A reel life Idol to a real life Idol known as “Amma”
- In Politics
- 02:33 PM, Dec 07, 2016
- Gaṇesh Ramakrishnan
As Tamilnadu , a state that is one among the leading states in social and economic indicators, is sunk into a state of mourning .An Iron Lady popularly known as Amma , Puratchi Thalaivi (Revolutionary Woman Leader) Selvi . J. Jayalalitha is laid to rest at the famous Marina Beach , world’s first longest natural urban beach, Chennai.
One can certainly wonder what does the tearful farewell bid by millions thronging the Chennai streets for a Politician signify. As writing a eulogy for a very powerful famous woman politician ,it takes me through the memory lane of her mentor/idol’s funeral - ex Chief Minister of Tamilnadu, M G Ramachandran, popularly known as Puratchi Thalaivar on December 24, 1987. She was pulled down by few from the vehicle which was carrying the mortal remains of her mentor violently as well as showered with choicest abuses. She disappeared into the dark only to return with a support of warring ministers/politicos of Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK). She then rose to the level of an opposition leader to be roughed up in assembly by hooligan ministers of the ruling party. She returned to the assembly only to become the Chief Minister of the state in 1991. An avid reader, recluse and a very good danseuse with many movies with MGR in a lead role were blockbusters catapulted her to a matinee idol. After a stint, she joined politics but later to be sidelined while her party was in power.
She was very astute to acknowledge that her career she chose later is a not a bed of roses, especially in the masculine world of politics with a coterie of ministers with some dubious backgrounds. She once famously remarked “ that for women to aspire for equality to the top like men, they should have will power, strength and economically stand on their own feet”. The vivid images of ministers prostrating before her could only prove an iron lady who could just by her sheer presence could command and her opposition would dread.
Her empathy to women, children, policemen and to the poor was well known. She made TN the first state in India to mandate an installation of overhead tanks for rain water harvest system. Her ‘Amma Canteen’ and other self -branding of welfare schemes were hailed by the masses as it could connect with people. Her administration skills were impeccable. Controversies were also seen as the other side of her.Right from her jail term in disproportionate wealth cases later to be acquitted but to further reopening of the cases, Kanchi Seer’s arrest, to the marriage of her now estranged foster son, or tough measures on laxing government employees all were seen as ruthless much to the chagrin of her supporters but viewed as decisive by her party workers.
India has lost one of the tallest woman politicians who epitomized An Iron Fist with a velvet heart. Even during her last months she was fighting death for 76 days. Her famous saying to the people of Tamilnadu,“ Am for you , Am because of you”. It might take decades to get a leader of her caliber to quickly grasp the bureaucratic and polity and a one likened to Queen of Tamilnadu!
Like the sun, she bathed us in her warm glow. Now that the sun has set and the cool of the evening has come, some of the warmth we absorbed is flowing back towards her quipped Archbishop of Canterbury eulogizing the passing away of Queen Elizabeth!
Strength, Will and Determination were her hallmarks which will now find a way in the chapter of Politics in Indian History.
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