Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to freedom fighter and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Kamaraj on his birth anniversary, remembering his immense contribution to India’s freedom struggle, education, social welfare and nation-building.
In a post on X, Vice President Radhakrishnan described Kamaraj as a visionary statesman and one of the tallest leaders in Indian politics.
“Tributes to the freedom fighter, visionary statesman and one of the tallest leaders of Indian politics, Thiru K. Kamaraj, on his birth anniversary. A symbol of simplicity, integrity and selfless public service, Thiru Kamaraj played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle and transformed countless lives through his pioneering efforts to expand education and promote inclusive development. His enduring legacy of service and nation-building continues to inspire generations,” he said.
The Vice President also highlighted Kamaraj’s far-sighted initiatives in education, industrial development, irrigation, rural development and social welfare, saying his simplicity, integrity and lifelong dedication to public service continue to inspire people working for the nation’s progress.
PM Modi also paid homage to Kamaraj, describing him as a stalwart of India’s freedom movement and an exceptional public figure.
“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 underprivileged continues to guide generations,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
Born on July 15, 1903, in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, K. Kamaraj joined the freedom movement at a young age and was imprisoned several times during the struggle against British rule. Known for his simplicity, grassroots leadership and commitment to Gandhian ideals, he emerged as one of the country’s most respected political figures.
As Chief Minister of the then Madras State from 1954 to 1963, Kamaraj introduced landmark reforms in education and social welfare, which earned him the title ‘Kalvi Thanthai’ (Father of Education) in Tamil Nadu.
Kamaraj also played a key role in national politics. In 1963, he proposed the ‘Kamaraj Plan’, under which senior Congress leaders were encouraged to resign from ministerial positions to strengthen the party organisation. Later, he was instrumental in the selection of Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi as Prime Ministers, earning him the title of the ‘Kingmaker’ of Indian politics.
He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 1976. Kamaraj remains widely remembered for his lifelong commitment to education, social justice, rural development and public service.
(With agency inputs)
