PERUNTHALAIVAR KAMARAJAR

KAMARAJAR 

Last 15^th July is the birthday of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar.  The legendary leader of Tamilnadu of India has been ever memorable even for another 100 years.  He was a strong man of democracy. He did not compromise with any kind of pressure.

During 1946 he was elected as Congress President of Madras Presidency.  Then Madras Presidency consists of entire Tamilnad, Part of Kerala, Entire unified Andhra Pradesh, Parts of Odisha and Lakesdaweep island. The same time during 1946 Andhra Kessari (Lion of ‘Andhral) Mr Prakasam was elected as assembly member and he was the prime contestant  for the Premier of Madras Presidency. Kamarajar was called from Delhi, he went to Delhi.  There he met Mr Jawaharlal Nehru, who lived in the heart of the majority of the Indian people.  Nehru advised Mr Kamarajar, not to select Mr Prakasam as the Premier of Madras Presidency.  Then Mr Kamarajar went to meet Mr Sarthar Valaboi Patel, who was the most  powerful leader in the All India Congress Committee,  he was as powerful as to keep the congress in his shirt pocket.  He said, “Kamarj, select any one as the Premier of Madras Presidency, but not Mr Prakasam, It was not only my wish but also the wishes of Mr Gandhi also”.  Kamarajar silently watched his words and not minced any words. 

Then he met the All India Congress Committee President,  Maulana Abul Kalam Ajad.  Maulana Azad was known for his discipline and he followed the concepts of Quaran strictly. He also advised Kamarajar not to select Prakasam as Premier of Madras Presidency, he added that Kamarajar might convince all the congress assembly members in such a way. Kamarajar silently observed his advice and return to Madras.

When he returned from Delhi, he met all the assembly member of Congress and observed that the majority of the assembly members were in favor of Andhra Kesari Prakasam of the Premier Post.  Then Kamarajar declared  Mr Prakasam as Premier, despite the opinions of the top level leaders without any fear. 

That was the courage of Kamarajar to shape the democratic norms.