Chennai: As they gear up to mark the birth centenary of legendary M G Ramachandran in a grand manner, the Tamil Nadu government and the ruling party, AIADMK, on Friday urged the Union Government to release a commemorative coin and special postage stamp in honour of the late chief minister.
In separate letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM, O Panneerselvam and AIADMK general secretary, V K Sasikala said release of a coin and postage stamp will be a “fitting tribute” to the legendary matinee idol who ruled the state from 1977 to till he breathed his last in 1987.
Elaborate arrangements are being made to celebrate birth centenary of MGR, which falls on January 17.
In the letters, copies of which were released to the media by the government's media wing and AIADMK media department, Mr Panneerselvam and Ms Sasikala spoke in detail about the achievements of late MGR as chief minister.
“This scheme (mid day meals) is still running successfully in TN and has been replicated in almost all states of India. This scheme received accolades not only from across the country, but from the United Nations as well,” Ms Sasikala said in the letter.
“Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MGR was one of the most illustrious, charismatic and popular Chief Ministers of the State. Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MGR is remembered nationally and internationally for having launched several innovative welfare programmes, which have become model schemes implemented throughout the country,” the Chief Minister said.
Both leaders noted that late MGR was honoured with the highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna. Ms Sasikala told Mr Modi that she was writing to him “strongly proposing” a commemorative coin and special postage stamp for her party founder “in view of his exemplary service to the people.”
The Chief Minister said late MGR is remembered for his “magnanimity, generosity, commanding leadership and determination to fight for the legitimate rights of the states”.
