Maruthur Gopalamenon Ramachandran popularly known as MGR, Puratchi Thalaivar, Ponmana Chemmal and Makkal Thilagam was an Indian actor and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
He was born on January 17,1917 to Maruthur Gopala Menon and Satyabama. He was born in a village called Nawalapitiya(kandy, Sri Lanka). After his father's death, he moved to Kumbakonam(Tamil Nadu, India) with his mother. Unable to pursue his studies, he joined a drama troupe. He gained experience on stage and moved to cinema where he soon gained a mass appeal. Sati Lilavati was his first blockbuster movie. He made sure that his movies teached good manners and discipline to the masses. He paid keen interest in the song's lyrics too! Annadurai was his mentor and MGR joined his political party DMK in 1953. He became a prominent member and was elected as a member of State Legislative council in 1962. He was first elected to Tamil Nadu legislative assembly in 1967. When Annadurai passed away, he became the treasurer of DMK while M.Karunanidhi was elected as the Cheif Minister of Tamil Nadu.
In 1972, MGR was expelled from the party when he wanted the financial details of the party to be publicized. He then launched a new political party named AIADMK and became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 1977. He remained in office till his death.
During his tenure, he placed great emphasis on social development. He introduced the Mid-day Meal scheme, which encouraged underprivileged children to attend school.
In 1984 he fell sick and was rushed to a hospital in US. He was the only person to be elected as the Chief Minister, even when he was hospitalized. MGR died on December 24,1987 due to his prolonged illness. He is still remembered as a great human and he has an everlasting life in the hearts of many Indians!
