name	Vijay Anand
office	State steering committee member, Makkal Sakthi / Lok Satta TN
office2	Co-founder and President, 5th Pillar
birth date	March 07, 1969
birth place	Coimbatore }}

Vijay Anand (: ; 1969 - ), is a noted Indian politician and social reformer. He is the state steering committee member of Makkal Sakthi and is contesting in 2011 elections in Tamilnadu from Coimbatore-South. He is the co-founder and President, 5th Pillar and launched Freedom from corruption campaign in 2007, printed and distributed more than a million copies of the Zero Rupee Note(ZRN), a powerful but non-viloent weapon of non-cooperation against corruption.

Early life

Vijay Anand was born on Mar 7th, 1969 in Coimbatore in Tamilnadu. He joined Government College of Technology (GCT), Coimbatore, India for his Bachelor of Engineering. Later, Started an IT consulting firm(Ripple Korp) in United States.

5th Pillar

Vijay Anand co-founded 5th Pillar, an organization to Encourage, Enable and Empower Every Citizen of India to Eliminate Corruption at All Levels of Society.

Panelist and Speaker at the 14th IACC- International Anti Corruption Conference held at Bangkok, Thailand(09 -13 Nov „10) hosted by Transparency International in collaboration with UNDP. Spoke on

1. ''Legal Redress for Victims of Corruption: Enhancing the role of civil society in corruption related litigation'' and
2. ''People Count: -Citizen Empowerment, Grass-Roots Action, Corruption Disruption''

Delegate from India at 13th IACC held by Transparency International, the UN and allied organizations at Athens, Greece in Oct „08

Panelist and Speaker at 11th ''PopTech conference in Camden, Maine, USA'' (Oct ‘10). Addressed a network of visionary thinkers and leaders from around the world, in science, technology, entrepreneurship, and social sectors engaging them in a boundary-defying conversation about the nature of creative change.

Panelist and Speaker at ''Council of Europe's Summer University of Democracy, at Strasbourg, France'' (Jul „10). Spoke on ''Crisis of Leadership'' to 600 students of Political sciences, journalism and international affairs from 47 European countries

Featured Panelist and Speaker at the ''Brainstorming India'' Conference held at Stanford University, California, USA. (May „10)

Panelist & Speaker at the ''United Nations' Convention Against Corruption''- 3rd Conference of State Parties and Civil Society Organizations held at Doha, Qatar (Nov „09). Spoke on ''Media Relations and Good Practices in Anti-corruption Awareness raising campaigns''.

Invited Speaker at three TED conferences (www.ted.com) an international concept that strives to high light “Innovative ideas worth spreading” held at Kakinada(2010), Chennai(2010) and in Hyderabad(2009).

Launched Freedom from Corruption campaign in 2007, printed and distributed more than a million copies of the Zero Rupee Note (ZRN), a powerful but non-violent weapon of non-cooperation against corruption. The ZRNs have empowered millions of citizens to boldly Say NO to BRIBE to obtain their fundamental rights, certificates and the related work done in government offices.

Continues to travel to different parts of India addressing students, villagers and different sections of society to prepare them for the War against Corruption. He has addressed more than 1000 meetings covering colleges, schools and NGOs to sensitize students and the public on the evils of corruption. Trained all participants on usage of the Right to Information Act (RTI) 2005 & other innovative methods to tackle corruption.

President of Tamil Sangam of Greater Washington (2007–2008), a non-profit organization that aims to preserve and promote the rich heritage of the Tamil-speaking population of Washington DC, and to foster understanding, friendship, goodwill and appreciation between Tamil-speaking people and various cross-sections of the people of Washington DC. Member of the organization since 1998.

Rallied for the plight of the Indian H2B Immigrant workers who were exploited by a recruiting firm in India and trafficked in to the US with false promises of Green card and citizenship. Facilitated community support, legal assistance and political lobbying for the victims, that led to issuance of T-Visa (For Trafficking Victims) in the latter course of time.

Co-founder & Chairman of AIMS India Foundation, a non-profit organization with a mission to bring people together towards rural empowerment and sustainability for the lofty purpose of effecting a positive transformation in India and to achieve a vision of economically self-sufficient, socially harmonious & politically clean country that serves as a beacon of light to the rest of the world. Organized Tsunami camps by enlisting student volunteers from various colleges in Tamil Nadu to participate in the rehabilitation efforts.

Actively involved in Indian organizations in Washington DC -

1. Joint Secretary of India Cultural Coordination Committee(ICCC),
2. Board of Director of National Federation of Indian-American Association (NFIA)

Organized and co-hosted several national conventions, multi-city talks of prominent personalities from politics, social and government sector among the Indian community in the US, especially in New York and Washington DC including-

1. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India
2. Mr. P. Chidambaram, former Finance Minister of India
3. Mr. Elango Rangaswamy, Local body Chief & Founder-Panchayat Academy
4. Mr. M. B. Nirmal, an Ashoka fellow and founder of EXNORA,
5. Dr. M.S Udhayamoorthy, founder of MSE(People Power Movement) to garner Indian Diaspora support towards various developmental issues and motivate them towards social activism & social change among the citizens in India.

Makkal Sakthi / Lok Satta TN

Vijay Anand joined ''Makkal Sakthi'' in July 25, 2009 with clean politics and good governance and improvement of India as the main agenda. The party is aimed to enrich the political scenario in India with its true spirit and felt that it would be considered as an alternative to any other political party, since it aimed to create a true and faithful political picture in India with out involving illegitimate money, liquor and caste in elections.

Personal life

Vijay Anand is the son of Dr.M.Murugesan and Dr.Sellamal. Both Phd in Agriculture. Vijay Anand is married. His Son and Wife are living in US.

See also

Makkal Sakthi

Lok Satta Party

Lok Satta Movement

External links

MSK website

Makkal Sakthi website

Category:1969 births Category:Makkal Sakthi Category:Makkal Sakthi politicians Category:Indian activists Category:Indian politicians Category:Tamil Category:Tamilnadu Category:Indian columnists Category:Living people

name	M. G Ramachandranஎம்.ஜி.ஆர்
birth name	Maruthur Gopal Menon Ramachandran
birth date	January 17, 1917
birth place	Nawalapitiya, British Ceylon
death date	December 24, 1987
death place	Chennai, India
other names	M. G. R., Puratchi Thalaivar
years active	1936-1978 (Actor)1953-1987 (Politician)
spouse	Thangamani (''deceased'')Sathanandavathi (''deceased'')V. N. Janaki (died in 1996)
occupation	Actor, Politician, Producer
religion	Hindu
awards	}}

Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran (, ‍) (17 January 1917 – 24 December 1987), popularly known by his initials (), was an Indian film actor, director, producer and politician.

In his youth, MGR and his elder brother, M. G. Chakrapani became members of a drama troupe to support their family. Influenced by Gandhian ideals, MGR joined the Indian National Congress. After a few years of acting in plays, he made his film debut in the 1936 film ''Sathi Leelavathi'' in a supporting role. In the late 1940s he graduated to leading roles and for the next three decades dominated the Tamil film industry. He became a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and rose rapidly through its ranks. He successfully used his popularity as a film hero to build a large political base. In 1972, he left the DMK to form his own party the Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK). In 1977 he became the chief minister of Tamil Nadu - the first film actor in India to become the chief minister of a state. He remained as chief minister till his death in 1987.

In Tamil Nadu, he has a reputation for philanthropism and is considered to be one of the greatest political leaders and actors of the state. He is idolized by his followers as ''Puratchi Thalaivar'' (lit. Revolutionary leader) MGR was posthumously honoured with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

Early life and background

MGR was born in Nawalapitiya near Kandy, British Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka), to immigrant Malayali parents — Melakkath Gopala Menon and Maruthur Satyabhama. His family was originally from Vadavannur, Palakkad, Kerala, but his father had migrated with his family to Ceylon. Melakkath Gopala Menon had been excommunicated (''bhrasht'') during a Smarthavicharam in 1903, regarding an allegation that dealt with an illicit relationship with a widowed Brahmin woman; and hence he left his family, and married Maruthur Satyabhama.

MGR was a Hindu and a devotee of Murugan, as is the common practice for Hindus in Sri Lanka. This was during his early days. Later, when he joined the DMK,a pro-rationalist party,he followed the rationalist ideology, though not appearing very aggressively atheistic.However,in later days after he founded his own party following his expulsion from the DMK, he seems to have shown some leaning towards religious faith. He had asked his followers to pray for the success of his AIADMK party.

His followers even prayed for him when it was determined that he had a kidney illness. After his demise, his wife opened up a temple in his name.

After his father's death, he joined a drama troupe called Original Boys. Later, he entered the world of cinema, becoming an actor, and later a director, producer, and editor. MGR married Bargavi also known as Thangamani who died early due to illness. He later married Sathanandavathi who also died soon due to Tuberculosis. M. G. R. married V. N. Janaki a former Tamil film actress as his third wife after the death of his second wife. Janaki divorced her husband Ganapati Bhat, to marry MGR.

Acting career

He made his film debut in 1935, in the film ''Sati Leelavati'', directed by Ellis Dungan, an American born film director. Generally starring in romance or action films, MGR got his big breakthrough in the 1947 film ''Rajakumaari'', written by M. Karunanidhi. Soon he rose to superstardom in the 1954 blockbuster ''Malaikallan''. He acted as hero in the Tamil film industry's first ever colour movie, the 1955 blockbuster ''Ali Baba and the forty thieves''. He rose to become the heart throb of millions of Indians with movies such as ''Anbe Vaa'', ''Aayirathil Oruvan'', ''Mahadevi'', ''Panam Padaithavan'', ''Ulagam Sutrum Vaalibhan'', '''Adimaippenn'', etc. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for the film ''Rickshakaran''. His film ''Nadodi Mannan'', which was a tamil version of the interpretation of the Prisoner of Zenda, was produced and directed by himself and released in 1956, ran to full houses. He began to act in many movies that appealed to the direct sentiments of the common man and the rich as well. His 1973 blockbuster ''Ulagam Sutrum Vaalibhan'' broke previous box office records. It was one of the few movies filmed abroad in those days. It was shot in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Japan. The DMK unsuccessfully tried to curtail that movie. His acting career ended in 1978 with his last movie, Madurai Meettu Sundara Pandian, which he acted when he was the Chief Minister of the state.He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1988 (posthumous).

Political career

MGR was a member of the Congress Party till 1953 and he used to wear Khādī. In 1953 MGR joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) with the help of M. Karunanidhi. He became a vocal Tamil and Dravidian nationalist and prominent member of the DMK] ("Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam" aka ''Dravidian Progressive Federation''). He added glamour to the Dravidian movement which was sweeping Tamil Nadu. He became a member of the state Legislative Council in 1962. He was first elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 1967. After the death of his mentor, Annadurai, MGR became the treasurer of DMK in 1969 after Karunanidhi became the chief minister.

On the 12th of January 1967, he was shot in the neck by fellow actor M.R. Radha.Both had worked together in 25 films together.When MGR was acting in the film Kaavalkaran in 1967 opposite Jayalalitha this incident happened. Petralthaan Pillaya was the last movie of MGR-MR Radha together, shooting which ended just few days before MGR was shot at.The bullet was permanently lodged in his neck and his voice damaged. Within hours of the shooting, some 50,000-odd fans had gathered at the hospital where MGR had been taken. People cried in the streets. For six weeks, he lay in the hospital as fans awaited each report of his health. He was visited by a steady stream of commoners and luminaries of film industry, polity and bureaucracy.From his hospital bed, he conducted his campaign for Madras Legislative Assembly. He won twice the number of votes polled by his Congress rival and the largest vote polled by any candidate for the Assembly.

In 1972, DMK leader Karunanithi started to project his first son M.K.Muthu in a big way in film industry and also in politics. Understanding the tactics played by Karunanithi to corner him, MGR started to claim that corruption had grown within the party after the demise of Annadurai and in a public meeting asked for the financial details of the party to be publicised which enraged the leadership of DMK. Consequently, as expected, MGR was expelled from the party, and floated a new party named Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK), later renamed All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the only powerful opponent of the DMK.He mobilised the period between 1972-1977 to spread and preach his party ambiition with films like Netru Indru Naalai(1974), Idhayakani(1975) etc..,. He became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on the 30th of July 1977, remaining in office till his death in 1987. In 1979, members of his party Satyavani Muthu and Aravinda Bala Pajanor, became the first non-Congress politicians from Tamil Nadu to be ministers in the Union Cabinet. The AIADMK won every state assembly election as long as MGR was alive. Although Anna Durai as well as Karunanidhi had acted in stage plays in trivial roles, in their younger days, before becoming chief minister, MGR was the first popular film actor to be a Chief Minister in India.Though the Congress won by a small margin of votes with the DMK in the 1980 parliamentary elections, the AIADMK under MGR won the state elections the same year.This made the Congress to ally with the AIADMK in the 1984 elections. Once he became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, he placed great emphasis on social development, especially education. One of his most successful policies was the introduction of the "Mid-day Meal Scheme" introduced by the popular Congress Chief Minister and Kingmaker K Kamaraj to a nutritious Mid-day Meal Scheme in the Government-run and aided schools in Tamil Nadu, which encouraged underprivileged children to attend schools. This scheme was at a cost of Rs.100 crore and was imposed in 1982. A little more than 12000000 citizens of the state were benefited. He also introduced Women's Special buses. He introduced Liquor ban in the state and Preservation of old temples and historical monuments, ultimately increasing the state's tourist income. He set up a free school for the Cinema Technicians children in Kodambakkam called MGR Primary & Higher Secondary School which provided Free Mid-Day meals in the 1950s. He led the ADMK to victory in the 1984 assembly elections despite not taking part in the campaigning. At that time he was undergoing medical treatment in America and his images were broadcast in Tamil Nadu through cinema halls. This was an effective campaign tactic and ADMK won the elections, indicating the depth of his popular support. He won the election in a double landslide victory in 1984.He still holds the record of being the chief minister with the highest consistent longevity of more than a decade.

Member of Legislative Assembly

Reelected Elected Elected Elected

Year !! Elected/Reelected !! Place !! Party
Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1967	1967	Elected	St. Thomas Mount >
Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1971	1971	|	St. Thomas Mount	Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam>DMK
Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1977	1977	|	Aruppukottai (State Assembly Constituency)>Aruppukottai	All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam>ADMK
Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1980	1980	|	Madurai West (State Assembly Constituency)>Madurai West	All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam>ADMK
Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1984	1984	|	Andipatti (State Assembly Constituency)>Andipatti	All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam>ADMK

Chief Minister

From Year !! To Year !! Election
1977	1980	Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 1977
1980	1984
1984	1987

Awards

Filmfare Best Actor Award for ''Enga Veettu Pillai'' Filmfare Best Film Award for ''Adimai Penn''

National Film Award for Best Actor for the film ''Rickshakaran'' in 1972.

Honorary doctorate received from University of Madras and The World University (Arizona).

Bharat Ratna was conferred by the Government of India (posthumously) in 1988 for his reformation activities and support from Tamil Nadu.

Philanthropy

He personally offered relief in disasters and calamities like fire, flood, drought, and cyclones. He was the first donor during the war with China in 1962, donating Rs. 75,000 to the war fund. He was the founder and editor of ''Thai'' weekly magazine and ''Anna'' daily newspaper in Tamil. He was the owner of Sathya Studios and Emgeeyar Pictures (willed to charity) which produced many of the films he acted in. He gifted a golden sword weighing half a Kilogram to Mookambika temple in Kollur, Udupi district.

Death

In October 1984, MGR was diagnosed with kidney failure and rushed to the Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, United States for treatment, undergoing a kidney transplant. MGR died on December 24, 1987 after his prolonged illness. His death sparked off a frenzy of looting and rioting all over the state of Tamil Nadu. Shops, movie theatres, buses and other public and private property became the target of violence let loose all over the state. The police had to resort issuing shoot-at-sight orders. Tamilians from Bangalore rushed to Madras in trains to see the mortal remains of MGR. Govt had announced free train facility for this visit. The violence during the funeral alone left 29 people dead and 47 police personnel badly wounded. , This state of affairs continued for almost a month all over the state of Tamil Nadu. Around one million people followed his remains, around 30 followers committed suicide and people had their heads tonsured. After his death, his political party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, split between his wife Janaki Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa; they later merged in 1988. In 1989 Dr. M. G. R. Home and Higher Secondary School for the Speech and Hearing Impaired was established in the erstwhile Residence MGR Gardens, Ramavaram, in accordance with his will dated January 17, 1986. His official residence at 27, Arcot Street, T.Nagar is now MGR Memorial House and is open for public viewing. His film studio, Sathya Studios has been converted into a women's college.

Filmography

As Actor

As producer & director

''Ulagam Sutrum Valiban'' ''Madhurai Meetha Sundharapandian''

Year !! Film !! Role !! Notes
1958 in film	1958	''Nadodi Mannan''
1973 in film	1973	|		MGR's Second film as Director,
1977 in film	1977	|		MGR's Third film as Director,

Gallery

References

External links

M.G. Ramchandran: Jewel of the Masses

The Hindu - Politics and Suicides in TN

All about Dr MGR

MGR Memorial Charitable Trust

Category:1917 births Category:1987 deaths Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri Category:Recipients of the Bharat Ratna Category:Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu Category:Tamil Nadu politicians Category:National Film Award winners Category:Indian actor-politicians Category:Malayali people Category:Indian Hindus Category:All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam politicians Category:Sri Lankan people of Indian descent Category:Indian people of Sri Lankan descent

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