T.N. Chief Minister to announce nationalisation of books of five Tamil scholars on May 5

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
| Photo Credit: M. VEDHAN

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to take part in the valedictory of ‘Tamil Week’, which is being observed to mark the birth anniversary of late Tamil poet Pavendhar Bharathidasan. He is also scheduled to present prizes to the winners of various competitions at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai on Monday.

During the event, the Chief Minister is also set to announce the nationalisation of the literary works of five Tamil scholars and hand over royalty to their families. The books of Tamil Scholars are being nationalised by the Tamil Nadu government so as to take the treasures of ideas of Tamil scholars to the masses. Ministers M.P. Saminathan, Ma. Subramanian, and P.K. Sekarbabu are among the dignitaries expected to participate in the event.

In line with an announcement by the Chief Minister, the Tamil Nadu government has been celebrating the birth anniversary of Bharathidasan during ‘Tamil Week’ since April 29. It had organised various literary events in all district headquarters with the participation of Tamil scholars.

As the DMK government headed by Mr. Stalin is set to enter its fifth year later this week, the State government, in an official release, recalled the awards and laurels it had earned over the past four years. The Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme and Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam, among others, were being held in high regard not only in the country but beyond, including in the United Nations, it said.

The Chief Minister had safeguarded the people of Tamil Nadu during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the “indifference of the Union government which is supposed to extend a helping hand during cyclones, heavy rains, and floods” and “the obstinacy with which it informed Parliament that it would not grant funds,” the release said.

The release added: “Today, the people of Tamil Nadu are appreciating [the State government]. Women, students, labourers, entrepreneurs are appreciating. The media is appreciating. The governments of other States are appreciating. The courts are appreciating.”

It further said: “Above all, the Union government is appreciating the Tamil Nadu government and has presented various awards” and went on to list the honours received from the Centre on various fronts, including in the areas of police work, sports development, welfare of the disabled, water management, rural development, health and family welfare, and tourism development, among others.

It also recalled that Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the first prize in excellence to Subramaniya Siva Cooperative Sugar Mills Ltd. in Dharmapuri in August 2024. It also pointed out that Mr. Shah had also presented to Tamil Nadu an award for excellence of cooperative banks.

Last year, the Muthupettai police station in Tiruvarur district received the best police station award from the Union Home Ministry as well, it recalled.