Kumari Ananthan, a veteran Congress leader and former president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC), passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the age of 93. Ananthan had been undergoing treatment for age-related ailments at a private hospital in Vellore when he breathed his last. His death marks the end of a remarkable political journey that spanned decades, during which he became a towering figure in Tamil Nadu politics, widely respected for his unwavering dedication to public service, social justice, and the promotion of the Tamil language.
Born on March 19, 1933, in Agasteeswaram in the Kanniyakumari district, Ananthan was the son of freedom fighters Harikrishnan and Thangammal. His political aspirations were deeply inspired by Congress stalwart K. Kamaraj, leading him to embark on a journey rooted in Gandhian ideals. Ananthan’s political career began in earnest when he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Nagercoil in 1977, representing the Congress party. He later served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Tamil Nadu four times—in 1980, 1984, 1989, and 1991.
During his tenure as TNCC president, he led numerous padyatras across the state, advocating for farmers and marginalized communities. Among his notable achievements was spearheading a protest that resulted in the provision of free electricity for small-scale farmers. Ananthan also played a pivotal role in pushing for the prioritization of the Tamil language in Central government offices within the state.
His contributions to Tamil Nadu's political and cultural landscape were recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Mahakavi Bharathiyar Award and the Perunthalaivar Kamaraj Award. Most recently, on Independence Day in 2024, he was conferred with the Thagaisal Thamizhar award by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, honoring his lifelong commitment to the Tamil language and culture.
Upon hearing the news of his passing, Tamilisai Soundararajan, his daughter and a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), expressed her grief and paid an emotional tribute to her father. "With all his efforts... As a flawless politician... With an unwavering devotion to Tamil... My father's voice, who used to call me music, music... Today, seeing all those he raised... living a balanced life... Proudly... His name will remain forever in Tamil Nadu politics," she said, highlighting Ananthan's legacy and influence in the region.
Other political leaders also expressed their condolences. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin remarked, "Mr. Kumari Ananthan surrendered himself to the Congress. His demise is a big loss to the Tamil community." He recalled presenting the Thagaisal Thamizhar award to Ananthan, stating, "I remember with tears the conversation I had with Mr. Ananthan when I presented the Award on Independence Day."
Union Minister of State L Murugan, BJP legislative party leader Nainar Nagendran, and BJP state president K Annamalai paid rich tributes to Ananthan. Murugan referred to him as a "literary luminary and dedicated Congressman" who worked alongside Kamaraj, adding, "He devoted his life to Tamil society. My deepest condolences to Tamilisai, her family, and well-wishers." Nagendran described Ananthan as an "eminent nationalist and principled politician" whose loss creates a significant void in Tamil Nadu's socio-political landscape and in Tamil literary circles.
K Annamalai remembered Ananthan as a "proud disciple of Kamaraj" who led a life of simplicity and purpose, tirelessly campaigning for river-linking, palm cultivation, and Tamil pride. He stated, "His passing is a great loss to Tamil Nadu." Other BJP leaders, including R Sarathkumar, also extended their condolences to Tamilisai Soundararajan and her family, praying for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family.
Ananthan's body will be kept at his daughter’s residence in Saligramam, Chennai, allowing the public to pay their last respects. His funeral will be conducted with state honors, as announced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who emphasized the importance of honoring Ananthan's contributions to the Tamil community.
Throughout his life, Kumari Ananthan remained a staunch advocate for the Tamil language and culture, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations. His commitment to public service and the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu has earned him a place in the hearts of many, and his contributions to politics and literature will continue to inspire future leaders.
