M. G. Ramachandran: Difference between revisions

Content deleted Content added

Inline

Revision as of 11:07, 3 August 2004

Dr MG Ramachandaran

Marudur Gopala Ramachandran (January 17, 1917 - December 24, 1987), popularly known as MGR, was a long time Tamil film actor and Chief Minister of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu from 1977 until his death.

Early life

He was born at Kandy, Sri Lanka, to Marudhar Gopalan and Satyabhama. After his father's death, MGR settled with his family at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. He could not pursue his studies beyond the primary stage and joined a drama troupe. Gaining considerable experience on stage, he entered the world of cinema, and gradually rose to enviable positions by persistent efforts and endurance. He became a great actor, director and producer.

Tamil Cinema

Making his film debut in 1936, in the film Sati Leelavathi, MGR did not attain great popularity until his role in the 1947 film Rajakumari. He rose to stardom by playing characters that potrayed him as the saviour of the poor. His movies were the medium of communication for the Dravdiain movement. For the next twenty-five years he remained one of the biggest celebrities in Tamil cinema. Movies like Madurai Veeran, a champion of the Tamil Dalits, helped gain the admiration of the dalits in the state. His star power did not diminish even after he was shot by fellow actor MR Radha, affecting his ability to speak clearly. The Government of India honoured him with the national Award for the Best Actor for his acting in the film "Rickshakaran" in 1972.

Political ambitions

He was a vocal Tamil and Dravidian nationalist and prominent member of the DMK (Dravidian Progressive Federation). In 1953, MGR joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. He became a member of the state Legislative Council in 1962. He was first elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 1967. He added glamour to the Dravidian movement which was sweeping Tamil Nadu. His political ambitions were obvious as all his movies were politically motivated. Always the first to personally offer relief in disasters and calamities like fire, flood, drought, cyclone, etc., he was the first donor during the war with China in 1962, donating Rs. 75,000 to the war fund. After the death of his mentor, Anna Durai, in 1972 he had a falling out with the DMK leadership, and he went on to form the AIADMK (All India Anna Dravidian Progressive Federation). He became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 1977, a post he kept even after he suffered a paralytic stroke in 1984. MGR died in office in 1987. He was the first film actor to be a Chief Minister in India.

Chief Ministership

He enjoyed unending support during his time as Chief Minister. He placed great emphasis on social development, especially education. He founded the Tamil University, The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University and the Women's University in Tamil Nadu. One of MGR's most successful policies was the re-introduction of the "Mid-day meals" in Tamil Nadu, which encouraged underprivileged children to attend schools. Through this scheme Tamil Nadu was able to achieve rapid literacy rates. The response was so successful that in 1995 the then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh had this scheme introduced all over the country. Efforts taken by him and the subsequent Tamil Nadu governments ensured the development of Primary and Secondary education in the State. Today the state has amongst the best education institutes in the country.

View on Sri Lanka

After the 1983 riots in Colombo, when thousands of Tamils were murdered, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi acted on the belief that an armed struggle by Sri Lankan Tamils - perceptibly backed by India - would bring the Sri Lankan Government to the negotiating table. The trained cadres of all the groups, including the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, set up 30 camps in Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister M.G.R never raised objections.

M.G.R was known particularly to patronise the LTTE over the other groups. LTTE leader V. Prabakaran had easy access to M.G.R, who often donated large amounts of money to the LTTE.

Death

MGR passed away on 24 December, 1987. He was posthumously awarded the "Bharat Ratna" by the President of India.

Popular Movies of MGR

Alibabavum 40 Thirudarkalum
Anbe Vaa
Ayirathil Oruvan
Enga Veetu Pillai
Madurai Veeran
Naadodi Mannan
Padagoti
Rickshawkaran
Thirudathey
Uzhagam Suttrum Valiban

External links

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[Image:MG-Ramachandran.jpg|right|thumb|Dr MG Ramachandaran]]
-'''Marudur Gopala Ramachandran''' ([[January 17]], [[1917]] - [[December 24]], [[1987]]), popularly known as '''MGR'',  was a long time [[Tamil]] film actor and [[Chief Minister]] of the [[India]]n state of [[Tamil Nadu]] from [[1977]] until his death.
+'''Marudur Gopala Ramachandran''' ([[January 17]], [[1917]] - [[December 24]], [[1987]]), popularly known as '''MGR''', was a long time [[Tamil]] film actor and [[Chief Minister]] of the [[India]]n state of [[Tamil Nadu]] from [[1977]] until his death.
 == Early life ==