Information Technology Minister M Manikandan on Sunday inaugurated a photo exhibition of former chief minister M G Ramachandran and flagged off a marathon for school and college students, ahead of the ‘Bharat Ratna MGR birth centenary celebrations to be held here on November 25.
The Minister, accompanied by Collector S Natarajan and party office bearers, opened the photo exhibition, which would remain open for the public till November 21.
The Department of Information and Public Relations has showcased rare images of MGR, including the iconic picture of the late leader eating along with children after launching the noon meal scheme and sharing special moments with former chief minister C N Annadurai, rationalist leader Periyar E V Ramasamy and former chief minister Jayalalithaa. Also on display are pictures of MGR being sworn in as chief minister, distributing welfare assistances to beneficiaries and presenting medals to police officers. A woman putting tilak on the forehead of MGR with love and reverence hogged the limelight in the photo exhibition. The exhibition, which is being held near the bus stand, had several visitors.
Later, the Minister flagged off a marathon for school and college students. More than 1,000 students participated in the event.
After the bhoomi puja was conducted f on November 3, the authorities organised athletic events and essay, drawing, poetry and oratorical competitions on MGR for school students. The winners would be given prizes at the function on November 25, officials said.
Chief Minister Edapaddi K Palaniswami would distribute welfare assistances to 26,563 beneficiaries involving a total outlay of ₹165.15 crore during his visit here to address the centenary celebrations. He would also declare open a number of projects and lay the foundation for new projects, they added.
