NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, AUG. 7
Eight years after his passing, M Karunanidhi continues to occupy a singular place in Tamil Nadu’s political, literary and cultural consciousness. Thousands of party workers, admirers and leaders gathered across the State on Friday to honour the five-time Chief Minister, whose journey from scriptwriter to statesman transformed the trajectory of Dravidian politics and left an enduring imprint on governance, social justice and Tamil identity.
தகைமைசால் தலைவராக – எழுத்தாளராக – கவிஞராக -சொற்பொழிவாளராக – திரைக்கதை வசனகர்த்தாவாக – இலக்கியவாதியாக – திரைப்படத் தயாரிப்பாளராக – தலைசிறந்த நிர்வாகியாக – ஐந்து முறை தமிழ்நாட்டின் முதலமைச்சராக – உலகத் தமிழர்களின் ஒப்பற்ற தலைவராக விளங்கியவரும், திராவிட இயக்கத்தின் போர்வாட்களில்… pic.twitter.com/rCmIF8QZaE
— DMK (@arivalayam) August 7, 2026
Leading the commemorations, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin paid emotional tributes to his father, describing him as “the sculptor who shaped modern Tamil Nadu” and a leader whose ideals continue to guide generations.
- M Karunanidhi remembered across Tamil Nadu on his eighth death anniversary with solemn tributes and mass participation
- Stalin leads silent peace march to Marina memorial, calls Kalaignar the “architect of modern Tamil Nadu”
- DMK cadres organise welfare initiatives, reaffirming the late leader’s enduring commitment to social justice and public service
- Five-time Chief Minister, literary icon and Dravidian stalwart continues to inspire politics, governance, cinema and Tamil culture
- ‘#KalaignarForever’ resonates as thousands pay homage to one of India’s longest-serving political leaders
Accompanied by senior DMK leaders and former ministers, Stalin garlanded Karunanidhi’s statue at the Omandurar Government Estate before leading a solemn peace march to the late leader’s memorial on Marina Beach. Thousands of party cadres joined the silent procession, transforming the stretch into a sea of black-and-red flags and floral tributes. At the flower-decked memorial, Stalin placed a wreath and observed a moment of silence in memory of the Dravidian icon.
The former Chief Minister later paid homage at Karunanidhi’s Gopalapuram residence, the CIT Colony residence and the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, where senior leaders and party functionaries assembled to remember the leader affectionately known as “Kalaignar.”
In an emotional message posted on X, Stalin reflected on Karunanidhi’s remarkable public life spanning more than eight decades. He recalled his father’s record as a five-time Chief Minister, 13-time MLA and nearly five-decade leader of the DMK, saying his contributions extended far beyond politics into Tamil literature, cinema, language, culture and social reform.
“He is the sculptor who shaped modern Tamil Nadu.”
Remembering Karunanidhi’s trademark dark glasses, resonant voice and unmatched literary brilliance, Stalin wrote that although Kalaignar is no longer physically present, “he has filled our hearts forever,” ending his tribute with the hashtag #KalaignarForever.
Across Tamil Nadu, various wings of the DMK, including its Differently Abled Wing and youth organisations, marked the anniversary through blood donation camps, welfare programmes, public service initiatives and floral tributes, reflecting Karunanidhi’s long-standing emphasis on social welfare and inclusive development.
Karunanidhi, who passed away on August 7, 2018, at the age of 94, remains one of independent India’s most influential regional leaders. Revered as “Kalaignar” for his extraordinary literary accomplishments, he authored acclaimed screenplays, plays, novels and political writings while simultaneously shaping Tamil Nadu’s political discourse for more than half a century. His legacy continues to influence debates on federalism, social justice, Tamil language and welfare-oriented governance.
