Quick Info
| Profession | Politician, Writer |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Date of Birth | 03/06/1924 |
| Age | 94 years (died on 07, Aug, 2018) |
| Birthplace | Thirukuvalai, Tanjore District, Madras Presidency, British India |
| Date of Death | 07/08/2018 |
Latest News about M. Karunanidhi
27/01/2026
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin condoled the death of Tamil scholar D. Gnanasundaram, recalling Gnanasundaram's association with former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Stalin also mentioned having awarded Gnanasundaram the Tamil Nadu government's Ilakkiya Mamani award for 2024, stating that his death was a huge loss to Tamil literature.
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Bio/Wiki
| M. Karunanidhi was a towering figure in Tamil politics and literature, serving as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for five terms. | |
| He was the founder and long-time president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). | |
| Known by the honorifics 'Kalaignar' (Artist) and 'Mutthamizh Arignar' (Tamil Scholar), he was a prolific writer of novels, plays, and screenplays. | |
| He was a staunch atheist and rationalist, advocating for social justice and the empowerment of the Dravidian community. |
Physical Stats & More
| Height: Approximately 168 cm (5 ft 6 in) | |
| Eye Color: Black | |
| Hair Color: Black (later turned white) |
Educational Qualification(s)
| Completed primary education in Thirukuvalai. | |
| Self-educated in Tamil literature and political philosophy. | |
| Received honorary doctorates from multiple universities for his contributions to Tamil language and politics. |
Personal Life
| Born into a farming family in Thirukuvalai. | |
| Moved to Chennai in his youth to pursue writing and political activism. | |
| Known for his simple lifestyle despite his high political status. | |
| Passionate about Tamil cinema, having written scripts and dialogues for numerous films. |
Relationships & More
| Close associate of C.N. Annadurai, the founder of DMK. | |
| Maintained a complex relationship with the Indian National Congress and other political parties over decades. | |
| Respected by Tamil scholars and writers across the state. |
Family
| Father | S. Muthukrishna Nadar |
|---|---|
| Mother | S. Padmavathi |
| Siblings | M. K. Tamilarasu (younger brother, also a politician) |
| Spouse | Padmavathi (1944-1947), Dayalu Ammal (1948 onwards), Rajathi Ammal |
| Children | M. K. Muthu, Kanimozhi, M. K. Stalin, M. K. Alagiri, M. K. Tamilarasu, Selvi |
Career
| Organizations | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) |
|---|---|
| Political Career Start | 1957 |
| Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu | Five times (first in 1969, last in 2006) |
| President of DMK | Ten times |
| Notable Works |
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| Awards |
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Favourites
| Tamil Literature | |
| Cinema | |
| Social Justice | |
| Rationalism | |
| Atheism |
Style Quotient
| Known for his simple attire, often wearing a white shirt and dhoti. | |
| Preferred speaking in Tamil, emphasizing the importance of the language. | |
| Maintained a dignified and authoritative presence in public life. |
Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. Established the 'Tamil Nadu Tamil Manavar Mandram,' a student organization. | |
| 2. Launched 'Murasoli,' the official newspaper of the DMK party. | |
| 3. Endured an attack by Congress workers in Pondicherry. | |
| 4. Received ministerial positions in the NDA government as a token of appreciation. | |
| 5. He was known by the honorific 'Kalaignar' (Artist) and 'Mutthamizh Arignar' (Tamil Scholar). | |
| 6. He never lost an election to the Tamil Nadu Assembly, winning 13 times since 1957. | |
| 7. He was an atheist and a self-described rationalist. | |
| 8. Wrote over 100 novels and plays during his lifetime. | |
| 9. Was a close friend of the legendary actor M.G. Ramachan (MGR) before their political rivalry. |