In a significant announcement, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin revealed plans to establish a new university in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district, named after the late DMK patriarch and former Chief Minister, Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar Karunanidhi.
The declaration was made during a session of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Thursday (24 April 2025), highlighting Stalin’s commitment to honoring his father Karunanidhi’s legacy.
The announcement came as part of a special attention motion in the Assembly, where Chief Minister Stalin addressed the members, stating, “Without any hesitation, I firmly announce that a university named after Karunanidhi will be established in Kumbakonam.”
The university is expected to become a center for academic excellence, potentially focusing on futuristic subjects such as climate science, health informatics, agri-tech, waste management, and personalized education, as suggested by some supporters.
The proposal received widespread support from various political leaders, including Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi MLA Sinthanai Selvan, Communist Party of India (M) MLA V.P. Nagaimaali, and Communist Party of India MLA T. Ramachandran, who endorsed the initiative during the session.
Karunanidhi, who served as Chief Minister for five terms and passed away on August 7, 2018, and is celebrated as a visionary leader by DMK cadres.
The announcement of the Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar Karunanidhi University in Kumbakonam has inadvertently sparked a wave of humor online due to its abbreviation, “MAKKU,” which translates to “fool” or “idiot” in Tamil. Netizens quickly seized the opportunity, turning the abbreviation into a meme fest across social media platforms. Memes and witty remarks flooded X, with users poking fun at the irony of a prestigious institution’s acronym meaning “fool”.
The Dravida model Arasu is establishing a new university at Kumbakonam, to be named Mutthamizh Arignar Kalaingnar Karunanidhi University ! The first letters form an acronym, *MAKKU* ! How apt !
— n_shekar
(@n_shekar_IND) April 28, 2025
தமிழக அரசு புதிதாக தொடங்கவிருக்கும் பல்கலைகழகத்தின் பெயர் …
” முத்தமிழ் அறிஞர் கலைஞர் கருணாநிதி பல்கலைக்கழகம்”
” Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar Karunanidhi University ”
சுருக்கமா சொல்லணும்னா …
” Makku ”
“மக்கு” pic.twitter.com/HU8MS3or9M
—
ருத்ரன்
எங்கே படிக்கிற? MAKKU பல்கலைக்கழகத்தில்.. எதே மக்கு பல்கலையா?
ஆமாம்.. Muthamizh Aringar Kalaignar Karunanidhi University
சுருக்கமா மக்கு MAKKU
இன்னொரு குழுவில் இருந்து சுடசுட சுட்டது— SATHYA மோடியின் குடும்பம் (@SATHYA34729298) April 28, 2025
*The dravida model Arasu is establishing a new university at kumbakonam to be named as Muthamhizh Aringnar Kalaingar Karunanidhi University !
The abbreviation if used shall be “MAKKU”! ….Means… verify Dictionary @annamalai_k @amitmalviya @bbctamil @DDTamilNews…
— S.R.SEKHAR
Future :
Unga payyan endha college student ?? Avan MAKKU student nga
Degree certificate: Certified from Makku University
College Pride : Proud Makku Boys
Alumni Meet : Welcome Makku Batch of xxxx year @pree_vensk @RamaRajyavaasi @Balaji2023 @tindian4ever pic.twitter.com/DVcrfjmOvq— Karthick_Baladevan (@TheDarkAngel43) April 28, 2025
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