the assembly again in 1946, the same year he was elected to the Constituent Assembly of India. Later, in 1952, he was elected to Parliament, before becoming the Chief Minister of Madras in 1954.

In 1963, Kamaraj proposed what became known as the 'Kamaraj Plan' to India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Under this plan, he suggested that senior Congress leaders should leave their ministerial posts to focus on organisational work.

In recognition of his lifetime of service, Kamaraj was posthumously honoured with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1976.