C. N. Annadurai
In the land of Tamil Nadu, where legends were
born,A leader emerged, in history to adorn,
C. N. Annadurai, or "Anna" with love,
A visionary, a poet, sent from above.
Born in Kancheepuram, in humble abode,
To Natarajan, a weaver, and Bangaru Ammal's
fold,
Raised by sister Rajamani with care,
Young Annadurai's journey, a story to share.
At Pachaiyappa's High School, he started his
quest,
But destiny had other plans, it would suggest,
He dropped out to toil, as a clerk he'd strive,
In the mundane routine of an ordinary life.
But knowledge beckoned, he couldn't stay still,
Back to school, he'd go, with a determined
will,
Graduated from college, an MA he'd acquire,
In economics and politics, his mind set on
fire.
As a teacher, he'd start, at Pachaiyappa High,
A journalist next, his wings were set to fly,
With words as his weapon, he'd take a stance,
In the world of journalism, he'd enhance.
In '35, the Justice Party he'd embrace,
A sub-editor, with vigor and grace,
Under Periyar's leadership, he'd refine,
His skills as a writer, his path did entwine.
Editing 'Viduthalai,' a voice for the
voiceless,
In '44, he'd boldly confess,
His own journal, 'Dravida Nadu' unfurled,
A beacon for change in the Dravidian world.
In '49, a moment of destiny arrived,
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) he'd contrive,
A new political force, with a vision so bright,
Annadurai's leadership, a guiding light.
The anti-Hindi protests, a cause he'd uphold,
Against language imposition, he'd be bold,
In '65, a day of mourning he'd decree,
A fight for language rights, a legacy.
A man of principles, of courage and grace,
Protests against leaders, he'd bravely face,
From Nehru to Rajagopalachari's rule,
Annadurai's voice, a powerful tool.
Renaming towns, fighting for the oppressed,
His mission for justice, he'd never rest,
For Dravida Nadu, his dream would evolve,
A separate state for Dravidian resolve.
But times did change, and the path did sway,
Tamil Nadu's cause, he'd champion each day,
In '67, the chief minister's chair he'd attain,
Anna's rule, a new era to ordain.
Legalizing self-respect marriages, a
progressive decree,
Retitling Madras to Tamil Nadu, history to be,
World Tamil Conference, a grand celebration,
Under Anna's leadership, a Tamil declaration.
A two-language policy, a vision so wise,
Pictures of gods in offices, he'd revise,
Anna's legacy, a chapter so grand,
In the heart of Tamil Nadu, forever to stand.
A journey to New York, for cancer's cruel fate,
On 3rd February '69, Anna's light would abate,
But his funeral procession, a record-breaking
sight,
Millions in mourning, their candles alight.
His remains now rest on Marina's shore,
Anna Memorial, a tribute evermore,
Anna Nagar and Anna University, his name,
In the annals of Tamil Nadu, a lasting flame.
Jawaharlal Nehru, in Parliament's hall,
Hailed Anna's speeches, a statesman's call,
A life-size statue unveiled with pride,
In the Parliament House, his legacy to guide.
C. N. Annadurai, a leader so true,
In the hearts of his people, he'll forever
renew,
His vision lives on, his words still inspire,
A legacy of change, a beacon of fire.
*****
