DMK's flagship Muppirum Viza ceremony delayed due to party chief's health

Chennai, September 15 – The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam announced the delay of its flagship "Muppirum Viza" ceremony after its president, M. K. Stalin, reported a sudden health problem. The celebration, planned for Tuesday evening at the Kaliganur Arangam inside Anna Arivalayam, traditionally marks three historic milestones: the birthdays of Periyar, Annadurai and the DMK’s founding.

General Secretary Durai Murugan confirmed the decision, stating that a revised date will be communicated once Stalin’s condition is clarified. All ancillary events scheduled for the same night were also called off.

Stalin’s earlier non‑attendance at the Annadurai birth‑anniversary event on the same day had already caused anxiety among party functionaries. No official statement has been released regarding the specifics of his illness or any prescribed rest.

The "Muppirum Viza" (triple celebration) is among the most important dates on the DMK’s political calendar, honoring social reformer E. V. Ramasamy (Periyar), former chief minister C. N. Annadurai and the party’s establishment on 17 September 1949.

Annadurai, born on 15 September 1909, was a noted orator, writer and proponent of social justice and Tamil self‑determination. After separating from Periyar’s movement, he founded the DMK, later becoming chief minister in 1967 and playing a decisive role in renaming Madras State to Tamil Nadu before his death in February 1969.

Periyar, born on 17 September 1879, led the Self‑Respect Movement, challenging caste oppression, superstition and gender discrimination. His rationalist ideology formed the cornerstone of the Dravidian movement and left a lasting impact on Annadurai and the DMK.

The postponed event was to present awards bearing the names of Periyar, Annadurai, Kaliganur, Pavendhar and M. K. Stalin. Recipients and party workers have been informed of the postponement, and a new schedule will be announced after the leadership evaluates Stalin’s health.