Five-time Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK supremo M. Karunanidhi had donated ₹2,000, a princely sum in 1975, to an association of Tamilians in Hyderabad, say old-time Tamil speakers recounting his contributions to the language. The Hyderabad Tamil Association, then at Moula Ali, hosted Mr. Karunanidhi when he was in the city. “He wanted to do something for the Tamil community here and gave us a fund of ₹2,000,” said Saikaanth, president of Hyderabad Maanagar Tamil Sangam.
“Many know him as Kalaignar, for his patronage of arts and literature. His contribution to Tamil literature is immense. He also fought for the Dravidian people,” he added. The news of Mr. Karunanidhi’s demise shocked many in the city. Members of Tamil associations in the city said they would organise condolence meets at several areas on Wednesday.
