M. S. Manickam

M.S.Manickam (எம்.எஸ்.மாணிக்கம்) also known as MSM, was a prominent Indian politician, businessman, farmer, and former member of the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu. He was born on 26 October 1946 and enjoyed widespread recognition in the local community.

Family life
M.S. Manickam, hailing from the village of Thagattur in Vedaranyam Taluk, Nagapattinam District, was born into a close-knit family. As the eldest son, he played a significant role in his household. His immediate family comprises his wife, Latha, his daughter, Radha, and his son, Srinivasan. Until 1991, they resided in their ancestral village of Thagattur. However, in pursuit of quality education for their children, they temporarily relocated to the neighboring town of Thiruthuraipoondi, in the Thiruvarur District, and later to Tiruchirappalli in 2001 for their higher education. M.S. Manickam deeply embraces the tenets of Hinduism.

Education
M.S. Manickam pursued his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Arts at Alagappa Government Arts College, located in Karaikudi under Alagappa University. Additionally, he continued his higher education at Pachaiyappa's College in Chennai, affiliated with Madras University.

Agriculture
M.S. Manickam had a natural affinity for farming, likely influenced by growing up in a delta village. He chose to work as an agriculturist to support his family financially.

Business
M.S. Manickam was involved in several business ventures to some extent. However, he did not achieve significant success in his business ventures. [Further details about the specific business activities can be added.]

ADMK (1972–1993)
M.S. Manickam's political journey began in college, inspired by M.G. Ramachandran's film career and impactful election campaigns for the DMK party. He actively participated in MGR's college fan-led charity initiatives. In 1972, he joined M.G. Ramachandran's newly formed political party, ADMK, influenced by his college seniors and mentors involved in MGR's charities. Manickam's commitment to public service, rooted in his college experiences, has guided his political career. He upholds M.G. Ramachandran's vision, working for the welfare of Tamil Nadu's people. His affiliation with ADMK has significantly contributed to the party's growth and the state's and Vedaranyam's development.

Member of the Legislative Assembly [1980-84]
M. S. Manickam made his debut as a candidate of the Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK) in the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly elections in 1977, which occurred after the split of MGR from the DMK in 1972. At the age of 30, he contested for the first time but was unsuccessful, losing to M. Meenakshi Sundaram, the candidate from the DMK. Manickam secured the third position, while the Congress candidate claimed the second spot.

In the subsequent 1980 elections, M. S. Manickam successfully won a seat in the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly from the Vedaranyam constituency. He ran as an ADMK candidate and attained victory at the age of 33.[2] Throughout his tenure from 1980 to 1984, he dedicated himself to serving the people and worked diligently on their behalf.

Exit from ADMK
M. S. Manickam's involvement in politics took a different turn after MGR passed away in 1987 and a new leader took charge of the ADMK party. Unfortunately, things changed in a way that didn't allow him to continue his political work for the people. As a result, in 1995, he made the decision to leave the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) because he felt there were no opportunities for him to serve the people within that party.

Mentor (1995–2009)
After leaving ADMK in 1995, he was a bit active in politics with MGR Kazhagam formed by R. M. Veerappan. Then, later on, he started giving way to energetic newcomers who wanted to bring positive change to society through politics. He supported them in winning Assembly Elections and acted as their mentor.

DMK (2010-until Death)
In the beginning of 2010, he switched his allegiance to the Thai Kazhagam (Mother Party) Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. He joined this party along with a few former MLAs and former Minister Alagu Thirunavukkarasu. This move was seen as a way for him to re-enter active politics and continue working for the betterment of the people, fulfilling the unfinished tasks he had in mind.

Death
Having experienced a sudden heartache in the wee hours of the morning, he was swiftly taken to the renowned Apollo Hospital in Chennai on the afternoon of 14 December 2010. Tragically, he succumbed to a heart attack at the age of 64, precisely at 9:31 p.m., within the walls of Apollo Hospital. The following day, during his funeral, a multitude of individuals including the general public, relatives, family members, and local politicians from all parties arrived to pay their respects. It was a gathering of thousands. His son, Srinivasan, dutifully performed the final rituals at the Crematorium in Thagattur, Vedaranyam Taluk.