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| HIGHLIGHTING SOCIAL ISSUES: Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, releasing the books authored by Andal Priyadarshini at a function in Chennai on Saturday. CPI leader Nallakannu recieved the first copy. . Sarada Nambi Arooran, Tamil scholar, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting S. Jagathratchagan, and Andal Priyadarshini are in the picture. Photo: R. Shivaji Rao |
Stalin realised he had completed a year as Deputy CM only when reporters told him
Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said that he was not aware that he had completed one year in office as Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday till it was raised by reporters.
Participating in a function organised to release the books of Andal Priyadharshini that coincided with his completion of a year as Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Stalin said that when he had agreed to participate in the event he had no idea about it.
“Only when reporters asked about my performance in office today, I realised it. Then I obtained a shawl from someone and presented it to the Chief Minister,” he said.
Quoting a few lines from the poems of Andal Priyadharshini that speak about the social ostracism of transgenders, he said the State government had unveiled many schemes for their welfare, including a separate welfare board for them.
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting S. Jagathratchagan received the first copies of the books, which include four poetry collections and a compilation of short stories.
Chairman of the State Minorities Commission Rev Fr Vincent Chinnadurai, State Information Commissioner Sarada Nambiarooran, industrialist Trishakti Sundarraman and writer Bharathi Krishnakumar participated.
