KUMARASWAMI KAMARAJ

July 15 marks the 120th birth anniversary of Kumaraswami Kamaraj, freedom fighter and politician, known as much for his simplicity and personal integrity as for his astute political mind.

As the president of the Indian National Congress, Kamaraj steered the party during testing times post the death of Jawaharlal Nehru. While he never became prime minister himself, he was instrumental in the appointments of both Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi.

• Kumaraswami Kamaraj was a freedom fighter, politician, and two-time chief minister of Madras State (present-day Tamil Nadu).
• He is best known for his role in saving the Congress Party after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru and for his investments in education. July 15 marks the 120th birth anniversary of Kamaraj.

3. Key points

• Kamaraj was a self-made leader who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in Indian politics.
• He was a strong advocate for education and made significant investments in the education sector in Tamil Nadu.
• He is best known for his role in saving the Congress Party after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru.
• He is remembered as a wise and compassionate leader who made significant contributions to the development of India.
• Today, his birthday is celebrated as ‘Education Development Day’ in schools across Tamil Nadu. 

4. Early life

• Kamaraj was born into a poor Nadar family in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu.
• He dropped out of school at the age of 11 to work in his uncle's grocery shop.
• However, he remained active in politics and was imprisoned six times by the British for his participation in the freedom struggle.

5. As a Chief Minister of Madras

• After independence, Kamaraj rose through the ranks of the Congress Party and became chief minister of Madras State in 1954.
• He served as chief minister for nine years, during which time he made significant investments in education.
• He opened thousands of new schools and introduced free and compulsory education up to Class 11 and he also launched the mid-day meal scheme.

6. Kamaraj Plan

• In 1963, Kamaraj came up with the "Kamaraj Plan," which called for government leaders to quit their ministerial offices and take up organizational work.
• The plan was intended to re-energize the Congress Party and strengthen the government.
• Kamaraj's plan was successful, and he is credited with helping to save the Congress Party after the death of Nehru.
• He also played a key role in the selection of Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi as prime ministers.

7. Conclusion

• Kamaraj passed away in 1975 at the age of 72. He was a true leader who made a lasting impact on India and a man of simplicity, integrity, and vision.
• He dedicated his life to improving the lives of the people, and he left a legacy that continues to inspire people all over the world.