Hindu Munnani State President Kadeswara Subramaniam has criticized the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to name awards after former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, labeling it a dictatorial move aimed at consolidating political power rather than genuinely honoring the development of Tamil.
In his statement, he wrote, “Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced in the Assembly that an annual award in the name of former Chief Minister Kalaignar will be given to Tamil scholars who serve the Tamil language. However, there is concern over this decision. For instance, scholars like Manakudavar, Parimelazhagar Sir, and Thirukkural Munusamy have interpreted the Thirukkural as saying “Humility is immortal and incontinence will rise in the darkness.” In contrast, Kalaignar has allegedly distorted this message to promote his pseudo-atheism by writing that humility brings immortal fame.”
He added, “Furthermore, it is well-known that Kalaignar’s early works were criticized. If there is genuine love for Tamil, awarding in the name of someone who promoted atheism in Tamil literature and disrespected the language is seen as demeaning to Tamil and its grammar. Thousands of students have failed Tamil in the 10th and 12th standard public examinations, and many do not know how to write in Tamil without errors. This situation has developed under the DMK government led by Kalaignar.”
He also emphasized, “Prominent Tamil scholars like Swaminatha Iyer, a prolific writer and public speaker, and Thiru V. Ramachandran, known as Tamil Thendral for his Tamil style, are examples of true contributors to the language. Mahakavi Bharathiyar inspired freedom fighters with his passionate songs, and Parithimar Kalaignar, who changed his name to Suryanarayana Sastrigal out of deep love for Tamil, also deserves recognition. Ignoring such scholars and naming an award after someone who allegedly undermined Tamil for political gains is seen as inappropriate. Tamil and spirituality are inseparable, like two sides of the same coin.”
He concluded, “Thus, how can someone who distorted the true meaning of the Thirukkural for pseudo-atheist views be considered a developer and servant of Tamil? The DMK’s decision to name the award after Kalaignar is viewed as self-aggrandizing. Therefore, Hindu Munnani strongly opposes this decision and insists that the award should be named after genuine Tamil scholars like U Vesa, and Bharathiyar.”
(With inputs from HINDU MUNNANI)
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