M.G. RAMACHANDRAN {MGR}
M.G. Ramachandran, affectionately called as M.G.R., was one of the most important persons who caused the growth of D.M.K. Born of Malayalee partents on January 17, 1917 at Kandy (Sri Lanka). MGR had to endure hunger, poverty and squalor in his boyhood days. His mother Sathyabhama, with her two sons – Chakrapani and Ramachandran – moved to Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu but could not find a living. The boys could not go the school and Sathyabhama admitted them to Madurai original Boys Drama Company to be trained as stage artists. Movies were still a far away novelty.
M.G.R. and Tamil Cinema:
Young Ramachandran struggled hard to make the grade as an actor. He knocked at all doors and finally got his family role in a talking picture, “Sathi Leelavathi”. He gradually began to make an impression of Tamil moviegoers. His good looks, his wiry physique, his skill in conducting orchestrated fights and personal magnetism, marked him out as a man destined to go up the ladder. M.G.R. was in the filed for the last 22 years were called the era of M.G.R. He acted in 136 cinemas as hero. His role in the cinemas impressed the people very much and they considered him as their real hero. He also directed ‘Nadodimannan’ and Ulagam Chuttum Valiban’. They revealed the talents of M.G.R. and broke the records in collection. He flourished as an “action hero”. Certain films including “Pettalthan Pillaya” proved him to be a talented artist. He scaled dizzy heights in the film world. He got the government of India award “Bharat” for best actor in the country.
M.G.R. in Tamil Politics:
C.N. Annadurai, the founder of D.M.K party had great fascination towards M.G.R. He appreciated the talents of M.G.R. on various occasion. M.G.Ramachandran was one of the most important persons who caused the growth of D.M.K. He was affectionately called as M.G.R. He served as the treasurer of D.M.K. But he was expelled from D.M.K. for he had violated the restrictions of the party.
Formation of A.I.A.D.M.K:
At this critical situation in 1972, M.G.R. formed a new party bearing the name of great Anna A.I., A.D.,M.K. Becoming very popular among the people within a short period M.G.R. became victorious in the election of 1977 and had became the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu. Patronized by the people of Tamilnadu, he formed the Ministry thrice, so that several welfare schemes could be implemented in Tamilnadu. He administered Tamilnadu for nearly ten years. During his period, he implemented several welfare schemes for the up liftment of the people of Tamilnadu.
His Relation with Annadurai:
M.G.R. maintained cordial relationship with Annadurai. He accepted Annadurai as his political guru. C.N. Annadurai affectionately called M.G.R. as his Thambi (brother). He patronized M.G.R. by giving key posts in his party. M.G.R. also had much regard for Kamaraj. He gave due respect to Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.
Nutritious Food Scheme:
One cannot but appreciate M.G.R. for his introduction of nutritious food scheme in school. As per this scheme children within the age of 2 and 10 were given free nutritious meal during noon throughout the year. 65344 centers were established for this purpose. Nearly 100500 employees were engaged in the above scheme. This scheme proved the affection of M.G.R towards the poor children. He also implemented the schemes for the supply of free tooth powder and chapel to the poor.
Drinking water scheme of Madras:
The people of Madras suffered a lot due to the lack of drinking water. To put an end to the scarcity of water, he made an agreement with M.T. Rama Roa, the Chief Minister of Andhrapradesh. Based on the agreement the ‘Telungu – Gangai scheme’ was implemented. As the share of Tamilnadu, it gave a huge amount to Andradesam for the completion of the scheme.
Growth of Education:
During the DMK regime, free education was given upto P.U.C. level. He also followed the same system and enhanced the aid provided to the poor students. He took keen interest in the welfare of the schools and college teachers. With a view to eradicate the irregularities in private colleges direct salary system was introduced. Various concessions were granted to the private college teachers which were enjoyed by government college teachers. With a view to improve the standard of education and to maintain discipline P.U.C. was de linked from colleges and “Plus Two” scheme was introduced in schools. As a result, Plus Two higher secondary schools sprang throughout the length and breadth of Tamilnadu. The government protected the excess staff in the colleges as a result of the introduction of the new system. During the administration of M.G.R. a number of Universities were started in Tanjore. He also started Bharathiyar University at Coimbatore, Bharathidasan University in Tiruchi and Azhahappa University in Karaikudi. Separate University was founded at Kodaikanal mainly meant for girls. Primary importance was given to professional courses. He introduced the system of entrance examination in 1984 for the selection of medical, engineering and agricultural students. The system was introduced with a view to minimize the irregularities in the selection of candidates for the professional courses.
Industrial Growth:
Effective steps had been taken for the growth of Industry. It was during his administration nearly 85000 workers served in more than thousand industries. Various benefit schemes were announced for them during his administration. Measures were adopted in 1977 to re-open the spinning industries in Tamilnadu. Thousands of workers benefited due to this. Steps were also taken to increase the production of electricity for the development of industries.
Growth of Agriculture:
M.G.R paid special interest for the growth of agriculture. A high level committee was constituted mainly to improve the condition of peasants. Based on the recommendation of the committee large scale loans to agriculture were set aside without realization. Nearly 90,000 agriculturists benefited form the scheme. The electricity rate for the purpose of agriculture was reduced from 16 paise to 14 paise since July, 1977. as a result of this production increased considerably. Tamilnadu had become self-sufficient in agricultural produce during his administration.
Transport department:
Transport facilities improved during his administration. The transport department was modernized with the aid from World Bank. Transport facilities were extended to the villages. Roads were constructed to link villages with main roads and towns.
Election in 1980:
In the parliamentary election of 1980, his party was defeated by the Congress (I) and the D.M.K. combine. His government was subsequently dismissed by Indira Gandhi. He did not lose heart but waited patiently for the assembly election six months later. In the election he approached the people with his new programs and secured a resounding success.
Conquest of Death:
The death conquered him thrice. But he escaped miraculously from the death in 1967, and in 1984. In 1967 an attempt was made to murder him. He was shot. But after intensive treatment he survived. Subsequent to this he was also admitted to the hospital for treatment. In 1984, he was severely affected due to the problem in Kidney and nerve. He was admitted in the Apollo hospital at Madras. Later he was taken to the state University Heatlth Service Center, Brooklyn in New York. He recovered fully from his illness and returned home happily. Both his colleagues and people warmly welcomed him when he returned home on 4th February 1985.
Relation with Indra Gandhi:
Though Indra Gandhi dismissed A.I.A.D.M.K. government in 1980, he maintained cordial relations with her. She made an air dash to Madras to see him when he fell ill with a stoke in October, 1984 and arranged to fly him to New York and provide him the most sophisticated treatment available in the United States.
Relation with Rajiv Gandhi:
He also maintained cordial relations with Rajiv Gandhi. When Rajiv attempted to send Peace Keeping Forces to Ceylon, he rendered his whole hearted support to him. Keenly interested in ensuring an honorable place for the Tamils in Srilanka M.G.R. had never allowed his physical limitations to stand in the way of either meeting the people or working shoulder to shoulder with the Prime Minister in the cause of the Tamils in Sri Lanka. Even during his stay abroad, he had met Rajiv who was then on a visit to New York and discussed the Tamil issue with him. After his return, M.G.R. kept himself in constant touch with the centre. In spite of the indifferent health, he flew to Delhi on Decemebr 16 – just a weak before his death – and reviewed the Sri Lanka situation with the Prime Minister.
Staunch nationalist and lover of Peace:
A staunch nationalist and lover of peace, he had a great regard for Jawaharlal Nehru. He was keen on installing a statue of Nehru at an important junction in Madras and wanted it to be unveiled by the Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. It was unveiled on December 21 at a grand function. At this function an enthusiastic M.G.R. spoke for almost 15 minutes unmindful of tremendous strain on his health. Likewise he showed his nationalistic feeling by donation a huge amount when Indo-China war broke out. Subsequently, the actors of North India followed his foot-steps.
A man of the Masses:
His action and policies attracted the masses. He even equated himself with the common man. During his administration he implemented various schemes for the upliftment of the common people. So they affectionately called him as Purachi Thalaivar, Puratchi Nadikar, Makkal Thilagam, Kodaivallal, Ponmana Chemmal etc. they showed their gratitude during his stay in New York in 1984. He also contested in the election in the Andipatti legislative assembly constituency. He appealed to the people to support his party. So people cost their votes in favor of him. A.I.A.D.M.K. got a smashing victory with the support of the Congress (I)
Death of M.G.R:
When M.G.R. was at his zenith of fame health deteriorated all on a sudden due to sudden and unexpected stroke he passed away in the last week of 24th December, 1987. People from all over the world mourned the death of M.G.R. His body was buried in the Merina Beach. A historical monument was erected in its place.
