Marudur Gopalamenon Ramachandran (January 17, 1917-December 24, 1987), popularly known as MGR, was a long time Tamil film actor and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1977 until his death.
He was born at Kandy, Sri Lanka, to Marudhar Gopalan and Satyabhama.
After his father’s death, MGR settled with his family at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. He could not pursue his studies beyond the primary stage and joined a drama troupe. Later he became a great actor, director and producer.
Making his film debut in 1936, he rose to stardom by playing characters that potrayed him as the saviour of the poor. For the next 30 years he remained one of the biggest celebrities in Tamil cinema. He was honoured with the national Award for the Best Actor for his acting in 1972.
He was a vocal Tamil and Dravidian nationalist and prominent member of the DMK. In 1953, MGR joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. 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, Anna Durai, in 1972 he had a falling out with the DMK leader-ship, and he went on to form the AIADMK. He became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 1977, a post he kept even after he suffered a paralytic stroke in 1984.
He enjoyed unend-ing support during his time as Chief Minister. He placed great emphasis on social development, especially education. He founded the Tamil University, The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University and the Women’s University in Tamil Nadu. One of MGR’s most successful policies was the re-introduction of the ‘Mid-day meals’ in Tamil Nadu, which encouraged underprivileged children to attend schools. Through this scheme Tamil Nadu was able to achieve rapid literacy rates. The response was so successful that in 1995 this scheme introduced all over the country.
MGR passed away on 24 December, 1987 in office. He was the first film actor to be a Chief Minister of any Indian state. He was posthumously awarded the ‘Bharat Ratna’ by the President of India in 1988.
