This is the birthday gift I expect: Udhayanidhi Stalins letter to DMK cadre
Udhayanidhi requested that birthday programs be a "combination of policy work and public service." He asked youth wing members across Tamil Nadu to provide welfare assistance to "the poor and needy, the differently-abled, transgenders and other people who are on the margins of society."
Chennai: Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister and DMK Youth Wing Secretary, Udhayanidhi Stalin, has outlined his expectations from party workers on the occasion of his 49th birthday, urging them to replace lavish celebrations with public service and political action. In a detailed letter, he called for welfare assistance for the marginalized, relief work in rain-affected areas, and a concerted effort to secure the party's victory in the upcoming elections.
Udhayanidhi Stalin Turns 48, Calls for Rain Relief Over Celebrations
Supporters shared videos, portraits, and tributes praising his work as Youth Welfare Minister, Sports Development Minister, and DMK Youth Wing Secretary. Uncle and DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran commended his efforts to boost sports and athletes in the state. Son of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, he entered politics in 2019, won his assembly seat in 2021, and became Deputy Chief Minister in September 2024. The greetings highlight his role linking the party's history with its youth focus amid the northeast monsoon challenges.
Udhayanidhi Stalin birthday: A call for service over celebration
Explicitly stating that he "never like[s] lavish celebrations," Udhayanidhi requested that birthday programs be a "combination of policy work and public service." He asked youth wing members across Tamil Nadu to provide welfare assistance to "the poor and needy, the differently-abled, transgenders and other people who are on the margins of society." He further suggested that these small-scale events should be used to convey the achievements of the Dravidian model government to the public.
Mobilizing for Relief and Electoral Battle
The Youth Wing leader issued two critical directives for immediate action. First, he gave a "heartfelt request" for the youth wing to undertake relief work in the southern districts, including Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, which have been impacted by heavy rains. Second, he emphasized the party's ongoing battle against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, which he termed an "injustice." He stated that the youth wing has a "duty" to work with DMK executives at every polling station to assist the public in filling and submitting voter forms.
A Vision for Victory and a Request for Simple Gifts
Looking ahead to the next state election, Udhayanidhi framed the political contest as a battle against a "cloud of dictatorship" enveloping the country, expressing belief that only the DMK's 'rising sun' symbol can dispel it. He declared that his ultimate birthday expectation is for workers to ensure that on his next birthday, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin continues in his post and the "Dravidian model of government will continue." He concluded with the rallying cry, "Let's win two hundred, let's create history."
In a personal note, he also requested that well-wishers visiting him avoid gold, shawls, and bouquets. Instead, he expressed a preference for books, a black and red dhoti, and products from women's self-help groups.