‘His Noble Ideals Inspire Us All’: PM Modi Pays Tribute To K Kamaraj On Birth Anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid heartfelt homage to veteran leader K Kamaraj on his birth anniversary, praising his significant role in India’s independence movement and his lasting impact on the nation’s development after freedom.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “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.”

Born on this day in 1903 in Virudhunagar, Kamaraj earned admiration as a statesman of great integrity and as a leader deeply rooted in public service.

People in Tamil Nadu affectionately call him ‘Kalvi Thanthai’ (Father of Education), and people across India widely recognise him as the ‘Kingmaker’ in national politics.

A lifelong member of the Indian National Congress, Kamaraj joined the independence struggle in his youth and endured repeated imprisonments under British rule.

His steadfast adherence to Gandhian values and his close rapport with the common people made him a respected figure among both peers and the public.

Revolutionising Education and Rural Development

As Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister from 1954 to 1963, Kamaraj pioneered landmark education reforms and social initiatives.

He introduced the revolutionary midday meal scheme in schools and significantly expanded access to education for economically disadvantaged children by building thousands of schools across the state.

Under his leadership, rural infrastructure and development also saw considerable advancement, paving the way for Tamil Nadu’s future progress in both social and industrial spheres.

In 1963, Kamaraj voluntarily stepped down from the Chief Minister’s office and proposed the ‘Kamaraj Plan’ to revitalise the Congress party, encouraging senior leaders to give up power and focus on party organisation.

Several top Congress figures, including Kamaraj himself, embraced the plan.

Later, his behind-the-scenes influence in selecting Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi as Prime Ministers earned him the enduring reputation of being a political ‘Kingmaker’.

Kamaraj remained a pillar of the Congress until his death in 1975.

Decades on, his legacy remains deeply embedded in the fabric of Indian politics, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where he is revered for his lifelong dedication to the upliftment of the poor, education for all, and unity of the nation.

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