Celebrating Tamil Nadu Day: A Historical Tribute

Vijay, actor and TVK chief, calls for celebrating November 1 as Tamil Nadu Day, honoring the historical sacrifices for linguistic state establishment and integration of Tamil-speaking areas.

Vijay, the actor and head of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has called for the celebration of November 1 as Tamil Nadu Day. The announcement was made in a social media post where Vijay highlighted the significance of the date as a remembrance day for those who fought for Tamil-speaking regions' integration into the state.

According to Vijay, November 1 is historically important because it marks the creation of linguistic provinces in 1956, transforming Madras Province into a distinct geographical entity. He drew attention to the pivotal role of Martyr Shankaralingan, whose sacrifice was central to the movement demanding the renaming of the province to Tamil Nadu. Influenced by this spirit, CN Annadurai, the then Chief Minister, passed a resolution formalizing the name change, which resonates as a foundational moment for the state.

The origin of Tamil Nadu as a separate state is rooted in its formation on November 1, 1956, as Madras State under a linguistic reorganization. The persistent efforts of Sankaralinganar, a Tamil Independence activist who suffered imprisonment for his cause, were underscored as he ultimately fasted to death for the state's renaming. The official renaming, legislated under CN Annadurai in 1967, stands as a symbolic victory for regional pride and identity.

(With inputs from agencies.)