Stalin inaugurates Kalaignar Centenary Library at Madurai

CHENNAI: The much-awaited Kalaignar Centenary Library, established along New Natham Road in the city here, was inaugurated by Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday evening. The Chief Minister also unveiled a statue of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on the library premises.

Spread over two lakh sqft, the six-storeyed centenary library will be a new landmark for Madurai. At the entrance, the library portrays the image of Karunanidhi, welcoming the visitors.

Inaugurating the state-of-the-art library, which features 3.5 lakh books, the CM said education and health are two eyes of his Dravidian model rule. Madurai, which has a long cherished reputation as it nurtures Sangam literature, which refers to the ancient Tamil language, emerges to be State’s ‘Kalai Nagaram’. Where else in Tamil Nadu other than Madurai, which embraces art, culture, traditions and significant history, could the Kalaignar library be established, Stalin asked.

Lauding the efforts of those involved in building the library with meticulous workmanship, he said it showed their sense of dedication, commitment and a true love for literature scripted by Karunanidhi.

Embracing the legacy of his father Karunanidhi, he said scores of books penned by Muthamizh Arignar Dr Kalaignar Karunanidhi and lakhs of books stacked in this library would help impart knowledge and wisdom. “The Dravidian Movement (Dravida Iyakkam) signifies the intellectual ideal of knowledge. ‘Anna Arivalayam’, the DMK head office in Chennai, is ‘Arivu Iyakkam’. It’s not confined to a political movement, but a source of wisdom and knowledge,” the CM said.

“During his lifetime, former CM Karunanidhi established ‘Anna Centenary Library’ in Chennai in recognition of his contributions to celebrate Anna’s centenary. Now, during Karunanidhi’s centenary year, I have got an opportunity to inaugurate this Kalaignar Centenary library, Stalin said.

The event was graced by Shiv Nadar, founder of HCL Group, as chief guest. Duraimurugan and EV Velu were among the ministers to attend apart from top district officials.