CHENNAI: Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Wednesday besides inaugurating the Anna Centenary Library at Kotturpuram here, also became its first member.
Karunanidhi in his inaugural address said the library was named after Annadurai not only as the fulfillment of a promise made in the last year’s budget, but also based on the tradition of the Dravidian movement to name learning centres after legends like Anna, Periyar and Bharathidasan.
Recalling a lecture by Anna on All India Radio in 1948 on the need for a library in every house, he said several learning facilities were run in Tiruvarur by the Dravidian movement during the same period to disseminate ideals among the people.
“If we are successful in setting up a library in the name of Anna today, it is because of the passion that was ignited during those days,” he said.
Reminiscing the great passion Anna had for books, the Chief Minster touchingly said the late leader read books even when he was on death bed.
“Even if you knock on his door at midnight, he will be seen with a book on his bed. We have recreated that spirit by placing a statue of Anna reading a book,” the Chief Minister said.
Lauding School Education Minister Thangam Thennarasu for his effort and work in building the facility, he said the minister paralleled his father in executing tasks quickly.
Finance Minister K Anbazhagan said the library project was completed at a cost of Rs 180 crore and would employ 200 people.
Before launching the facility, the Chief Minister unveiled a hand carved bronze statue of the icon of the Dravidian movement Arignar Anna at the entrance of the Kotturpuram library.