– Atoofa Nasiha
In a time when recognition of inclusive voices has become rare and precious, Tamil Nadu has once again set a precedent. The state’s 2025 ‘Thagaisal Thamizhar’ (Distinguished Tamizhian) Award, the highest civilian honour given by the Tamil Nadu government, has been conferred upon Prof. K.M. Kader Mohideen, a stalwart of Indian inclusive politics, a symbol of communal harmony, and the National President of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
The Award: ‘Thagaisal Thamizhar’
Instituted by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in 2021, the award honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the Tamil identity, culture, values and society. It reflects Tamil Nadu’s commitment to celebrating those who have worked tirelessly for social justice, human rights, and harmony.
In previous years, the award has been given to legendary figures such as N. Sankaraiah, veteran CPI(M) leader, R. Nallakannu, CPI Tamil Nadu leader, K. Veeramani, President of Dravidar Kazhagam and Dr. Kumari Ananthan of Congress – all known for their lifelong public service and integrity. The award comprises a citation and a cash prize of ₹10 lakhs, presented annually on August 15, during the Independence Day celebrations.
Why Prof. K.M. Kader Mohideen?
Prof. Kader Mohideen’s selection is not just well-deserved, but also deeply symbolic. As a senior politician, academician, and orator, his journey has spanned decades of public service, teaching, interfaith dialogue, and political activism.
The award selection committee, which met at the Secretariat under the leadership of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on July 4, 2025, unanimously chose Prof. Mohideen, citing his lifetime of dedication to communal harmony and political inclusivity.
A native of Tirunallur, Prof. Mohideen has served as the Tamil Nadu State General Secretary, State President and National General Secretary of the IUML before becoming its National President. His gentle manner, thoughtful speeches, and commitment to inclusive values have earned him respect across political lines.
Academic Contributions and Literary Work
Beyond politics, Prof. Mohideen has left a profound impact on thousands of students as a history professor at Jamal Mohamed College, Trichy, where he taught for 15 years. He has written several books, including “Vaazhum Neri,” “Quranin Kural,” and “Islamic Iraikkodpaadu”, and contributed to critical discussions on Islam and Tamil identity.
Notably, he presented a research paper on Tamil–Arab relations at the 2010 World Classical Tamil Conference in Coimbatore. For eight years, he penned a bold and thought-provoking column titled “Is Islam a Foreign Faith or an Inherited One for Tamils?” in the Darul Qur’an magazine, which opens up scholarly dialogue on faith, identity and culture.
An Environment of Rising Islamophobia: Why This Award Matters Now
While most states and nations today grapple with rising Islamophobia, hate politics and polarisation, Tamil Nadu once again demonstrates moral clarity by honouring a Muslim leader known for his moderation, intellect, and bridge-building efforts.
In an atmosphere where many Muslim voices are being silenced or sidelined, this award becomes more than just a title; it is a statement. It affirms that Tamil Nadu remains a space where pluralism is not only accepted but celebrated. This decision sends a powerful message: faith and identity should never be a barrier to recognition or respect.
Words of Honour: Tributes to a Statesman of Harmony
The announcement of the ‘Thagaisal Thamizhar’ award for Prof. K.M. Kader Mohideen was met with overwhelming appreciation from leaders across the political spectrum, each acknowledging his lifelong service to communal harmony, education, and inclusive politics. Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin called it a “most fitting recognition,” describing Prof. Mohideen as an “icon of communal harmony and inclusive politics.”
Dravidar Kazhagam leader K. Veeramani praised Chief Minister Stalin for identifying and encouraging such a deserving figure, stating, “There’s no one like our honourable Chief Minister when it comes to timely recognition.”
Thol. Thirumavalavan, MP and leader of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, lauded the award as a prestigious honour and said, “Our heartfelt wishes go to a leader who has made immense contributions to social unity.” Minister Anbil Mahesh expressed pride that someone from their Tiruchirapalli district had received Tamil Nadu’s highest honour, while MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian celebrated Prof. Mohideen’s ability to bring pride to both “Tamil and Tamils through his words, writings, and tireless efforts.”
Veteran leaders like Advocate E. Raja and Abdul Rahman highlighted Prof. Mohideen’s humility, simplicity, and ideological friendship with leaders like Kalaignar. “He has been a moral conscience to the Chief Minister himself,” noted E. Raja, praising his decades of service. SDPI leader Nellai Mubarak emphasised that the award was not only a personal recognition but “an honour to his lifetime of work for social harmony and education.”
Together, these tributes reflect not just admiration for an individual, but collective respect for a life dedicated to unity, dignity, and service.
Tamil Nadu’s Stand for Pluralism and Justice
The conferring of the ‘Thagaisal Thamizhar’ award to Prof. K.M. Kader Mohideen is more than a celebration of service; it is recognition of values: Social Justice, Equality, Universal Brotherhood, Coexistence, Interfaith Bonding and Service.
In celebrating leaders like him, Tamil Nadu sets itself apart as a standard for inclusive governance, daring to uplift voices that are often marginalised. It reminds us that identity-based politics can be overcome by principle-driven recognition.
As India evolves, the choices made by states like Tamil Nadu offer hope that leadership rooted in ethics, education, and empathy will always find its rightful place.
