C.N. Annadurai (Anna) – TNPSC Notes

 


Full Name: Conjeevaram Natarajan Annadurai

Popularly Known As: Anna ("Elder Brother")
Born: September 15, 1909 – Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Died: February 3, 1969 – Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Early Life and Education

  • Born in a middle-class family in Kanchipuram.

  • Studied at Pachaiyappa's College, Chennai.

  • Worked as a school teacher and later as a journalist.

Political Career

1. Justice Party & Dravidar Kazhagam

  • Joined Justice Party, later became part of Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) under Periyar.

  • Became a powerful orator and writer promoting Dravidian ideology.

2. Formation of DMK (1949)

  • Due to ideological differences with Periyar (especially on political participation), Anna founded the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in 1949.

  • Advocated for Dravidian identity, social justice, and state autonomy.

3. Role in Anti-Hindi Agitation (1965)

  • Opposed imposition of Hindi as India’s sole official language.

  • Protested peacefully and effectively, gaining national attention.

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu

  • Became first non-Congress Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 1967.

  • Introduced Two-Language Policy: Tamil and English.

  • Changed the name of the state from Madras to Tamil Nadu in 1969.

  • Introduced schemes like rice at Rs. 1 per measure.

Literary Contributions

  • Prolific writer, playwright, and orator.

  • Founded the magazine "Dravida Nadu".

  • Used drama, cinema, and mass media to spread rationalist and social messages.

Legacy

  • Revered as a visionary leader, excellent communicator, and reformist.

  • DMK's rise to power laid the foundation for Dravidian rule in Tamil Nadu.

  • His death in 1969 drew one of the largest funeral gatherings in the world.

  • Chennai’s Anna University and Anna Salai are named in his honor.

Key Quote

“We prefer to live like lions for a day rather than live like jackals for hundred years.”

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