Tamil Nadu Nationalises Works of Late CM M Karunanidhi

The Tamil Nadu government has nationalised all works of the late Chief Minister M Karunanidhi without royalties. This initiative is part of his birth centenary celebrations. Karunanidhi's extensive literary contributions, including screenplays, novels, dramas, and speeches, will now be accessible to Tamils worldwide.

The Tamil Nadu government has decreed the nationalisation of all literary works by the late Chief Minister and Dravidian icon M Karunanidhi, announced without royalties on Thursday.

This move coincides with the ongoing birth centenary celebrations of Karunanidhi, who made a lasting impact across politics, literature, film, and other fields.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently released a Rs 100 commemorative coin for the centenary celebrations. 'Chief Minister M K Stalin has directed the nationalisation of all works of Muthamizh Aringar Kalaignar, who dedicated his life to social justice and earned people's admiration through his writings and speeches,' stated an official release.

The announcement highlighted that so far, writings of 179 Tamil scholars have been nationalised with Rs 14.42 crore in royalties distributed to their heirs. Karunanidhi's works, spanning screenplays for 75 films, 15 novels, 20 dramas, 15 short stories, 210 poems, and many articles, have been compiled into 12 volumes of Assembly speeches.

During his lifetime, Karunanidhi ensured the nationalisation of 108 Tamil scholars' works, securing Rs 7.76 crore in royalties for their heirs. The government hopes this move will allow Tamils globally to access and appreciate Karunanidhi's vast literary legacy.

(With inputs from agencies.)