Iconic Tam and Battle for TN
CNN-IBN has put up a show, which will analyze the TN election situation just before the polling date. This show will be aired on 6th May at 9.30 pm (IST). People living outside India can catch the live streaming on CNN-IBN either through their site or through or through the streaming offered through Sify Max. The quality of IBN’s streaming has been pretty inconsistent over the last couple of months.
Jayanthi Natarajan (one of the panelists in the debate) seems to be a permanent fixture in most of the English news channels. Her impeccable English could be one of the reasons why the Congress fields her so often in televised debates. I won't be surprised if Jayanthi Natarajan receives a paycheck for her regular appearances on TV :-)
Among other topics, one of the issues that came up discussion was the choice of the iconic Tamilian:
The mandate for the iconic Tamilian vote was divided equally among President Abdul Kalam, Kamaraj, Periyar, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Subramaniya Bharathi, C.N. Annadurai, Periyar and cancer specialist Dr. Shantha, with Mr. Jothi casting a vote for Ms. Jayalalithaa.
The mandate for the iconic Tamilian vote was divided equally among President Abdul Kalam, Kamaraj, Periyar, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Subramaniya Bharathi, C.N. Annadurai, Periyar and cancer specialist Dr. Shantha, with Mr. Jothi casting a vote for Ms. Jayalalithaa.
The IBN site also has an online poll on TN's biggest icon (the list contains only people who are still alive). The current nominees are Rajini, Kamal, Dr. Shantha, APJ Abdul Kalam and Vishwanathan Anand. Rajini is leading the pack with 31% of the votes.
Update: A R Rahman's name has been added to the list. Rajini still leads the pack (25%), but others have improved their percentages.
posted by Kaps at
12:36 AM
5 Comments:
I think of icons for different demographic classes in this divided society of tamil nadu. each of these classes has differing aspirations which makes it hard to narrow down the popular choices to one demi-god.
Considering that the 'stars' on celluloid capture public imagination notwithstanding their little or no contribution to furthering public welfare, it will not be surprising that one of them could take this title. A R Rahman is a wonderful choice in my opinion so is Dr Kalam.These people are celebrated by the nation not just the tamilians but that is not the strongest reason.
Living memory changes with the times so an icon of today could give way to another tomorrow. Transient all this is but that is alright since we need to have more and more coming forward to show the stuff they are made of.
By
Anonymous, at 7:41 AM
if rajini wins it mite be ironic since he isnt a true tamilian in the sense of being born here.
By
ada-paavi!!!!, at 8:23 AM
@Anand Srini,
The easiest way to find a common icon is to select someone from the film fraternity and ARR might actually poll more votes especially among the youth.
@Ada-Paavi,
You are raking up a tricky issue. I think NDTV has selected him as he has spent most of his working life here.
By
Kaps, at 10:15 AM
Even I was surprised at Rajnikanth's inclusion. But the question reads "Tamil Nadu's biggest icon" and not "the biggest Tamil icon", so we can let it pass. But why not MK?
By
Anonymous, at 6:40 PM
@Vijay Krishna,
I think MK and Jaya might not command as much respect / awe among the youth. I think the celebrities mentioned in the list are viewed as being neutral and hence might command more votes that the politicians.
By
Kaps, at 12:05 AM
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