Chennai, 7 August (H.S.): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin led a silent peace march on Thursday to pay tribute to his father and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on his seventh death anniversary. The march, which is an annual tradition, culminated at Karunanidhi's memorial on Marina Beach, where Stalin paid floral tributes to the iconic DMK leader. Karunanidhi passed away on August 7, 2018, at the age of 94 after a prolonged illness.

The silent march was attended by a large number of party workers, Cabinet colleagues, and senior party leaders, including TR Baalu and A Raaja. As a mark of respect, party workers raised slogans such as Vaazhga, vaazhga, vaazhgave; Thalaivar Kalaignar Pugazh Vazhgave, which translates to Long live chief Kalaignar's fame. Karunanidhi's samadhi was decorated with bright, colorful flowers, and Stalin laid a wreath, showering flowers and petals.

During the event, Stalin launched two initiatives: the 'Kalaignar Nidhinalgai Thittam', a financial assistance program to encourage young Dravidian movement scholars, and the 'Kalaignar Manava Pathirikkaiyalar Thittam', a joint initiative with DMK mouthpiece 'Murasoli' and Kalaignar Seithigal television to support student journalists. Stalin emphasized his father's vision of social justice and reiterated the party's commitment to the principles of Everything for Everyone and Tamil Nadu First in Everything.

In a social media post, Stalin remembered Karunanidhi as a guiding light for Tamil Nadu and urged people to follow his path. He also recalled Karunanidhi's contributions to the state's politics and social landscape, serving as Chief Minister five times between 1969 and 2011.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary