C. N. Annadurai, Indian journalist and politician, 7th Chief Minister of Madras State (b. 1909)

C.N. Annadurai: A Trailblazing Statesman and Architect of Modern Tamil Nadu

Conjeevaram Natarajan Annadurai (September 15, 1909 – February 3, 1969), revered across Tamil Nadu as Anna, meaning 'Elder Brother', was a towering Indian politician whose influence shaped the political and social landscape of the erstwhile Madras State. He was also widely known by the honorifics Arignar Anna or Perarignar Anna, translating respectively to 'Anna, the Scholar' or 'Anna, the Great Scholar', titles that underscored his intellectual prowess and profound knowledge. Annadurai made history as the fourth and final Chief Minister of Madras State, serving from 1967 until its historic renaming in January 1969. Subsequently, he became the first Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, albeit for a brief period of 20 days, before his untimely demise. Crucially, he was the pioneering figure from a Dravidian party to ascend to such a high office, marking a significant shift in regional politics and national integration.

Early Life, Oratory, and the Dawn of a Political Career

Born into a middle-class family in Kanchipuram, Annadurai's journey began as a school teacher, instilling in him a passion for education and social upliftment. His innate intelligence and dedication soon propelled him into the vibrant political scene of the Madras Presidency as a journalist. He wielded his pen with remarkable efficacy, editing several influential political journals such as 'Dravida Nadu' and 'Kanchana', which became powerful vehicles for his ideas. This journalistic pursuit laid the groundwork for his eventual enrollment as a prominent member of the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK), a social reform movement led by the formidable Periyar E. V. Ramasamy. As an ardent follower and protege of Periyar, Annadurai's exceptional oratorical skills and profound grasp of Tamil literature quickly elevated him to a position of prominence within the party.

Annadurai was renowned for his mesmerizing oratorical skills, characterized by a unique blend of wit, alliteration, and deep insights into Tamil culture and history. His speeches captivated audiences, making complex political ideas accessible to the common person. Beyond the spoken word, he was an acclaimed writer in the Tamil language, scripting and acting in numerous plays that often carried strong political and social messages. Some of these plays, notably those like 'Velaikkari' and 'Or Iravu', were later adapted into successful Tamil films, further amplifying his reach. Annadurai holds the distinction of being the first politician from the Dravidian parties to extensively and strategically utilize Tamil cinema as a powerful medium for political propaganda, recognizing its immense potential to connect with the masses and disseminate his ideology.

The Ideological Split and the Birth of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)

Despite his deep admiration for Periyar, Annadurai's political trajectory eventually diverged from his mentor's, primarily over fundamental ideological differences. These looming disagreements centered on crucial issues such as the demand for a separate, independent Dravida Nadu (a sovereign state for Dravidian people) and the extent of their proposed union with India. While Periyar remained staunch in his call for complete secession, Annadurai began to advocate for greater state autonomy within the Indian Union, acknowledging the evolving national political landscape.

The friction between the two intellectual giants culminated in a decisive split, triggered by Periyar's marriage to Maniammai in 1949, who was significantly younger than him. This event, perceived by many as going against the principles of the Self-Respect Movement, served as the catalyst for Annadurai and his supporters to part ways with the Dravidar Kazhagam. On September 17, 1949, they officially launched their own political party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Initially, the DMK largely mirrored the ideologies of its parent organization, the Dravidar Kazhagam, including the advocacy for a separate Dravida Nadu.

However, Annadurai demonstrated remarkable political pragmatism and adaptability. With the evolution of national politics and in the wake of the Sino-Indian War in 1962, which underscored the critical need for national unity, Annadurai strategically re-evaluated the DMK's core stance. Recognizing the constitutional realities and the imperative for national integration, he judiciously dropped the claim for an independent Dravida Nadu, instead focusing on achieving greater autonomy for states within the framework of the Indian Constitution.

Throughout his political career, Annadurai was a vocal critic of the ruling Congress government, leading various protests and agitations that frequently led to his imprisonment. One of his most significant periods of incarceration was during the fervent Madras Anti-Hindi Agitation of 1965. This widespread protest against the imposition of Hindi as the sole official language proved to be a turning point, as Annadurai's leadership and the DMK's strong stance against Hindi imposition resonated deeply with the Tamil populace, significantly bolstering popular support for his party.

Annadurai's Transformative Tenure as Chief Minister

The groundswell of public support culminated in a historic landslide victory for the DMK in the 1967 state elections, shattering the long-standing dominance of the Congress party in Madras State. Annadurai assumed office as Chief Minister, heading a cabinet that was notably the youngest in India at that time. During his brief but impactful two-year tenure, Annadurai implemented several progressive and landmark policies that continue to define Tamil Nadu's socio-political identity:

• Legalization of Self-Respect Marriages: A revolutionary social reform, this measure legally recognized marriages conducted without Brahmin priests, religious rituals, or dowries, aligning with the principles of the Self-Respect Movement founded by Periyar. It empowered individuals to marry based on mutual consent, reflecting a modern, secular approach to personal relationships.
• Enforcement of a Two-Language Policy: In a direct counter to the central government's three-language formula (which included Hindi), Annadurai's government firmly established a two-language policy for Tamil Nadu, mandating the study of only Tamil and English. This policy was a powerful assertion of linguistic identity and a bulwark against perceived Hindi imposition, ensuring the prominence of the native language while facilitating communication with the rest of the world.
• Implementation of Subsidies for Rice: A popular welfare measure, this initiative involved providing rice at a subsidized rate of one rupee per measure. This policy directly benefited the common people, particularly the economically weaker sections, making essential food grains more accessible and affordable.
• Renaming Madras State to Tamil Nadu: On January 14, 1969, in a move laden with cultural and linguistic significance, Annadurai's government officially renamed the state from 'Madras State' to 'Tamil Nadu', meaning 'Land of Tamils'. This change formally enshrined the linguistic and cultural identity of the region, fulfilling a long-standing aspiration of the Dravidian movement.

A Lasting Influence and Enduring Legacy

Tragically, C.N. Annadurai's transformative tenure was cut short when he succumbed to cancer just two years into his office. His passing on February 3, 1969, plunged Tamil Nadu into deep mourning. His funeral procession witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of public grief and homage, attracting an estimated 15 million people, a gathering so immense that it was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest attendance at a funeral to that date, a testament to his immense popularity and the profound impact he had on the masses.

Annadurai's legacy continues to thrive, with numerous institutions, roads, and organizations named in his honor across Tamil Nadu. Notable examples include Anna University, a premier institution for higher education, and Anna Salai (Mount Road), a major arterial road in Chennai. His vision and principles also continued to inspire future generations of politicians. In 1972, when a splinter party was launched by his close associate and popular actor M. G. Ramachandran, it was fittingly named the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), ensuring that Anna's name remained synonymous with Dravidian politics and public service.

Frequently Asked Questions About C.N. Annadurai

What does the name "Anna" signify in C.N. Annadurai's popular title?

The name "Anna" is a Tamil word meaning "Elder Brother." It was a term of endearment and respect given to C.N. Annadurai by his followers, signifying his role as a paternal and guiding figure in the Dravidian movement and for the people of Tamil Nadu.

What were C.N. Annadurai's major policy contributions as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu?

As Chief Minister, Annadurai implemented several significant policies including the legalization of Self-Respect Marriages, the adoption of a Two-Language Policy (Tamil and English) in the state, the introduction of subsidized rice distribution (one rupee per measure), and the historic renaming of Madras State to Tamil Nadu.

Why did C.N. Annadurai part ways with Periyar E. V. Ramasamy and form the DMK?

Annadurai separated from Periyar's Dravidar Kazhagam primarily due to ideological differences regarding the demand for an independent 'Dravida Nadu' and the broader relationship with the Indian Union. The immediate catalyst for the split was Periyar's marriage to Maniammai in 1949, which Annadurai and his supporters viewed as contradictory to the movement's principles.

When was Madras State officially renamed Tamil Nadu?

Madras State was officially renamed Tamil Nadu on January 14, 1969, during C.N. Annadurai's tenure as Chief Minister. This renaming was a significant cultural and linguistic milestone for the state.