PM Modi pays tributes to K Kamaraj on his birth anniversary, recalls late leader's efforts to uplift poor

New Delhi [India], July 15 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tributes to Congress leader K. Kamaraj on his birth anniversary on Monday and said his contribution to sectors like education remains unparalleled.

“Remembering Thiru K. Kamaraj on his birth anniversary. He is widely respected for his visionary leadership and efforts to uplift the poor. His contribution to sectors like education remains unparalleled. We reiterate our commitment to fulfil his ideals and build a society that is just and compassionate,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

Tamil Nadu BJP leaders also paid tribute to Congress leader K. Kamaraj.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi also paid tributes to Kamaraj.

 “Widely revered by the people of Tamil Nadu, and a staunch advocate of social justice, we pay our tribute to a great son of India — Kamarajar. Former Congress President and a Bharat Ratna recipient, K. Kamaraj pioneered groundbreaking initiatives, notably the Mid Day Meal scheme, which continues to empower disadvantaged communities with access to free education,” Kharge said in a post on X.

“His transformative contributions to nation-building have left an indelible mark on India's progress, and we honour his legacy by celebrating his unwavering commitment to people’s welfare and sensitive governance,” the Congress chief added.  

Rahul Gandhi said Kamaraj was a true patriot and leader of masses.  

 “My humble tributes to Bharat Ratna and former AICC President, K. Kamraj on his birth anniversary. A true patriot and a leader of the masses, he tirelessly worked and inspired others to uplift the weakest sections of our society. His legacy as Kalvi Thanthai will always be remembered,” Gandhi said in a post on X.

Kumaraswami Kamaraj was born humble and poor in a backward area of Tamil Nadu on July 15, 1903. His schooling lasted only six years. At the age of twelve, he was already working as a shop assistant. He was barely fifteen when he heard of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which was the turning point in his life.

Kamaraj was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1937, unopposed. He was again elected to it in 1946. He was also elected to the Constituent Assembly of India in 1946 and later to Parliament in 1952.

He became Chief Minister of Madras in 1954. In 1963, he suggested to Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, that senior Congress leaders should leave ministerial posts to take up organisational work. This suggestion came to be known as the 'Kamaraj Plan'.

He was honoured posthumously with India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1976. (ANI)