About K. Kamaraj
Born on the 15th of July in the year 1903, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Kumarasami Kamaraj, commonly known as K. Kamaraj was a prominent figure in the history of politics in India, who played a vital role during India’s nationalistic movements to fight against the British for independence. He was given the title of “Kingmaker” during his political spree, and he went on to serve as the chief minister of the state of Tamil Nadu for a period of nine years, from 1954 until 1963.
He also served as the president of the Indian National Congress Party and played a key role in handling the administration after the death of the first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. He also played a significant catalyst in bringing forward the next two prime ministers of the nation, i.e. Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Nehru’s daughter Indira Gandhi.
He is notably and fondly remembered for his immense contribution towards the field of education, and also for bringing light towards the rural people, and considering their plight. During his tenure as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, he was the one who brought into action schemes for free education for the rural sector, and also the concept of the mid-day meal, which actually referred to free meals during day time to school children.
The Madurai Kamaraj University was named after him, to pay tribute to his endless offerings in the educational sector as well as the development of the poor. The domestic airport at Chennai is also dedicated to his memories and is known as the Kamaraj Terminal.
He was against people who generated or contributed to war funds and abided by the belief that if one could not do justice to any responsibility no matter how puny or big, s/he should not take up that post, under any circumstance.
The government of India honoured him with the Bharat Ratna Award in the year 1976, which was added to his credit posthumously after he passed away on the 2nd of October in the year 1975, at the age of 72.