PM Modi, Parties across Tamil Nadu pay tributes to MGR on birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tributes to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Dr. M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) on the occasion of his birth anniversary, recalling his immense contribution to the state’s development and his role in popularising Tamil culture.

In separate posts on social media platform X, the Prime Minister described MGR as an exceptional leader whose contribution to Tamil Nadu’s progress was outstanding. Sharing his message in both English and Tamil, Modi said MGR’s efforts in taking Tamil culture to a wider audience were equally noteworthy and reaffirmed a commitment to work towards realising his vision for society.

The birth anniversary was observed across Tamil Nadu with tributes and commemorative events. In Chennai, Marina Beach emerged as the main centre of homage, with thousands of supporters gathering at MGR’s memorial from early morning. Floral wreaths and garlands were placed at the memorial, while supporters paid silent respects and raised slogans hailing the late leader, fondly remembered as “Puratchi Thalaivar”.

The AIADMK, founded by MGR in 1972, organised large-scale commemorations across the state. Senior party leaders, former ministers and cadres paid floral tributes at the Marina memorial and participated in remembrance meetings highlighting MGR’s welfare-oriented governance. Party units at the district and local levels also marked the day with similar events and social service activities.

Leaders of rival political parties, including the DMK and others, also paid homage by offering floral tributes at MGR’s statues and memorials. While ideological differences remain, several leaders acknowledged MGR’s role as a mass leader who left a lasting imprint on Tamil Nadu’s political and governance landscape.

MGR served as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for three consecutive terms between 1977 and 1987, making him one of the longest-serving chief ministers of the state. His nearly decade-long tenure marked a significant shift towards welfare-driven governance. He is widely credited with expanding the Midday Meal Scheme, which increased school enrolment and improved child nutrition, and with strengthening the public distribution system to ensure subsidised food for the poor. His government also focused on women’s welfare, healthcare, education and social security for vulnerable sections.

A towering figure in Tamil cinema, MGR translated his mass appeal into political leadership rooted in social justice and inclusivity. Awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1988, he continues to command deep emotional connect among the people, as reflected in the widespread tributes paid across Tamil Nadu on his birth anniversary.