Changemakers, not politicians: Rajinikanth's wife launches citizens initiative
Latha Rajinikanth, wife of superstar Rajinikanth, has launched a citizen-led initiative called "Makkal Medai", positioning it as a platform to create grassroots changemakers rather than
Latha Rajinikanth, wife of superstar Rajinikanth, has launched a citizen-led initiative called "Makkal Medai", positioning it as a platform to create grassroots changemakers rather than politicians. The initiative aims to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to contribute ideas, leadership and community-driven solutions for the development of Tamil Nadu. In an exclusive conversation with India Today TV, Latha Rajinikanth said the initiative was designed to create community welfare networks and empower local leaders to work for the state. Read Full Story "Makkal Medai has been built with the intent of creating local welfare and local leaders to work for the State," she said. "Makkal Medai is a forum to create community welfare." Explaining the vision behind the platform, she said it seeks to build stronger connections between citizens and provide people with a sense of identity and participation in public life. "We have to create connectivity and Makkal Medai is a model for Tamil Nadu, giving an identity to the people," she said.
The platform is being positioned as an inclusive people's movement, welcoming government officials, teachers, retired citizens, young people and professionals from diverse backgrounds. According to its organisers, everyone from IAS and IPS officers to teachers, armed forces personnel, postal workers and ordinary citizens can contribute their ideas, experiences and expertise. Latha Rajinikanth said one of the key concerns driving the initiative was the well-being of women and children. "The prosperity of a country is based on the prosperity and safety provided to children and women," she said, adding that "a lot more needs to be done on women and children safety everywhere." She also expressed concern over the growing dependence of young people on digital devices and the social challenges that come with it. "People are getting worried that their children are locked into cellphones. We need to come back to reality to remove the emotional imbalance in society," she said.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Latha Rajinikanth said the movement would be working against trends that have distanced people from community engagement. "We will face challenges as we are fighting against a modernised and a slightly moved away society, which we wish to stop and think," she said. Asked whether Makkal Medai could eventually become a political platform or whether she had political aspirations of her own, Latha Rajinikanth dismissed the suggestion. "No, not. See, I have no idea. I'm not interested in holding positions. I'm not looking at that," she said. "I'm just looking at developing a great community and serving socially first. We have to be eligible for everything. We have to serve the country, serve the people, and then leave it to the future to decide what the next generation, the future generations of Tamil Nadu wish to do." She added that her role was that of a mentor rather than a political leader.
"That, I can only be a mentor," she said. When asked about her husband Rajinikanth's position on her initiative and politics, she said, "He's already given his stand, and he'd be the best person to answer all these questions about him." Latha Rajinikanth said the immediate focus of Makkal Medai would remain social service and community-building rather than political activity. "Right now we are focusing on social causes and building it up as a social entity," she said. "We are creating local leaders and trying to get all people to work for the State." The movement has called upon citizens from across Tamil Nadu to join hands in contributing ideas and solutions for public welfare, with the stated aim of creating a broad-based platform for positive social change. Ends
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