T.N. CM Stalin presents royalties to families of five Tamil scholars whose works have been nationalised
The literary works of five Tamil scholars — late 'Kavikko' S. Abdul Rahman, late Merwin, and late A. Palani, and poets Ku. Ma. Kothandam and Ilama Tamilnavan — were nationalised on Monday (May 5, 2025). Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin handed over the royalties at the valedictory function of the 'Tamil Week', which was observed to celebrate the birth anniversary of late Tamil poet 'Pavendhar' Bharathidasan.
While the family members of Abdul Rahman, Merwin, and Palani received the royalties from the Chief Minister, poets Ku. Ma. Kothandam and Ilama Tamilnavan received theirs in person, during the event at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai. Mr. Stalin handed over cheques of ₹10 lakh each.
Mr. Stalin also handed over prizes to winners of various competitions held for students.
Ministers Duraimurugan, M.P. Saminathan, R.S. Rajakannappan, Ma. Subramanian, and P.K. Sekarbabu; Chennai Mayor R. Priya; legislators M.K. Mohan, I. Paranthamen, Thayagam Kavi, Dha. Velu, and Joseph Samuel; IUML leader K.M. Khader Mohideen; Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, and senior officials were among those present.
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Earlier in February, there was tension at a temple (one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan) in Thiruparankundram near Madurai after members of the right wing outfit, Hindu Munnani, held a protest against a demand by a few Muslim organisations to rename the hillock, which is also home to a dargah as Sikander malai (hillock). At the time, the residents here belonging to the Hindu and Muslim communities had said that they have coexisted peacefully for generations. But Shah said that the DMK had insulted Hindu worshippers here. Shah urged people to participate in large numbers on June 22 for BJP's conference on Lord Murugan in Madurai. Earlier in the day, Shah met district and mandal-level office bearers, chaired the meeting of the state core committee of the Tamil Nadu BJP. He also offered prayers at the Madurai Meenakshi temple. 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