Chief Minster and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M. Karunanidhi on Thursday recalled the greatness of Parithimar Kalaignar (V.G. Suryanarayana Sastri) who was the first to demand classical language status for Tamil.
In a statement, Mr. Karunanidhi explained how Parithimar Kalaignar, after intensive research, concluded even in 1902 that Tamil deserved to be given the status. He also gave an account of his government’s efforts to perpetuate the memory of the scholar.
Mr. Karunanidhi noted that the scholar had, over 100 years ago, argued that the system of four Varnas had been imposed on Tamil society, a view held by E.V. Ramasamy and C.N. Annadurai, the leading lights of the Dravidian movement.
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In another statement, the DMK president said his government would use the victories in Tiruchendur and Vandavasi to stick to its commitment of providing good governance.