Durga Stalin
Durga Stalin | |
|---|---|
| File:Durga Stalin.jpg Durga in 2021 | |
| Spouse of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu | |
| In office 7 May 2021 – 9 May 2026 | |
| Chief Minister | M. K. Stalin |
| Preceded by | Radha Palaniswami |
| Succeeded by | Sankgeetha Vijay |
| Spouse of the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu | |
| In office 29 May 2009 – 15 May 2011 | |
| Deputy Chief Minister | M. K. Stalin |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | P. Vijayalakshmi |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Shantha[1] 12 March 1955[2] Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Political party | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| Spouse(s) | M. K. Stalin (m. 1975) |
| Children | 2 (including Udhayanidhi) |
| Relatives | Karunanidhi family (by marriage) |
| Occupation |
|
Durga Stalin[3] (born Shantha; 12 March 1955) is an Indian writer who served as the Spouse of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 2021 to 2026, as the wife of M. K. Stalin, the 8th chief minister of Tamil Nadu. She had previously been the Spouse of deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu from 2009 to 2011, when her husband was deputy chief minister under chief minister M. Karunanidhi.
Early life
Durga was born as Shantha on 12 March 1955 in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India to a working middle class Tamil speaking Hindu family. She is the eldest of three daughters.[4] Her father was a school teacher, and died in 1969, when Durga was just aged 14 years. Durga was initially an active member in the party All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) which was ran by J. Jayalalithaa, since her childhood.[5][6]
Writing career
Durga Stalin started her career as an writer and author and has published more than 15 books in her native language Tamil, which are taught in schools all over India.[7][8] Most of her books are based about real life incidents and events that happened among the members in the Karunanidhi family.[9][10][11]
Tenure as Spouse of the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (2009–2011)
On 29 May 2009, the Governor of Tamil Nadu Surjit Singh Barnala appointed her husband M. K. Stalin as the state's deputy chief minister.[12] During her tenure, on 23 February 2011, the Government of Tamil Nadu received a special award for the best state among the largest states in India, and the diamond state award for best state in civil safety, drinking water and sanitation, and women's development.[13] The state also won the most number of Nirmal Gram Awards for its exceptional role in maintaining sanitation in villages during her tenure.[14][15]
Case against Junior Vikatan Magazine (2019)
In 2019, Durga sued the weekly magazine company Ananda Vikatan over a 'defamatory' article in their Tamil magazine Junior Vikatan. Durga called the article 'entirely false, misleading, malicious and highly defamatory'. She also took legal action against the publishers and editors of the magazine if they do not tender an unconditional public apology, retract the article are required pay Rs 10 crore within 48 hours (to be used for charitable purposes) and disclose the source for the article.[16][17]
Tenure as Spouse of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (2021–2026)
After her husband's inauguration as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 2021. Durga did a lot of volunteer work in the community and around the state of Tamil Nadu, she inaugurated and built facilities such as schools, hospitals and essential needs around the state as the role of the spouse of the chief minister.[18] As the spouse of the chief minister she accompanied her husband on global events and political meetings in places like San Francisco, London and Germany making allies with cities and countries on behalf of her husband.[19]
She has also donated a lot of gold and wealth to prominent Hindu temples around India under her role.[20] Durga donated a 14 lakh worth golden crown to Guruvayur Temple in Kerala in 2023 as first lady.[21][22] She also attended the Prana pratishtha ceremony for the Ram Mandir which was consecrated in Ayodhya, representing the state of Tamil Nadu and on behalf of her husband, M. K. Stalin.[23][24] She also donated several deity ornaments and jewellery to the Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala in Tirupati making a deal of unity and alliance with the government of the state Andhra Pradesh.[25]
In 2025, she also spent a few days in Kanchipuram learning about the ancient Dravidian architecture in the temples Kamakshi Amman Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple (Kanchipuram) and offered donations to temple construction workers.[26][27]
Durga also was involved in the Kollywood cinema industry for promoting films which talk about social awareness and religion specifically Hinduism.[28][29] During her tenure as first lady she conducted several award ceremonies representing the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party and awards for women empowerment and female entrepreneurs.[30]
Personal life
Durga married M. K. Stalin on 20 August 1975.[31] They have two children.[32] Their son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, is an actor and politician who since 2024 is deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu.[33] Their daughter Senthamarai is an entrepreneur and education professional.[34][35] Durga has described herself of having deep faith in Hinduism.[36]
References
- ↑ "Unwanted attention given to Durga Stalin during temple visit: Annamalai". Times Of India. 23 October 2023.
- ↑ "பிறந்த நாள் வாழ்த்துக்கள் "துர்கா ஸ்டாலின்"! சாதுர்த்தியமாக சாதிக்கும் சாதனை பெண்மணி..!". Tamil Asianet (in தமிழ்). 13 March 2020.
- ↑ "KALAIGNAR KARUNANIDHI COMPLETE FAMILY TREE - DURGA STALIN". www.behindwoods.com. 8 August 2018.
- ↑ "Durga Stalin's sister Sarumathi passes away at 62". www.dtnext.in. 5 February 2023.
- ↑ "Durga Stalin's sister passes away in Chennai". The Hindu. 6 February 2023.
- ↑ "A record of T.N.'s political history and societal life". The Hindu. 28 February 2018.
- ↑ "Durga Stalin's book 'Avarum Naanum Part-2' released". New Indian Express. 22 July 2025.
- ↑ "MK Stalin's wife Durga releases book amid praises". New Indian Express. 28 February 2018.
- ↑ "Reporter's Diary: How Durga Stalin made mends with her in-laws". www.dtnext.in. 6 March 2018.
- ↑ "'Wish to be one like you, as my husband is,' says Durga Stalin at 'Avarum, Naanum' book launch". www.dtnext.in. 22 July 2025.
- ↑ "Durga Stalin didn't know Nedunchezhian during first meet at Gopalapuram house". www.dtnext.in. 22 July 2025.
- ↑ "Stalin appointed Tamil Nadu Deputy CM". India Today. 29 May 2009. Archived from the original on 25 April 2016. Retrieved 12 April 2016. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Tamil Nadu & Himachal Pradesh win top honours at IBN7 Diamond States Awards". Afaqs. 23 February 2011. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2022. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Trichi in TN bags highest number of Nirmal Gram Awards". The New Indian Express. 14 May 2012. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2022. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Stalin's star campaigner — his wife". The New Indian Express. 17 May 2012.
- ↑ "MK Stalin's wife Durga threatens to sue Vikatan: Wants apology, Rs 10 cr in damages". The News Minute. 26 July 2019.
- ↑ "DMK Stalin"s Wife demands Rs.10 Crore from Vikatan Magazine for damages". indiaherald.com. 27 July 2019.
- ↑ "Durga Stalin inaugurates hospital". The Hindu. 10 September 2021.
- ↑ "T.N. CM Stalin lands in San Francisco to a rousing reception". The Hindu. 29 August 2024.
- ↑ "Tamil Nadu CM's spouse Durga Stalin gifts golden crown to Guruvayur temple ." www.onmanorama.com. 10 August 2023.
- ↑ "Tamil Nadu chief minister's wife offers Rs 14 lakh gold crown to Kerala temple". India Today. 13 August 2023.
- ↑ "Stalin's wife to offer golden crown at Guruvayur Temple". The Hindu. 9 August 2023.
- ↑ "CM's wife Durga Stalin invited to attend Ram Mandir's 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony". www.dtnext.in. 14 January 2024.
- ↑ "Durga Stalin receives sacred 'Akshatham' ahead of Prana Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya Ram Temple". english.janamtv.com. 15 January 2024.
- ↑ "Andhra Pradesh: TN CM's wife Durga Stalin offers prayers at Tirumala". Times Of India. 8 August 2021.
- ↑ "Durga Stalin honours artisans of Kanchipuram temple's golden chariot". Asianet News. 7 December 2025.
- ↑ "Durga Stalin visits Kanchipuram, honours ancient temple artisans for their craft". www.moneycontrol.com. 8 December 2025.
- ↑ "Durga Stalin releases Sai Baba film trailer". www.dtnext.in. 24 December 2025.
- ↑ "Hindu Tamil Thisai's Deepavali Malar launched". The Hindu. 9 October 2022.
- ↑ "35 women receive 'Surya Magal' award". The Hindu. 2 April 2025.
- ↑ "Stalin, in the words of his devoted wife". The Hindu. 25 February 2018.
- ↑ "Every mom wants son to do well: Durga Stalin". Times Of India. 28 March 2021.
- ↑ "MK Stalin's Wife Durga Gets Emotional As He Takes Oath As Tamil Nadu CM, Video Goes Viral". India.Com. 7 May 2021.
- ↑ "Sunshine | Management". Sunshine school. Archived from the original on 28 September 2021. Retrieved 25 January 2022. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "V Sabareesan: Tamil Nadu's first family's premier son-in-law". The Indian Express. 4 April 2021. Archived from the original on 21 January 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2022. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Durga Stalin prays at Tirumala". The Hindu. 8 August 2021.
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