The late DMK leader, M. Karunanidhi, who launched Murasoli as a manuscript magazine in 1942, enthusiastically embraced the changes in the modern world and had accounts on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
He took the help of two techies to assist him in remaining active on social media.
“He was very particular that the party should adapt itself to the changes in the media world and appointed us as web directors,” said S. Suresh, who, along with N. Naveen, managed his social media accounts.
The two MBA graduates joined the DMK leader after the party’s defeat in the 2011 Assembly polls. “Someone had recommended our names and we took up the assignment.”
“But we did not attend office out of fear. He called me and disarmed us with his encouraging words. For seven years we worked with him,” said Mr. Suresh.
“He told us that election is an entirely different issue. He was very keen on reaching out to his party men and the general public. We got the idea and propagated the same through the social media,” said Mr. Naveen.
Whether it was his speech during election campaigns or his letter to the party cadres — Udanpirapukku Kaditham — or his take on an important issue, it was known immediately because of the social media.
“He was a great cricket fan and we got him the biography of Sachin Tendulkar. He read it and tweeted about it and Sachin expressed his gratitude through us,” said Mr. Suresh, who would be continuing to work in the DMK.
