Here stands the Si. Balasubramania Athithan Adithanar Statue a tribute to a multifaceted personality. Adithanar was not just one thing. He was a lawyer, a politician, a minister and a media mogul. This statue commemorates his significant contributions to Tamil Nadu.
Si. Balasubramania Athithan Adithanar or Si. Ba. Adithanar as he was popularly known, lived from September 27, 1905, to May 24, 1981. He was a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu’s history.
Adithanar’s most enduring legacy is the founding of the Tamil daily newspaper Dina Thanthi. He established it in 1942. This newspaper revolutionized Tamil journalism by making news accessible to a wider audience.
Before entering the world of media, Adithanar studied law in London. He became a barrister in 1933. He practiced law in Singapore and later in his hometown.
Adithanar’s political career was equally impressive. He served as a member of the Madras Legislative Council and the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly for multiple terms. He was also the Speaker of the Assembly. He served as Minister for Cooperation in M. Karunanidhi’s cabinet.
Beyond his professional achievements, Adithanar was a champion of Tamil identity. He founded the “We Tamils” party. This party advocated for a sovereign Tamil state.
The Dina Thanthi newspaper played a crucial role in promoting literacy. It used simplified language. It helped many people learn to read Tamil.
Adithanar’s impact extended to literature. In his memory, his son created two Tamil literary awards. These awards are given annually to Tamil scholars.
Consider the reach of Dina Thanthi. Adithanar expanded its operations. He opened editions in various cities. This brought news to people in southern Tamil Nadu on the same day.
Adithanar was born in Kayamozhi. He completed his schooling in Srivaikuntam. He obtained a M.A. degree. He then went to Middle Temple, London to study law.
Adithanar returned to India in 1942. He established the Tamil weekly magazine Tamizhan. He then founded the daily newspaper, Thanthi, in November 1942.
Adithanar’s “We Tamils” party aimed to create a homogeneous Greater Tamil Nadu. It included Tamil-speaking areas of India and Sri Lanka.
Adithanar was arrested for organizing protests. These protests involved burning maps of India. The protests called for a sovereign Tamil Nadu.
Adithanar served as Minister for Cooperation. He was in the M. Karunanidhi cabinet from 1969. He continued in this role after being re-elected in 1971.
After his death, Adithanar’s home in Srivaikuntam was converted into a memorial. A road in Chennai was named “Adithanar Salai” in his memory.
So here we stand. We are at the Si. Balasubramania Athithan Adithanar Statue. We remember a man who was a lawyer, politician, minister, and newspaper founder. He left an indelible mark on Tamil Nadu. His contributions continue to be recognized and celebrated.