Power meant to serve the poor, says Vasan

Power should be used to serve the poor and not for accumulating wealth, said Union Shipping Minister G.K. Vasan here on Thursday.

As part of the ‘Mupperum Vizha 2011' of Chennai Thuraimuga Tamizh Sangam, he distributed the Tamil scholar award to N. Subramaniam, the Social Service award to Krishnammal Jagannathan and the Film award to Vasanthabalan; honoured the heirs of former State Home Minister P. Kakkan; gave a cheque for Rs.10,000 to Missionaries of Charity and the staff for bringing out a souvenir.

To mark the occasion, Mr. Vasan released the souvenir and the first copy was received by Vel's University Chancellor Ishari K. Ganesh. The Mupperum Vizha included the celebrations of Tamizh Sangam's 47 {+t} {+h} anniversary; birth centenaries of Mother Teresa and Kakkan.

Delivering the inaugural address, Mr. Vasan said Mother Teresa and Kakkan were great leaders and were remembered for their selfless service rendered to the poor and needy. Mother Teresa rendered social service, while Kakkan held several portfolios and rendered service at the national level.

The Centre never failed to honour such great leaders. In recognition of their services, the United Progressive Alliance recently came out with a commemorative coin and a special postal cover, he added.

“Both were honest, simple and pure in their thoughts and action. Children and students should read their life history and emulate them to become disciplined followers and reach greater heights. I also humbly request the State government to include their life history in the syllabus of higher secondary schools,” he said.

The portraits of Mother Teresa and Kakkan were unveiled by Ms. Jagannathan and former Legislative Assembly member Paramalai.

In his address, Chennai Port Trust Chairman Atulya Misra said the souvenir was launched after a gap of 10 years.

Mr. Ganesh donated Rs.1 lakh for the development activities of Chennai Thuraimuga Tamizh Sangam