Chennai, May 11: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tonight said the UPA government, with the support of all its constituents, could be able to bring about a pragmatic and just solution to various difficult problems like river water sharing, OBC reservation and reservation for women in Parliament and state legislature.

Replying to the demands raised by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at a rally to celebrate his completing 50 years as state legislator, he said "You have raised many demands. I am confident that with the co-operation of members of UPA, we will be able to bring about a pragmatic and just solution to these problems." He said Karunanidhi's services to the state and to the entire nation were "remarkable" and difficult to rival.

"He has been one of the pillars of our polity and a great patriot and nation-builder," the Prime Minister said,

The Prime Minister said the country was celebrating two different anniversaries today, in an obvious reference to the 150th anniversary of the First War of Independence. Though Karunanidhi had 50 years of experience, it was almost 70 years since he entered public life,he said.

"Karunanidhi's name will forever be written in gold in the history of Tamil Nadu and the history of our nation," the Prime Minister said, paying rich tributes to the octogenarian leader.

Tamil Nadu stood as one of the most developed and progressive states in independent India and foundation for the development was laid by great leaders like C Rajagopalachari, K Kamaraj, Annadurai and Karunanidhi, Dr Singh said adding history would record that Karunanidhi was a shining star in the great galaxy of statesmen.

Karunanidhi gave leadership to the industrial development of Tamil Nadu, which was called the Detriot of India. "You have a vibrant automobile industry, vibrant textile and leather Industry and a vibrant IT industry. Tamil Nadu is at the forefront of India's knowledge economy," he said.

The Prime Minister said Karunanidhi had played an extremely important role, a pioneering role along with DMK founder C N Annadurai and Kamaraj in the social and educational development of the Tamils and contributed to the empowerment of women and to the welfare of farmers. Karunanidhi had been living simultaneously in the world of art, literature and politics, and was a great poet and great writer,Dr Singh said adding his modern rendering of the ancient Sangam literature had brought this great literature into each household.

"Karunanidhi, I greet you for your patriotism, for your commitment to the welfare of the poor, your commitment to the empowerment of women, your commitment to the revival and development of Tamil, for your compassion and your humanism and for your commitment to the unity, integrity and progress of our nation," he said.

Tamils had contributed immensely to the cultural, intellectual, social, political and economic development of India and had excelled themselves in many fields and some of the country's scientists, doctors, mathematicians and bankers and businessmen had come from the state. "This is the home of so many accomplished people who have contributed to making us a great nation," he said.

"Tamil Nadu needs you, India needs you, We all need you to guide us as we march forward," Dr Singh told Karunanidhi.

Our Correspondent
Published: Friday, May 11, 2007

Source: Chennai Online
Date: 11 May 2007