On 15th July 2020, the 117th birth anniversary of the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu “King Maker” K.Kamaraj was observed as Tamil Nadu’s Educational Development Day to remember his contribution to enhance the school education facilities of Tamil Nadu.
Background:
In 2006 the Government of Tamil Nadu passed a development and celebration bill declaring July 15th, the birth day of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar as the “Educational Development Day”.
About K Kamaraj:
i.He was born on 15th July 1903 in Virudhunagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
ii.At the age of 16 and became the President of the Congress Party for two terms from 1964 to 1967.
iii.He was well known for the “Kamaraj plan” for reforming Congress organisation in the 1960’s.
iv.He became the 3rd Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and served 3 consecutive terms from 1954 to 1963.
v.He passed away at the age of 72 on Gandhi Jayanti day (2 October 1975) due to a heart attack.
Awards:
i.Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of India, was awarded to him (posthumously) in 1976.
Reforms and schemes:
i.He introduced the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in the government schools of Tamil Nadu to provide one meal to poor students.
ii.He introduced the free school uniform to remove the cast and creed difference in schools.
iii.He made major industrial reforms in the state like bringing in Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited(BHEL) in Trichy, Hindustan Photo Films in Udhagamandalam(Ooty).
Events:
i.Events and functions were organised in Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha Memorial and various organisations in BHEL and free stationeries and study aids were given to the school students.
ii.Madurai Kamaraj University conducted a video conference to pay tribute.
About Tamil Nadu:
Chief Minister– Edappadi K. Palaniswami
Governor– Banwarilal Purohit
Capital– Chennai
