Tamilasai: Tamilasai's father passes away

Press Release Apr 9, 2025 30 Add to Reading List

A shadow of sadness has descended on the house of former Telangana Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan. Tamilisai Soundararajan's father, former Tamil Nadu Congress chief Kumari Ananthan (93). Kumari Ananthan, who was suffering from ill health and old age-related problems, passed away in Chennai in the early hours of Wednesday (April 9, 2025). He was elected to the Lok Sabha as a Congress candidate from Nagercoil in 1977. Ananthan served as a member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly five times . Ananthan made an indelible mark as a Tamil writer, prominent orator and political leader. Several leaders, including Tamilisai Soundararajan, paid tribute to Kumari Ananthan's death. Ananthan's body will be taken to his daughter's house in Saligramam to pay last respects. The funeral will be held later.

Mrs. Ananthan

Born on 19 March 1933 in Kumarimangalam, Kanyakumari district, Ananthan had an immense love for Tamil and was well versed in Tamil literature. He has written many books. Ananthan, the most senior politician in Tamil Nadu, was naturally drawn to the Congress party since his father, a bowman, participated in the freedom struggle. He added 'Kumari' to his name out of love for his birthplace, which is why he is called Kumari Ananthan. His association with the late Congress leader and Chief Minister K. Kamaraj led to his being given the responsibility of the Youth Congress . He was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Nagercoil constituency in 1977. Ananthan was the first to insist on the right to ask questions in Tamil in Parliament and he was later elected as an MLA four times.

Thunder Congress

For his services to the state of Tamil Nadu, Ananthan was honoured with the highest award 'Tagaisal Thamizaar' by the state government in 2024. In 2021, the Tamil Nadu state government conferred him with the 'Kamarajar' award. Political party leaders are mourning Ananthan's death. Ananthan was a member of the Gandhi family in 1980.KamarajHe founded his own party called the Deshiya Congress but it was not successful. Later, he launched the Thondar Congress in March 2001. After the defeat in the elections, he merged that party with the Congress. Among his books, Neengalam Pechalaragalam (You can also be a speaker), Sembanai Nadu, Paratheera Padiya Bharathi, and Nilitha Pughaludaiyor have brought him much fame.