Conjeevaram Natarajan Annadurai (15 September 1909 – 3 February 1969), also known as Perarignar, was an Indian politician who was the founder and first general-secretary of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). He served as the fourth and last chief minister of Madras State from 1967 until 1969, and then as the first chief minister of Tamil Nadu for 20 days before his death in office. He was the first member of a Dravidian party to hold either post. Conjeevaram Natarajan Annadurai (15 September 1909 – 3 February 1969), also known as Perarignar, was an Indian politician who founded and served as the first general-secretary of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). He was the fourth and last chief minister of Madras State from 1967 until 1969, and then served as the first chief minister of Tamil Nadu for 20 days before his death in office. He was the first member of a Dravidian party to hold either position. He was well known for his oratorical skills and was an acclaimed writer in the Tamil language. He scripted and acted in several plays, some of which were later adapted into films. He was the first politician from the Dravidian parties to use Tamil cinema extensively for political propaganda. Born into a middle-class family, he initially worked as a school teacher before moving into the political scene of the Madras Presidency as a journalist. He edited several political journals and became a member of the Dravidar Kazhagam. As an ardent follower of Periyar, he gained prominence as a significant member of the party.He was well known for his oratorical skills and was an acclaimed writer in the Tamil language. He scripted and acted in several plays. Some of his plays were later made into movies. He was the first politician from the Dravidian parties to use Tamil cinema extensively for political propaganda. Born in a middle-class family, he first worked as a school teacher, then moved into the political scene of the Madras Presidency as a journalist. He edited several political journals and enrolled as a member of the Dravidar Kazhagam. As an ardent follower of Periyar, he rose in stature as a prominent member of the party.