CM's gesture to Tamil scholar's family

Chennai, July 1 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today announced nationalisation of the books of renowned Tamil Scholar M P Sivagnanam and announced a sum of Rs 20 lakh to his family members.

Speaking at a function organised in connection with the centenary celebrations of the Tamil scholar here, Mr Karunanidhi said a special stamp, honouring ''Ma Po Si,'' would be released on August 15.

He said the state government would also unveil a statue of Mr Sivagnanam, popularly known as ''Ma Po Si'' and ''Silambu Chelvar'' for his indepth knowledge of Tamil epic Silapathigaram.

The Tamil Scholar had authored more than 100 books and one of them, ''Vidudhalai Poril Tamizhagam'' (Tamil Nadu in Freedom struggle) was nationalised by Former Chief Minister M G Ramachandran and a sum of Rs one lakh given to his family, Mr Karunanidhi recalled.

Mr Karunanidhi, who was indisposed yesterday and had cancelled his meeting organised in his Chepauk constituency to thank the voters, said he did not want to miss today's function as it was a tribute to a Tamil scholar who fought for country's independence.

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