Chennai: DMK chief M. Karunanidhi, in his 93rd birthday message on Friday, appealed to youth to work for the unity of ‘democratic, socialist and secular forces’ so that they take deeper roots and grow in the country.
He said all the four pillars of democracy — Assembly, judiciary, executive and media — are facing troubles and challenges. The objectives for which they stand are facing acid test. Instead of emerging out as pure gold out of fire, they have become rusty and their values are falling, Karunanidhi said.
Forces acting against democracy have infiltrated the social and political structure and are destroying them, he said. The negative effects of this fallout should be stopped and the health of four pillars be restored, he said.
Karunanidhi started the day planting a sapling near his CIT Colony residence and celebrated his birthday with wife Rajathi Ammal and daughter Kanimozhi. Former Union minister T.R. Baalu and spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan attended the function.
Later, he proceeded to Gopalapuram residence and cut a birthday cake to mark the occasion. DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin, former state ministers, MLAs and other functionaries were present on the occasion.
The DMK chief visited the memorial of party founder C.N. Annadurai and paid floral tributes. He went to the memorial of Dravidar Kazhagam founder E.V.R Periyar at the DK headquarters and paid floral tributes to him. He was accompanied by DK president K. Veeramani who greeted him on his birthday.
Later, Karunanidhi proceeded to Anna Arivalayam and accepted the gifts and money from party cadre and functionaries. TNCC president E.V.K. S. Elangovan met Karunandihi and conveyed his greetings. PMK founder S. Ramadoss and CPM state secretary G. Ramakrishnan expressed their greetings through phone.
Distribution of sweets, blood donation camps, medical camps, sapling plantations and other welfare measures marked the occasion throughout the state.
