CM Stalin Commemorates Thevar’s Legacy on 118th Birth Anniversary

MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, will participate in the commemoration of the 118th birth anniversary of freedom fighter and national leader Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar on October 30, 2023. The event, also known as Guru Puja, will take place at Thevar’s memorial site in Pasumpon, located in the Ramanathapuram district. According to a government release, Stalin will be accompanied by several ministers during the tribute.

As part of the observance, additional tributes will be paid in Chennai by garlanding statues of Thevar. This annual event draws significant attention, attracting thousands of devotees and political leaders from across Tamil Nadu.

Honoring a Legacy

The Tamil Nadu government has a long history of honoring Thevar’s contributions to both the nation and Tamil society. In 2007, during the tenure of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, the government celebrated Thevar’s centenary. This celebration included the renovation of his ancestral home in Pasumpon and the establishment of various public facilities. These include a memorial hall, museum, library, auditorium, and gallery, all dedicated to preserving his legacy.

In a testament to Thevar’s enduring impact, the government has also named three colleges after him: one in Nallur in Thanjavur district, another in Kamuthi in Ramanathapuram, and a third in Usilampatti in Madurai.

Recent Developments

Further honoring Thevar’s contributions, Stalin inaugurated the Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar Memorial Auditorium on October 28, 2024. This facility was constructed by the Tamil Nadu government at the Pasumpon memorial site, adding another layer to the ongoing celebration of Thevar’s life and work.

The dual significance of October 30—marking both Thevar’s birth and death anniversaries—continues to resonate deeply within the community. The annual Guru Puja serves as a reminder of Thevar’s influence and the respect he commands among the people of Tamil Nadu.