MADURAI
Leaders of different political parties came together in showering encomiums on late actor Sivaji Ganesan at a book release function held here on Saturday.
While Tamilaruvi Manian, president Gandhiya Makkal Iyakkam, had authored two books, ‘Thirai Ulaga Thavapudalvan Sivaji’ and ‘Ramayana Rahasiyam’, senior journalist and writer B. Thirumalai had penned a book, ‘Tamizhagam: Prachanaigalum, Theervugalum.”
Union Minister Pon. Radhakrishnan, PMK founder S. Ramadoss, party president G.K. Mani and TMC president G.K. Vasan addressed function, organised by Gandhiya Makkal Iyakkam and Madurai Sivaji Mandram.
While praising the late actor for bringing fame for Tamils across the globe through his acting, Mr. Radhakrishnan said every film of Sivaji carried a message.
Expressing concern over ‘cultural degradation in society’ and attributing it to weak governance, Mr. Ramadoss said books such as the Ramayana should be read by one and all, particularly, the youth. “Though I have some reservations about the Ramayana, I follow the ideals,” he noted.
Appreciating Mr. Tamilaruvi Manian for writing ‘Ramayana Rahasiyam’, he said it had been written in such a way that even common man could understand it. “I have started reading it and wish to complete it soon,” Mr. Ramadoss said.
In his address, Mr. Vasan said through his films Sivaji was living among us even today. “He is a treasure. We have to preserve it as long as we lived. He should not be confined to the people in the cinema industry... he belonged to all of us. The discipline and commitment he had for his profession should not be forgotten,” he said.
Mr. Thirumalai said the State’s economy would improve only when freebies were distributed only for a specific period. Using them to garner votes would only ruin public finances. In fact, the government should give free education to all, as it would eradicate illiteracy. His book suggested ways and means to put an end to corruption and better management of public distribution system.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Tamilaruvi Manian said the 50-year Dravidian rule in Tamil Nadu had brought down the State in all spheres. Only to put an end to the regimes headed by the DMK and the AIADMK, he said, actors like Rajnikanth should enter politics.