Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid floral tributes to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Kamaraj, remembering his lifelong service to the nation and his significant role in India’s independence movement.
Vice President Radhakrishnan also hailed Kamaraj as a symbol of simplicity, honesty and selfless public service. He said Kamaraj’s commitment to universal education, along with his focus on industrialisation, irrigation, rural development and social welfare, laid the groundwork for Tamil Nadu’s long-term progress.
The Vice President added that Kamaraj’s humble lifestyle, unwavering dedication to public welfare and exceptional service to society remain a source of inspiration.
Tributes to the freedom fighter, visionary statesman and one of the tallest leaders of Indian politics, Aiya Thiru K. Kamaraj Avl, on his birth anniversary.
A symbol of simplicity, integrity and selfless public service, Thiru. Kamaraj played a pivotal role in India’s freedom… pic.twitter.com/pGNpkQhGAZ
— CP Radhakrishnan (@CPR_VP) July 15, 2026
Sharing a message on X, Prime Minister Modi described Kamaraj as one of India’s outstanding public leaders who devoted his entire life to national development.
Remembering Thiru K. Kamaraj Ji on his birth anniversary. A stalwart of India’s freedom movement and an exceptional public figure, he dedicated his life to nation-building. His unwavering commitment to areas like education, inclusive development and the welfare of the…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 15, 2026
Popularly referred to as the ‘Kingmaker’ of Indian politics and revered as Kalvi Thanthai (Father of Education) in Tamil Nadu, Kamaraj was born on 15 July 1903 in Virudhunagar. He became actively involved in the freedom struggle during his youth and endured several prison terms under British rule for his participation in the movement.
During his tenure as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister between 1954 and 1963, Kamaraj introduced transformative reforms that expanded educational opportunities across the state. His administration opened thousands of schools and launched the pioneering midday meal programme, making education more accessible to children from economically weaker and rural backgrounds.
Beyond his administrative achievements, Kamaraj played a defining role in national politics by supporting the elevation of Lal Bahadur Shastri and later Indira Gandhi as then Prime Ministers, a contribution that earned him the title of the ‘Kingmaker’.
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