Stalin pens emotional tribute to MK’s ‘kutti PA’

Stalin pens emotional tribute to MK’s ‘kutti PA’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

23.12.2021

Chief minister M K Stalin has penned a tribute to his father’s long-time associate Shanmuganathan, who died on Tuesday. “Hard to believe that you are no more. Unable to accept that you have been snatched away by nature,’’ he started the ode he wrote on Wednesday. Stalin then listed out the services rendered by Shanmuganathan to his late father and later to him. Stalin said that Shanmuganathan has compiled, proofread and made 50 volumes of letters written by Karunanidhi to DMK cadres. Likewise, he has compiled the assembly speeches of Stalin as well. Stalin wondered if he has to console others or seek consolation for himself after the loss. “Have you left us to see Thalaivar (M Karunanidhi). You wanted to be by his side to assist him forever?’’ Stalin asked in the emotional tribute.

Shanmuganathan was a fixture at the Gopalapuram residence of Karunanidhi, Stalin said, adding that he would be seated in a small room under the staircase at the home, always busy immersed in work. “Karunanidhi’s days are incomplete without him. Shanmuganathan was not just another name in Goapalapuram, but Kalaiganar’s shadow,” he said.

He recalled that Shanmuganathan, who was with the police department, was good at taking short-hand notes of the speeches of leaders. Shanmuganathan was the youngest among the personal assistants of Karunanidhi when he had joined and hence used to be called ‘kutti PA’ (young PA). “He was our kutti PA as well as ‘getti’ (strong) PA,” Stalin said. Stalin said he would ask Shanmuganathan for feedback every time he completed a speech. Shanmuganathan would appreciate as well as give suggestions.

IRREPLACEABLE LOSS: Stalin said he would ask Shanmuganathan for feedback every time he completed a speech