Dr. M.G. Ramachandran, endearingly known as M.G.R, was born on 17th January, 1917,  at  Kandy,  Sri  Lanka, to Marudhur Gopalan and Sathyabhama. After his father's death, MG R settled with his family at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. He could not pursue his studies beyond the primary stage and joined a drama troupe. Gaining considerable experience on stage, he entered the world of cinema, and gradually rose to enviable positions by persistent efforts and endurance. He became a great actor, director and producer. The Government of India honoured him with the National Award for the Best Actor for his acting in the film 'Rickshakaran' in  1972.

In 1953, MGR joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. He became a member of the state Legislative Council in 1962. He was first elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 1967, and subsequently in the elections of 1971, 1977, 1980 and 1984. In 1972, he founded the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), 'Which contested and won the subsequent elections. In 1977, he became the first film actor in India to be the Chief Minister of a state. He continued as Chief Minister for the rest of his life. He was a popular Chief Minister and one of the most charismatic politicians of the country. Always the first to personally offer relief in disasters and calamities like fire, flood, drought, cyclone, etc., he was the first donor during the Chinese aggression of 1962, donating Rs. 75,000/- to the war  fund.

He founded the Tamil University, MGR Medical University and the Women's University in Tamil Nadu. In 1983, the Madras University conferred on him, honoris causa, the degree of Doctor of Laws.

MGR had travelled extensively and visited Sri  Lanka,  Burma,  Singapore,  Japan,  Hong Kong, France, Mexico, USA and USSR.

MGR passed away on 24th December, 1987. He was posthumously awarded the 'Bharat Ratna' by the President of India.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India