Leading Tamil actor Vijay's fan association, the 'Thalapathy' Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (TVMI), opened a library in Chennai, with general secretary Bussy Anand doing the honors at the inauguration ceremony on Saturday, November 18. The library, the first among the many to be opened in the days ahead under TVMI’s newly launched Thalapathy Vijay Library scheme, was inaugurated at Balaji Nagar Third Street in Tambaram West, in an effort to facilitate reading opportunities for students, youngsters, and the general public. Earlier on Friday, the 'Thalapathy' Vijay Makkal Iyakkam announced that they would soon be opening several such libraries across Tamil Nadu, with fans pouring in their wishes from all quarters for actor Vijay's latest initiative.
With the 'Thalapathy' Vijay Library scheme kicked off in Chennai, several other such libraries are to be set up in places like CTO Colony in Tambaram West, Mummurti Nagar in Chromepet, Chennai South and Chennai North, including three in the Krishnagiri district today. Furthermore, twenty-one more libraries have been announced to be opened in five places in the Tirunelveli district, followed by four in the Coimbatore district, three in the Erode district, and two in the Tenkasi district, on November 23. It has also been more libraries will be opened in Salem, Pudukottai, Sivagangai, Dindigul, Karur, Kanyakumari, and the Tirupur districts on the same date.
Earlier this month, Vijay, who has been hinting at a political entry for quite some time, during his speech at the Leo success meet, said that he would remain a 'Thalapathy' (Commander) and continue to fulfill the "commands of the people". He further stated, "There is only one 'Puratchi Thalaivar' (former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MGR), only one 'Nadigar Thilagam' (Sivaji Ganesan), only one 'Puratchi Kalaignar' Captain (Vijayakanth), only one 'Ulaganayagan' (Kamal Haasan), only one 'Superstar' (Rajinikanth), and only one 'Thala' (Ajith Kumar). Everyone is aware of the meaning of 'Thalapathy', right? He always ranks below the king. When a king gives a command, the 'Thalapathy' carries it out. To me, all of you are kings and I am your 'Thalapathy'. You just give me your command and I will fulfill it."