Kamaraj - The King maker

Though he was a king in the making, he remained a King Maker. While people were busy celebrating Gandhi's birthday on Oct 2nd 1975, Kamaraj left India silently in his bed.

Kamaraj (July 15, 1903–1975) was instrumental in bringing to power two Prime Ministers, Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1964 and Indira Gandhi in 1966. He was involved in the Indian independence movement and was a close ally of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India.

He was born to Kumarasamy and Sivakami Ammal at Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu. His was from a poor family belonging to the Nadar caste (a mercantile caste) and retained a spartan life style and bachelorhood throughout his lifetime. Despite dropping out of school in the seventh grade he rose to political prominence joining the struggle for Indian independence at the age of sixteen.

Kamaraj became Chief Minister of Madras Presidency in 1954 and ruled the state for thirteen years. He was also president of the Indian National Congress for five years. As Chief Minister, he initiated massive reforms in the educational and the social sectors of the state. He introduced the Mid-day meal scheme in Tamil Nadu, which was later popularised by M. G. Ramachandran and this scheme is being considered by the Government of India to be introduced in all public schools in the country. It was his government, which built most of the existing dams in Tamil Nadu.

He is known for his honesty, integrity and simplicity. He denied any special treatments extended to him or his mother just because he was the chief minister. It is also said that he lived in a rented house and had a possession of only 120 rupees and 6 dhothis when he died--a hard gesture from a Chief Minister of Indian history.

He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award posthumously in 1976.

Whenever there is a debate on whether the politicians shud have a minimum qualification, the name that immediately strikes those who oppose any such minimum qualification is Kamaraj. Yet, I would say that he has also failed India in a way. His humbleness has cost India dearly. He must have become the PM after Lal Bahadur. Instead, he thought that Indira is better capale b'cos she was educated. But, Alas, he had to see the Emergency. It had a lasting impression in his heart and finally died. If only he had succeeded Lal Bahadur, the India Today would have been different. But, the Gods had a different thing in their minds.

Naadu Paarthathunda, Inda Naadu Paarthathunda? Nadu munnera naalum uzhaithavanai naadu paarthathunda inda naadu paarthathunda ???