The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) paid tribute to their late leader, Vijayakant, on his 72nd birth anniversary with a series of events in Chennai. The party’s general secretary, Premalatha Vijayakant, unveiled a statue of her late husband at the party office, christened as ‘Captain Alayam’ in his honor. This event marked the first birth anniversary since Vijayakant’s demise in December 2023.
Premalatha also launched a YouTube channel named ‘Captain Alayam’ and unveiled its logo. The ceremony included hoisting the party flag and paying floral tributes to Vijayakant’s portrait and the newly installed statue. Addressing the media, Premalatha highlighted her husband’s lifelong commitment to aiding the less fortunate, stating that the party was organizing free meals for 25 lakh people across Tamil Nadu on his birth anniversary, declaring it ‘poverty alleviation day.’
The celebrations witnessed a large gathering of DMDK cadres and Vijayakant’s fans from across the state. The event also included various welfare measures like donations to schools, a contribution of 1 lakh rupees to the New Delhi Tamil Sangam, and the distribution of two-wheelers to tribal communities.
However, a health scare involving Vijayakant’s younger son, Shanmugapandian, who fainted due to suffocation caused by overcrowding at the event, cast a shadow over the celebrations. He was immediately rushed to the hospital and later recovered, according to party officials.
The event underscores the enduring legacy of Vijayakant, a prominent actor turned politician, and the commitment of the DMDK to carry forward his ideals. The party’s initiatives on his birth anniversary aimed to honor his memory while also addressing issues of social welfare and poverty alleviation.
