M. Karunanidhi(1924-2018)

Muthuvel Karunanidhi, popularly known as "Kalaignar" and "Mutthamizh Arignar" born June 3, 1924, Thirukkuvalai, Tamil Nadu, India was an Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu who was one of the founding members of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam - DMK, an active political party in India. He left school early, inspired by the Dravidian patriots, he self-learnt the art of writing and began working as a screenwriter in the Tamil film industry. He formed organizations for the local youth and students and started a magazine/newspaper named "Murasoli", the DMK's official newspaper. He wrote script and progressive dialogues for many Tamil movies, one of which was the critically acclaimed Parasakthi (1952). He wrote a lot of books in contributing his part to Tamil literature, some of which are Thenpandi Singam, Sanga Tamizh, Mani Magudam. He also wrote his early life and political autobiography "Nenjukku Needhi" which runs to six volumes covering the period from 1924-2002. In 1971, Annamalai University gave him an honorary doctorate for his work and contribution to Tamil literature and public service. In his five tenures as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the state saw the first ever first minority administration in its history. Karunanidhi became unwell in October 2016 and was hospitalized every now and then, his last public appearance was on June 3, 2018, when he turned 94. In late July 2018, Karunanidhi's health deteriorated and became "extremely critical and unstable", and he was admitted at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai for treatment. He died there on August 7, 2018 due to age-related illness, which led to multiple organ failure.