Si Pa Aditanar revolutionised journalism, says Palaniswami

“Si Pa Aditanar brought about revolutions in Tamil media,” recalled Chief Minister Palaniswami, paying respect in a social media post. Echoing him, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam said the founder of Daily Thanthi inspired even the poor and those from the remote corners of the State to read newspapers.

“Si Pa Aditanar was a multi-faceted personality. He was the pioneer of journalism, a Tamil enthusiast, politician and a lawyer,” he said.

Aditanar’s birth anniversary is observed as a State government function every year. On Sunday, Ministers D Jayakumar, K Pandiarajan and P Benjamin paid floral tribute to Aditanar’s statue at Egmore and garlanded his photo.

Speaking to the media, Jayakumar said Aditanar took Tamil to the nook and corner of the State. Recalling his early years when he was an ardent reader of ‘Sindhubad’ and ‘Kanni Theevu’, he said reading the paper every day helped him converse fluently in Tamil.

MDMK general secretary Vaiko pointed out that it was Aditanar who started the practice of reciting ‘Thirukkural’ at the start of Assembly session. Aditanar had special love for Tamil language and Tamil Eelam, he added.

PMK founder-leader S Ramadoss said Aditanar’s achievements in the field of journalism would continue to stand as lesson for the generations to come.

Aditanar’s birth anniversary was observed at his native, Kayamozhi village near Tiruchendur, and other parts of Thoothukudi district on Sunday. Information and Publicity Minister Kadambur C Raju attended the programme organised by the State government in this connection at Kovilpatti, and garlanded Aditanar’s portrait.