Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin celebrated his 72nd birthday on Saturday, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to state autonomy, the two-language policy, and fierce opposition to Hindi imposition.
Stalin marked the day by cutting a celebratory cake alongside family members and party workers. Addressing enthusiastic cadres, he administered an oath emphasizing their "one goal"—to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests and firmly oppose Hindi imposition at all times.
"Tamil Nadu poradum, Tamil Nadu vellum" ("Tamil Nadu will fight, Tamil Nadu will win"), declared Stalin, a rallying cry enthusiastically echoed by party workers gathered at the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, which was adorned festively to mark the occasion.
Social media overflowed with greetings from party workers and supporters, hailing Stalin as "Dravida Nayagar" (Dravidian Hero). Stalin reiterated his longstanding principles of state autonomy, the preservation of Tamil language, and the strict adherence to a two-language policy.
Reflecting on his decades-long political journey, Stalin recalled his youthful defiance against Hindi imposition during a DMK party conference in 1971 when he was merely 18 years old. He vowed to continue the same determination in protecting Tamil Nadu's identity and autonomy today.
Leaders Across Party Lines Extend Greetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday wishes to Stalin through a post on social media platform 'X', stating: "Birthday greetings to Tamil Nadu CM Thiru MK Stalin. May he lead a long and healthy life."Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi also sent greetings in Tamil, a notable gesture amidst past confrontations with Stalin over issues including the National Education Policy (NEP).
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sent warm wishes as well. Gandhi, expressing solidarity, tweeted, "Wishing a very happy birthday to my brother and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Thiru @mkstalin. We continue to stand together in our commitment to preserve India's rich diversity, federal structure, and Constitutional values."
BJP Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai and actor-politician Vijay also joined others in wishing the Chief Minister on his special day.
Tributes to Dravidian Icons and Initiatives Marking the Occasion
True to party tradition, Stalin paid tributes at the samadhis of DMK founder C.N. Annadurai and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi located at Marina beachfront in Chennai. Stalin reaffirmed his dedication to following Annadurai’s legacy, reiterating the party’s core ideals, especially its strong resistance to Hindi imposition.Accompanied by senior DMK leaders such as Duraimurugan, TR Baalu, A Raja, state ministers, and elected representatives, Stalin led the pledge to continue advocating for the interests and cultural identity of Tamil Nadu.
In a symbolic gesture coinciding with his birthday, Stalin also inaugurated admissions for the academic year 2025-26 at the Royappettai government school. Additionally, he laid a wreath at the memorial of renowned social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, underscoring his commitment to Dravidian values and ideals.
