Kumari Ananthan, Senior Congress Leader & Tamilisai Soundararajan's Father, Passes Away At 93

Kumari Ananthan, senior Congress leader and prominent Gandhian, passed away in Chennai on Tuesday at the age of 92 due to age-related health complications. He was the father of Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, former Governor of Telangana. 

His body is currently resting at Dr Soundararajan's residence in Saligramam, Chennai, where the public can pay their respects. 

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin paid his final respects to the senior leader at the residence of BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan. 

Who Is Kumari Ananthan? 

Born on March 19, 1933, in Agastheeswaram, Kanyakumari district, Kumari Ananthan was a pioneering leader who passionately advocated for the Tamil language. He notably fought for and succeeded in addressing the Indian Parliament in Tamil, marking a significant moment in the promotion of linguistic pride and cultural identity.

Ananthan was also a respected figure in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, known for his simplicity, ideological commitment, and long-standing association with the Indian National Congress. Deeply influenced by the late K Kamaraj, he entered politics embracing Gandhian principles and a frugal lifestyle that he maintained throughout his life.

Anathan represented the Nagercoil constituency as a Member of Parliament in 1977 and served five terms as a Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

Over the years, he held several key roles within the Congress party, including serving as the president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC), as per a report on Deccan Herald. His contributions to Tamil society and politics were recognised with prestigious honors, including the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Award in 2021 and the Thagaisal Tamizhar Award, conferred by the DMK government during its fourth edition.

In 1977, amid political differences, Ananthan founded the Gandhi Kamaraj National Congress, a breakaway faction, during a turbulent phase in Indian politics. However, the party eventually re-merged with the Congress. 

Yet, Ananthan continued to express ideological disagreements at various points in his career.

states