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Chennai, October 30 (IANS) AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Thursday reiterated his long-standing demand that freedom fighter and spiritual leader Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar be honored with the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honour.
Speaking to reporters after paying floral tributes at Thevar’s memorial at Pasumpon village near Kamuthi in Ramanathapuram district, Palaniswami recalled the multifaceted contributions of the revered leader, whom he described as an epitome of nationalism, sacrifice and divine devotion.
Palaniswami said, “Today, on the occasion of Thevar Ayya’s 118th birth anniversary and Guru Puja day, on behalf of the AIADMK, I along with senior leaders, former ministers and MLAs paid homage at his memorial.”
He said that during the tenure of former Chief Minister MG Ramachandran, Thevar’s birth anniversary was officially declared as a state festival – a tradition that continues even today.
Palaniswami praised Thevar’s deep sense of nationalism and his spiritual strength, saying, “He lived with divinity and patriotism as the two eyes of his life.”
He said revolutionary leader MG Ramachandran unveiled the full-length portrait of Thevar in the state assembly as a mark of respect, while later, under the leadership of Jayalalitha, a golden cover weighing about 13 kg was installed over Thevar’s statue at his memorial.
Recalling Thevar’s life of struggle, Palaniswami said the leader had spent nearly 4,000 days in jail for participating in various movements for the welfare of the people.
He also highlighted Thevar’s electoral successes in Aruppukottai parliamentary and Mudukulathur assembly constituencies which, he said, reflected his immense popularity among the public.
Describing Thevar as a man of unmatched generosity, Palaniswami said he had donated thousands of acres of his land to the poor and Scheduled Caste families for their livelihood and upliftment.
Reiterating AIADMK’s long-standing demand, Palaniswami said, “We have already written to the Union Home Minister requesting that Pasampone Muthuramalinga Thevar be awarded the Bharat Ratna in recognition of his service to the nation and humanity. It will be an honor for the entire country if the government confers this award on such a great soul.”
–IANS
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