Karunanidhi launches Vairamuthu's Aayiram Paadalgal

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karnunanidhi released the book Aayiram Paadalgal, a collection of 1,000 poems by poet Vairamuthu. He surprised everyone by skipping a special dinner hosted by Governor S S Barnala for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Raj Bhawan yesterday.

Speaking at the occasion, CM said that he could not receive PM as he wanted to attend Vairamuthu's book launch function. The respect for Tamil and Vairamuthu made him to skip the dinner, added Karunanidhi.

He also recalled the incident occurred in 1991, where his government was dismissed for voicing support for Srilankan Tamils. During that time, Vairamuthu wrote a poem on the death of democracy referring to the then situation of the state.

Many noted celebrities like superstars Rajinikanth, Kamal Hassan, musician AR Rahman, directors K Balachander, Shankar and others graced the occasion.