Kumari Ananthan, former TNCC President and Gandhian passes away at 93

Chennai: Veteran Gandhian and former Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president Kumari Ananthan passed away in the early hours of Wednesday. He was 93 years old.

Ananthan had been undergoing treatment for age-related health issues at a private hospital in Vellore, where he breathed his last.

A towering presence in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, he earned widespread respect for his steadfast commitment to public service, social justice, and his lifelong efforts to promote the Tamil language.

His daughter, senior BJP leader and former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, confirmed the news of his demise and paid an emotional tribute.

Recalling his lifelong commitment to Tamil, she said, “I did not speak Tamil because I learned it. I speak Tamil because I was born to Tamil”.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi visited the residence of BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan to offer their condolences.

Born on March 19, 1933, in Agasteeswaram in Kanniyakumari district, Ananthan was the son of freedom fighters Harikrishnan and Thangammal. He was deeply influenced by Congress icon K. Kamaraj and embarked on a political journey shaped by Gandhian principles.

Kumari Ananthan was elected to the Lok Sabha from Nagercoil in 1977 and served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Tamil Nadu four times -- in 1980, 1984, 1989, and 1991.

As TNCC president, he led numerous padyatras across the state, championing the rights of farmers and marginalised groups. One of his major contributions included leading a protest that eventually resulted in the provision of free electricity for small-scale farmers.

Ananthan also advocated for the use of Tamil in Central government offices within the state, underscoring his dedication to preserving and promoting the language.

Over the years, his service was recognised through multiple honours, including the Mahakavi Bharathiyar Award and the Perunthalaivar Kamaraj Award.

On Independence Day in 2024, he was conferred with the prestigious Thagaisal Thamizhar award by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

His mortal remains will be kept at his daughter’s residence in Saligramam, Chennai, for the public to pay their last respects.

IANS