A recipient of the great love of Perarignar Anna, and one who left a golden imprint on the heart of Kalaignar — Thangapandian of Aruppukkottai, fondly called “Thangam” (Gold). He was not only a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) family but also lived and passed away as an unannounced member of Kalaignar’s own family.He was the father of the current Finance Minister, Thangam Thennarasu, and Member of Parliament Tamilsai Thangapandian. Unlike many Dravidian movement leaders who began their political journey with fiery rhetoric, Thangapandian was a gentle peak of principled politics, living up to the virtue of his name. He was celebrated across the Ramanathapuram region, transcending caste and religious boundaries.Known as Kalaignar’s “Thangam,” Thangapandian was appointed to the Legislative Council by Perarignar Anna himself. He was a rare politician praised even by his political opponents — one who never indulged in controversies and never allowed space for disputes. Through the way he lived, he imparted political lessons to future generations.When Thangapandian passed away, Kalaignar mourned with the words, “Time has snatched away my Thangam.” He was not a leader to be merely honoured with a garland on his memorial day. Memorial halls and monuments should not exist solely for political arithmetic; the remembrance of such principled warriors should stand as a symbol of intelligent, graceful, and refined politics for the generations to come.Therefore, the establishment of an Intellectual Memorial Hall for Thangapandian in Chennai — either by the government or his family — would pave a positive path for the future of Tamil Nadu’s politics.— DHRAVIDA JEEVA
