“My grandfather, Anbil Dharmalingam, is my most cherished gift.”

Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi recently took part in the centenary celebrations of a school founded by his grandfather, Anbil Dharmalingam. Returning to the school after many years brought him immense joy. Every detail—the classroom desks, the shade-giving trees—felt poetic. The school stands as a living tribute, preserving the memories and legacy of his grandfather.

He attended the centenary event at Nelvai Panchayat Union Middle School near Madurantakam. On December 15, 1973, Anbil Dharmalingam, then Minister for Local Administration, had laid the foundation stone for an additional school building. Today, Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi inaugurated the centenary celebrations at the same school, a testament to Tamil Nadu’s enduring excellence in education, nurtured across generations.

"‘Anbil’ is a name cherished by everyone. It is also the name of my birthplace, which adds to my pride," the minister said in an interview, reflecting on the remarkable achievements of his grandfather, Anbil Dharmalingam.

Also read: https://anbilmaheshforever.com/anbil-dharmalingam-rare-photos-with-karunanidhi-mk-stalin-and-dmk-leaders/

Anbil Dharmalingam : Kalaignar's Aniruddha Brahmarayar

“One day, Puttaparthi Sai Baba visited Gopalapuram to meet Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar (Karunanidhi). People asked Sai Baba, ‘When so many people are here to see you, how do you go and meet Kalaignar?’ To this, Puttaparthi Sai Baba replied, ‘To you, he may be Kalaignar, but for me, he is like Raja Raja Cholan.’

Aniruddha Brahmarayar, who served as a minister under Raja Raja Cholan, hailed from Anbil. Similarly, my grandfather, Anbil Dharmalingam, also came from the same village. Just as Kalaignar is regarded as Raja Raja Cholan, my grandfather, தாத்தா Anbil Dharmalingam, served as a minister under him.

Although my grandfather’s full name was Anbil Dharmalingam, Anna, Kalaignar, and everyone affectionately called him simply ‘Anbil.’ At a 1956 conference in Tiruchirappalli, even Anna invited people warmly, saying, “Anbil is inviting—everyone, please come,” he recalled emotionally.