C.N. Annadurai (1909-1969), popularly called ‘Anna,' remains one of the celebrated leaders of Tamil Nadu. He founded the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in 1949 at a time when the State had at least two established parties – Congress and the Communist Party of India – with several stalwarts. Aided by several factors, the DMK, in no time, became a principal political force in the State and it continues to be so for over 50 years.
In 1967, Annadurai came into wider prominence when his party ousted the Congress from power. He was Chief Minister barely for two years but he is still remembered for his qualities – simplicity, concern for the poor and willingness for reconciliation.
Some facets of the personality of Annadurai and the historical context in which he emerged as a central figure have been captured by R. Kannan in his biography in English, “Anna – the life and times of C.N. Annadurai.” Writer Charukesi has translated the work into Tamil. The translator had to get the excerpts, originally spoken or written in Tamil, from over 100 books.
The Tamil version has been brought out by Vikatan Publishers.
