Unveiling the statue of Ma.Po.Si. in T. Nagar, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Wednesday said his efforts to honour Tamil scholars were aimed at taking Tamil virtues such as valour, wisdom and affinity to language to the next generation.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) never forgot or failed to pay respect to the leaders who fought for freedom and language irrespective of party affiliations. Recalling how he named the ten-storeyed building in Fort St. George after Namakkal Kavignar, Mr. Karunanidhi said his government was providing financial assistance to scores of Tamil scholars over the years. Leaders, even if they had opposite views, should be honoured for their contribution, he said.
At the function, Mr. Karunanidhi auctioned the golden crown and sword presented to him by the party's South Chennai district. Kamaraj, a party functionary, bought them for Rs.55 lakh. Receiving the cheque, the Chief Minister said the money would be handed over to the family of Ma.Po.Si. at a function at the Secretariat.
