A good part of post-independence, Tamil Nadu state politics and public discussion has been shaped by three people – Arignar Anna (1909-1969), M.G.Ramachandran (1917-1987) and Kalaingar Karunanidhi (1924-). Even, leaving aside the political parties they founded or presently heading, their impact has been profound – all three have served as Chief Minister of the state and have a large number of followers.
Visitors from different parts of Tamil Nadu who are coming to Chennai – the state capital, and, tourists visiting the city make it a point to visit Anna Memorial & M.G.R. Memorial, both of them are situated on the north side of Chennai’s world famous Marina Beach. You will find them crowded during weekends and holidays. There is not much to see here, people mostly come here to pay their homage.
Today, I happened to go to Marina beach for an evening walk and on the way, I paid a visit to both the memorials. It is no surprise in a (my) country where public monuments are not well-kept, these two memorials are well-maintained as the political party that is currently ruling the state is named after the former (Anna) and founded by the latter (MGR)!
Anna’s famous quote is inscribed on his tomb – எதையும் தாங்கும் இதயம் இங்கே உறங்குகிறது
M.G.R. Memorial (எம்.ஜி.ஆர். சமாதி)
M.G.R. Memorial (எம்.ஜி.ஆர். சமாதி)
Footnote:
- In Kanchipuram town, there is Perarignar Anna Memorial House (பேரறிஞர் அண்ணா நினைவு இல்லம், காஞ்சிபுரம்). This was his house when he lived in the town.
- In T.Nagar, Chennai there is MGR Memorial house, Arcot Street, T.Nagar.