Stalin’s viral fever forces DMK to postpone Mupperum Vizha
The DMK has postponed its annual Mupperum Vizha in Chennai after party president and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin was reported to be suffering from viral fever.
DMK general secretary Duraimurugan announced the postponement of the event, which had been scheduled at Kalaignar Arangam at Anna Arivalayam on September 15. Other programmes planned for the evening were also deferred. A new date for the main function is expected to be announced later.
Stalin was not present at the Anna birth anniversary programme held in Chennai earlier that day.
The Mupperum Vizha brings together three important milestones associated with the Dravidian movement: the birth anniversaries of DMK founder CN Annadurai and social reformer Periyar EV Ramasamy, along with the founding day of the DMK.
Annadurai was born in Kancheepuram on September 15, 1909. Known for his oratory and writing, he advocated social justice and greater state autonomy. After breaking away from Periyar’s Dravidar Kazhagam, he founded the DMK in 1949. He became Tamil Nadu chief minister in 1967 and played a key role in the state’s renaming from Madras to Tamil Nadu. He died in February 1969.
Periyar was born in Erode on September 17, 1879. His Self-Respect Movement challenged caste inequality, superstition and social discrimination while advocating greater rights for women. His rationalist and social justice ideas became influential within the Dravidian movement.
The DMK was founded on September 17, 1949. The party’s annual celebration traditionally includes recognition of individuals who have contributed to the Dravidian movement. Awards named after Periyar, Anna, Kalaignar, Pavendhar, Perasiriyar and MK Stalin are also presented during the event.
Party cadres and award recipients who had arrived for the programme were informed of the postponement. The revised schedule is expected to depend on Stalin’s recovery and availability.