Senior Congress leader and prominent Tamil literary figure, Kumari Ananthan, passed away at 93 on Wednesday at a private hospital in Chennai after a prolonged illness related to old age.
Kumari Ananthan was the father of Tamilisai Soundararajan, the former Governor of Telangana and senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Kumari Ananthan made significant contributions to Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, having been elected to the Tamil Nadu Assembly five times. His political career also saw him serve as a Member of Parliament from the Nagarkoil constituency in 1977, representing the Congress party. Ananthan was highly regarded for his skills as an orator in Tamil, and he was known for his deep connection to Tamil culture and literature.
Final homage & tribute
Ananthan’s body will be kept at his daughter’s residence in Saligramam, Chennai, where people can pay their respects.
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In an emotional tribute, Tamilisai Soundararajan took to social media to express her grief over her father’s passing. Sharing her feelings, she wrote: “I do not speak Tamil because I learned it… I speak Tamil because Tamil gave birth to me. It was my father, Mr. Kumari Ananthan, who made me speak Tamil with pride. Today, he has joined my mother, blending into eternity.”— DrTamilisai4BJP (@DrTamilisai4BJP) “With all his efforts… As a flawless politician… With an unwavering devotion to Tamil… With the name Tamilisai… My father’s… Kanir voice, who used to call me music, music…Today, seeing all those he raised… living a balanced life… Proudly… Congratulating… and leaving us… His name will remain forever . .. . In Tamil Nadu politics.. I must say that the first person to speak in Tamil in Parliament has merged with Tamil today…. Go with joy, father… Whatever you thought you wanted to do for the people… keeping that in mind… in your name… we will do it… with determination,” she added.