Jayalalitha started as an actress and became one of India’s most loved actors and soon went on to become one of the most loved politicians in the country, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Jayalalitha’s death on December 5 has left a void in Indian politics and in her fan’s hearts and we decided to look back in her life and give you some of Jayalalitha’s best moments.
Jayalalitha is professionally trained in western classical piano, classical music and dance forms like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Manipuri and Mohiniattam.
Jayalalitha has acted in over 140 films, out of which 120 were blockbuster hits.
When she joined politics, she represented the AIADMK in the Rajya Sabha between 1984-1989. She was chosen for her fluency in English and several other languages.
Jayalalitha was fondly known as Amma across Tamil Nadu. In 1991-96 when her state was reeling under female abortions and foeticide, she introduced the Cradle Baby Scheme where women could leave their babies with the government. These babies were either looked after by them or given for adoption. Thanks to Jayalalitha, these orphanages now see less babies and the abortion rates have decreased.
The Amma Unavagam scheme has been one of Jayalalitha’s most popular scheme; where corporation-run canteens serve subsidised food for as cheap at Re1. These canteens are run by women from self help groups and their popularity has spread to other states as well.
Amma call centres solve public grievances through a phone call. By simply dialing 1100, callers problems would be sent to concerned officials and action would be taken immediately.
Jayalalitha started the Amma Kudineer Thittam in February this year. Under this scheme, families who cannot afford it are given upto 20 litres of drinking water every day.
Earlier this year, Jayalalitha started the Amma seeds project where farmers were given seeds free of cost in order to encourage them to cultivate their land. Her government also gave out kits to farmers with small plots of lands.
After the floods last year, Jayalalitha announced Amma micro loans for those affected. People could avail loans up to Rs 5,000 and the interest would be paid by the government. They could also pay Rs 200 per week to repay the loan.
The project was envisaged by the Chennai Corporation’s budget where U-certified Tamil films are screened under the Amma theatre project for as low as Rs 10 per ticket.
For all Amma’s well thought of schemes that look after every section of society, it’s no wonder this boss lady has proved that a woman in India does not need a father, husband or a son to make it big on her own. RIP Iron Lady, you will always be remembered.
