Tamil Nadu CM Stalin inaugurates renovated memorial for Annadurai, monument for Karunanidhi

MK Stalin (Screengrab)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday, 26 February, inaugurated the renovated memorial for Dravidian icon CN Annadurai and a swanky new monument for former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on the Marina beach in Chennai on Monday.

The mausoleum for Karunanidhi symbolised his life, hardship, his phenomenal rise in stature from a humble beginning, besides his ability to serve the people with dedication, Stalin said paying rich tribute to Karunanidhi.

Both Karunanidhi and Annadurai were inseparable in their contribution towards shaping the destiny of Tamil Nadu, he said in his video speech at the inauguration.

The Kalaignar (as the late CM Karunanidhi is fondly addressed) memorial houses several attractive and interesting features:

• Digital Museum: The memorial features an underground digital museum that showcases the life and achievements of Karunanidhi. Touchscreen displays provide an interactive experience for visitors.
• Library: A library is part of the memorial, likely containing books, documents, and literature related to Karunanidhi’s legacy and political career.
• Selfie Points: Designed to be visitor-friendly, the memorial includes designated selfie points for visitors to capture memories.
• Location: Situated on 8.57 acres of land at the Anna complex on Kamarajar Salai, the memorial offers a sea-facing view.
• Cost: The construction of the Karunanidhi memorial involved a budget of ₹39 crore.
• Unique Feature – Static Train: One unique feature is a static train surrounded by 7D screens. This innovative setup allows visitors to experience the feeling of travelling on a train from Tiruvarur to Chennai, creating an engaging and immersive environment.
• Annadurai structure: The structure for former Chief Minister CN Annadurai is situated in front of Karunanidhi’s impressive edifice.

கலைஞர் எனும் உலகத்தால் நாம் சுற்றுகிறோம்! தமிழ்நாடு சுற்றுகிறது!

கலைஞர் உலகு ஆள்வார்! உலகம் கலைஞர் பெயரை உச்சரித்துக் கொண்டே இருக்கும்!#என்றென்றும்_கலைஞர் pic.twitter.com/uC6GXSaTGb

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) February 27, 2024

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The event

• Stalin was accompanied by his Cabinet colleagues and several leaders at the event.
• Tamil film superstar Rajinikanth also participated in the ceremony.
• Floral tributes were paid to the statue of former Chief Minister CN Annadurai.
• Stalin unveiled a massive statue of his father and former DMK president, Karunanidhi, during the event.
• Stalin, in his video speech, recalled a poignant poem written by Karunanidhi when Annadurai passed away in 1969.
• The poem expresses a deep emotional connection, with the lines: “Lend (me) your heart Anna, I will bring it when I meet you and offer it at our feet.”
• Stalin mentioned that Karunanidhi now rests beside his beloved mentor Annadurai, fulfilling a desire expressed in the poem.
• Stalin hailed both leaders for their significant contributions to building Tamil Nadu.
• Described Karunanidhi as an inspiration who empowered others to script history.
• Stalin reflected on Karunanidhi’s life, noting that going around the memorial could encapsulate his entire journey.
• Highlighted that Karunanidhi’s political career commenced at the age of 14, and he continued serving the people until the age of 95.
• Described Karunanidhi as a modern architect of Tamil Nadu, acknowledging his lasting impact on the state’s development.
• Stalin pointed out one of Karunanidhi’s noteworthy achievements, ensuring the democratic right of chief ministers to hoist the national flag on Independence Day.

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(Disclaimer: The headline, subheads, and intro of this report along with the photos may have been reworked by South First. The rest of the content is from a syndicated feed, and has been edited for style.)