Struggle for independence began from Tamil soil: CM MK Stalin

CHENNAI: Chief minister M K Stalin on Sunday said the state government will undertake an exercise to document the contribution of Tamils in the Indian Independence struggle.
The documentation will be undertaken in both Tamil and English, Stalin said on Sunday, after unfurling the national flag at Fort St George in Chennai for the first time.

“This is the sixth time our government (DMK government) has come to power in the state. I have completed 50 years in public life. I am happy that people have recognised my public service and have given me this honour,” Stalin said in his first Independence Day address as chief minister, while thanking the people of the state for bestowing their confidence in him.
“We are celebrating 75 years of independence. But the struggle for independence started 150 years prior to that from our Tamil soil,” chief minister Stalin said, while explaining the need to document their struggle.

An RPF contingent at at Railway Ground, Perambur
Chief minister Stalin named several important freedom fighters, including Veerapandia Kattabomman, Poolithevar, Velunaachiar, Dheeran Chinnamalai and the Marudhu brothers, who contributed their might in the country’s Independence struggle. He said the ‘commemorative pillar’, erected by the state government to mark the 75 years (diamond jubilee) of Indian independence, is not just made up of cement and steel but represents the ‘heart & soul’ of the martyrs and freedom fighters. The commemorative pillar has come up at the intersection of Kamarajar Salai and Sivanandha Salai near Napier bridge.
“These martyrs and freedom fighters do not just belong to Tamil Nadu. They belong to entire India. Tamil Nadu has been in the forefront of honouring and taking care of the welfare of the freedom fighters and martyrs,” Stalin said, while announcing the enhancement of the state pension to freedom fighters and their families to Rs 18,000 (Rs 17,000) and Rs 9,000 (Rs 8,500). He also said the Mahatma Gandhi Museum in Madurai will be upgraded at a cost of Rs 6 crore in such a way to attract even youngsters towards Gandhian principles Recalling the initiatives taken by the state government since he became chief minister, Stalin said whether it is the cabinet meetings or those attended by the experts, he has been stressing the need to work to achieve equitable growth for all. “Whether it is the economics of the state or the individuals, it should be self-sufficient,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit, who hosted the Independence Day reception for chief minister Stalin and his cabinet colleagues and other dignitaries, congratulated the frontline workers for tirelessly working towards combating the Covid second wave. He appealed to the people of Tamil Nadu to continue to follow Covid protocols strictly and achieve 100% Covid vaccination.