Today, September 15, 2008 marks the beginning of the birth centenary of one of the greatest sons of Tamil Nadu, Conjeevaram Natarajan Annadurai or Anna as he is affectionately known. He was a statesman, a scholar, a litterateur, a social reformer, a mass leader, a friend of the poor, a writer, an actor, a playwright, a poet, a satirist, a politician and above all a good human being.

Attired in simple South Indian Veshti and a shirt, he was austere, mostly silent and quiet; but strong and dynamic as when the occasion demanded. This writer had the good fortune of interacting with him on a couple of occasions. He never cared for his look or appearance. Often, he will come out in the open with an unshaven face, carrying a broad smile.



He had contempt for ceremonials, rituals and superstitions but was more than tolerant to the other men's views. Recently poet Vali narrated an incident. Anna had given him his maiden assignment as a lyricist in a movie. Vali went on a pilgrimage to Tirupathi to pay obeisance to Lord Venkatachalapathi. Vali returned with a tonsured head. Anna, when told of his Tirupathi trip told Vali, 'You are from Srirangam. Since you went to Tirupathi, your pilgrimage will be complete only if you perform Samaradhana (mass feeding).' Vali told him that he was staying single in a room and he couldn't perform Samaradhana. Anna told him to take seven persons for Lunch to the same Hotel in Pondy Bazar where Vali used to have his daily meals.

S Balachander, the great Veena artist (as also the movie personality) celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his Veena performance in 1968. The venue was Hemamalini Kalyana Mantapam in Chennai. The then Chief Minister Annadurai was the Chief Guest. Though known for late arrivals, The C M was on the dot for the function. The writer was witnessing the function.

As soon as the Chief Minister stepped on to the dais, Balachander tied his Angavastram onto his waist as a mark of respect and prostrated before Anna. The audience was nonplussed especially because Balachander was known for his self-esteem! ('Ego" would be too harsh a word.) When Balachander took the microphone, he said, 'you may all be wondering why I prostrated before the Chief Minister. It is not because I have some axe to grind. When I went to invite him to this function in his chamber in the Secretariat, he instantly agreed to be the Chief Guest even without referring to his engagement diary. We, musicians will make the Sabha Secretary walk to our place at least thrice before we give him a date. That is why I thought I owe this to him!'

Salutations to you, dear Anna.

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