Kamarajar

  Here are the major achievements of K. Kamarajar (1903–1975) , popularly known as the “Kingmaker” and “Kalvi Thanthai” (Father of Education) in Tamil Nadu: 🏛 Political Achievements Chief Minister of Madras State (Tamil Nadu) – Served from 1954 to 1963. K. Kamaraj Plan (1963) – Voluntarily resigned as Chief Minister to work for strengthening the Congress Party at the national level; this inspired many leaders. Role as “Kingmaker” – Played a decisive role in choosing Lal Bahadur Shastri and later Indira Gandhi as Prime Ministers of India after Nehru’s death. 📚 Educational Reforms Free Education – Introduced free and compulsory education for children up to 14 years. Midday Meal Scheme – Started the “Midday Meal Scheme” in schools to reduce dropouts due to poverty. School Expansion – Thousands of new schools were opened in rural areas; literacy rate rose drastically. No School Without Teacher – Ensured that every village had a school and proper teachers. Sc...

  Full Name: Kumaraswami Kamaraj Known As: Kamarajar Born: 15 July 1903, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu Parents: Kumarasamy Nadar (Father), Sivakami Ammal (Mother) Education: Studied up to 7th Standard (left school at age 12) Marital Status: Unmarried Political Career Joined Indian National Congress in 1920. Took part in Non-Cooperation Movement and Quit India Movement. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (Madras State): 1954 – 1963 President of Indian National Congress: 1964 – 1967 Major Contributions Introduced Mid-Day Meal Scheme for school children. Expanded free and compulsory education in Tamil Nadu. Constructed many dams and irrigation projects. Encouraged industrial development in Tamil Nadu. Called “Kalvi Thanthai” (Father of Education) by the people. Awards Bharat Ratna (1976) – India’s Highest Civilian Award (posthumously).