The Hindu Business Line : Stamp on Maran released

(From left) Mr Somnath Chatterjee, Lok Sabha Speaker, Mr M. Karunanidhi, DMK President, Mr Dayanidhi Maran, Union Minister for Communications and IT, and Ms Sonia Gandhi, Congress President, at a function to release a stamp on the former Union Minister Murasoli Maran in Chennai on Tuesday. — Shaju John

Chennai, Aug. 17

A POSTAGE stamp and first day cover to commemorate the former Union Minister for Commerce Murasoli Maran was released here today.

The Congress President, Ms Sonia Gandhi, released the stamp and the Lok Sabha Speaker, Mr Somnath Chatterjee, the first day cover.

Addressing the gathering, Ms Gandhi said that the issue of a commemorative stamp was "a symbol of the nation's gratitude for a special son."

Murasoli Maran had left an indelible mark in the various portfolios he held as the Union Minister.

As the Commerce Minister, he had made significant contribution in the WTO negotiations at Doha, protecting India's interest.

Mr Somnath Chatterjee said that Murasoli Maran had led the DMK in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha with `remarkable efficiency' during the 36 years he had been a member of either of the Houses.

His `persuasive arguments' in the WTO negotiations had helped get India and the developing countries a better deal.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president, Mr M. Karunanidhi, recalled that Maran always put the interest of the Government ahead of his personal political career.

He had been responsible for the DMK aligning with the then Congress (I) during the 1979-80 Lok Sabha elections despite spending a year in jail during the Emergency imposed by the then Congress Government.

Maran had done it in the interest of a stable Government at Delhi, Mr Karunanidhi said.

Mr N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu, describing Maran as a `friend and fine human being,' said that he was a person who stood up for values.

Maran hated censorship and preventive detention, where no relief was provided under law, and rose above `subjective feelings.'

Maran had returned from the WTO negotiations in Doha to a `hero's welcome.'

His `clear sighted and no-nonsense' strategy at the negotiation had been a wake up call for developing countries.

More Stories on : Events | People | Politics

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page