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Emulate Kamaraj: Jayalalithaa

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI July 15. The birth centenary of the former Congress Chief Minister, K. Kamaraj, was celebrated throughout Tamil Nadu today with the State Government holding an official function in Chennai. Rallies and processions marked the occasion in Virudhunagar, his native place.

Highlighting the simplicity, selfless service and patriotism of Kamaraj, the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, said those entering politics must adopt at least some, if not all, of his virtues.

As Chief Minister for about nine years, Kamaraj laid the foundation for providing free education and exemplified that experience was the greatest teacher. He drew praise even from his political opponents, she said.

The DK leader, Periyar, the DMK founder, C.N. Annadurai, and the AIADMK founder, M.G. Ramachandran, never failed to praise him, though the Dravidian movement was ideologically opposed to the Congress. Annadurai once noted that Kamaraj learnt his lessons "from the smiles and tears of the poor" by serving them for 30 to 40 years. The Congress leader believed that it was possible to serve the people even without holding any official position. Kamaraj made Lal Bahadur Shastri Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru's death, and Indira Gandhi Prime Minister after Shastri's death. He was instrumental in choosing them Prime Ministers, Ms. Jayalalithaa said.

Kamaraj did not allow legal tangles to come in the way of serving the people. He believed that laws were made for the people, and not vice versa, she said.

The Speaker, K. Kalimuthu, said Kamaraj succeeded in life despite his lacking the benefit of wealth and education. Ramachandra Adithan, managing director, Maalai Murasu, recalled the Congress leader's contribution to providing free education in Tamil Nadu.

Sivanthi Adithan, managing director, Dina Thanthi, wanted Kamaraj's birthday celebrated in the manner of Nehru (Children's Day) and Radhakrishnan (Teacher's Day) birthday.

The Animal Husbandry Minister, Anita R. Radhakrishnan, recalled several measures taken by Ms. Jayalalithaa to perpetuate the memory of Kamaraj. The Information Minister, K.K. Balasubramanian, and the Information Secretary, V. Ramadoss, spoke.

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