Poet Abdul Kader being felicitated at an event held on VIT Vellore campus.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president and Chidambaram MP Thol. Thirumavalavan on Sunday said that the Union government should make liquor prohibition a national policy by passing the necessary laws.
Speaking at the felicitation of poet Abdul Kader, general secretary of Tamil Iyakkam, for winning the Kalaimamani Award from the State government at VIT campus here, Mr. Thirumavalavan said that prohibition should not be looked at in a specific State like Tamil Nadu. Instead, it is a national problem and should be addressed at the national level by the Centre. “The Centre should take a firm stand on prohibition in the country by bringing laws that apply to the entire country. The future of youth, irrespective of geographical boundaries, is darkened due to alcohol consumption,” he said.
The VCK chief said the Tamil people should not get fragmented based on caste, creed, religion and economic status. Instead, they should remain united to defend their heritage against fascist forces that try to get a foothold in the State, he alleged.
In his address, G. Viswanathan, founder and chancellor, VIT, said, “Parliament should be a forum to discuss people’s needs. Even with personal grudges, parties should set them aside and create an environment for constructive dialogue. That’s not happening.”
Highlighting the significance of the role of opposition parties in a democracy, Mr. Viswanathan said that some political parties believe that they can govern without elected representatives from opposition parties in Parliament. In contrast, former Chief Minister and DMK stalwart C.N. Annadurai summoned the then Chief Minister K. Kamarajar to his Thanjavur assembly constituency when he was the Leader of Opposition in 1957. Mr. Kamarajar responded by visiting the constituency. “Political parties in Tamil Nadu should set such examples to inspire youngsters, who aspire to become future leaders,” he said.
Minister of Higher Education Govi. Chezhiaan was also present on the occasion.
Published – December 01, 2025 12:24 am IST
