Name Dr.Kalaignar Karunanidhi
Nick names Kalaignar
Pen names Mu.ka., Muukaji, Muuna Kaana, Maravan, Cheran, Karikalan
Date of Birth June 3, 1924
Birth Place Thirukkuvalai near Tiruvarur
Profession Politician, Orator, Administrator, Play-Wright, Editor, Publisher, Author
Parents Father:  Muthuvelar
Mother:  Anjugam
Sisters
  • Periyanayagam
  • Shanmugasundaram
Wives
  • Padmavathy Ammayyar (Sister of famous playback singer C.S. Jayaraman)
  • Dayalu Ammaiyar
  • Darmambal(Rajathi)
Children Sons: Mu. ka Muthu, Mu.Ka.Azhagiri, Mu.Ka.Stalin, Mu.Ka. Tamilarasu
Daughters: Tamilselvi, Kanimozhi
Famous members of his family Nephew:  Late Murasoli Maran
Grand Nephews:  Dayanidhi maran, Kalanidhi Maran
First inspiration The great orator Alagiriswami, a pillar of the then Justice Party, who came to Thiruvarur to address a meeting in 1932. He was only 14 years at that time.
Interest in ‘dravida philosophy’ In 5th form when he read a book called ‘ Panagal arasar’
Teen years
  • Was drawn into politics
  • Gathered all the students of the locality, and formed them into a reformist association of youth. The Sangam as it was termed, provided a forum for the boys to train themselves in the arts of speaking and writing.
  • Participated in the Hindi opposition movement when he was only 14 years old.
  • Circulated a hand written magazine called ‘Manavar Nesan’ which ran to 8 pages and was circulated to 50 members. Only the cost of the paper was collected.
  • Started ‘Tamil Nadu Thamizh Maanavar mandram’.
Murasoli It was under the auspices of the “Tamil Nadu Thamizh Maanavar mandram’. that the now popular newspaper ‘Murasoli’ was born.
First Book:  “Kizhavan kanavu”
Speech:  “Natpu” spoken for his school competition.
Pen name:  “Cheran”
Editor:  Magazine “Murasoli”
Play:  “Santha allathu Palaniappan”
Stage appearance:  the role of Sivaguru in the play titled Shanti, under the banner Dravida Nataka Manram in Pondicherry.
Screen play:  for the film ‘ Rajakumari’
Maiden speech in the assembly:  May 4 1957
Meetings Arignar Anna:  Anna wanted to meet him after reading his article in “Dravida Nadu”. The first meeting impressed Annadurai very much.
Periyar:  During a political meeting in Pondicherry.
MGR:  During the filming of the film Rajakumari.
Turning points in his life and career The film ‘Parasakthi” and in the political protest to change the name of Dalmiapuram to Kallakudi.
Period in Jail He used to read and write extensively during his prison time
About languages “Hindi is like ‘carrier food’ from the hotel; English is the food made by cook according to one’s instructions; and Tamil, food from the mother who knows the family’s needs and preferences, and feeds them accordingly”
Gift Arignar Anna presented him a gold ring for his political prophecy.
Never lost An election in his long political career spanning over 60 years.
Resigned His post of Member of Legislative Assembly during 1983 for the sake of Sri Lankan Tamils.
Autobiography “Nenjukku Needhi”
Foreign Travels European Countries, Britain, France, West Germany, Rome, U.S.A., Malaysia and Singapore.
“Nenjukku Needhi,” His autobiography
Movie production Owns Poompuhar Productions, Mekala pictures
Favourite Sports Cricket and Badminton
Hobbies Reading , Writing and literary discussions
Address 8, IV street, Gopalapuram, Chennai- 600 086
Quotes “Art without an ideal is like a house without roofing”