1976 : KUMARASAMY KAMARAJ (1903 - 1975)

       K Kamaraj was born on July.15.1903 at Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu
       He joined Virudhupatti High School but had to discontinue his studies due to family circumstances
       He joined the Indian National Congress in 1920 and actively participated in the Independence movement under the leaderships of Gandhi , Rajaji and Satyamurthy . He was imprisoned six times by the British Raj for his participation in the Civil Disobedience movement, Non Cooperation movement, Quit India movement and Salt Satyagarha (1920 – 1946).

       He served as Member of Madras Legislative Assembly (1946 – 1952), Member of Parliament in Lok Sabha (1952 – 1954). 
        He served as Member of Madras Legislative Assembly and Chief Minister of Madras State (1954 – 1963). 
        He was Member of Madras Legislative Assembly (1963 – 1967) and Member of Lok Sabha (1967 – 1975) and President of Indian National Congress 
        He died on October.02.1975 at Madras at the age of 72 

Chief Minister of Madras

         He started several primary and elementary schools all over the state which provided free education and nutrition for poor students. 
        He established Irrigation Dams and Canals all over the state and helped develop agriculture 
        He established with Central Government assistance Industrial Organizations – Neyveli Lignite Corporation, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Hindustan Photo Films, Hindustan Teleprinters , Madras Refineries, Integral Coach factory , Ambattur & Guindy Industrial Estates . Educational Institutions – Indian Institute of Technology. Madras. 
       His Chief Minister ship of 13 years helped in the all round development of the State.

President of Indian National Congress

        He joined the Indian National Congress in 1920 and actively participated in the freedom struggle. He formulated the Kamaraj Plan in 1963 under which , he along with Senior Chief Ministers and Union Ministers resigned to work for revitalization of Congress. 
       He served as President of Indian National Congress (1964 – 1967) and was instrumental in the elevation of Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi as Prime Ministers of India in 1964 and 1966 respectively 
       He later served as President of Indian National Congress (Organization) (1967 – 1975) 

Awards

      The Government of India posthumously conferred on him the Bharat Ratna in 1976 

Titles

      A Man of simplicity and integrity he was greeted with titles such as Perunthalivar , Kalvi Thanthai and Kala Gandhi 

Resources

www.wikipedia.com
www.inc.in

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