Chief Minister of a state for five times and leader of a political party for 37 years. Even after achieving what is no small task, M. Karunanidhi cannot take a break, thanks to the sibling rivalry involving his sons M.K. Stalin and M.K. Alagiri.
A real-life incident narrated by Mr Karunanidhi in his autobiography Nenjukku Neethi explains the leadership traits that helped him overcome all the obstacles in the DMK after the demise of party founder C.N. Annadurai.
He was swimming in the Tiruvarur temple tank along with his childhood friend Thennan. Their objective was to reach the other end of the tank. Half-way through their journey, an exhausted Thennan suggested that they go back.
“After reaching the middle of the tank, the distance on either side is same. Instead of going back, let us go forward,” Mr Karunanidhi had said.
