A.RAHMAN at 08:38, 6 May 2026

2026-05-06T08:38:32Z

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{{Short description|Spouse of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 2021 to 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Durga Stalin
| image = Durga Stalin.jpg
| caption = Durga in 2021
| birth_name = Shantha<ref>{{cite news |title=Unwanted attention given to Durga Stalin during temple visit: Annamalai|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/unwanted-attention-given-to-durga-stalin-during-temple-visit-annamalai/articleshow/104637747.cms|work=[[Times Of India]]|date=23 October 2023|language=en}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1955|03|12}}<ref>{{cite news |title=பிறந்த நாள் வாழ்த்துக்கள் "துர்கா ஸ்டாலின்"! சாதுர்த்தியமாக சாதிக்கும் சாதனை பெண்மணி..!|url=https://tamil.asianetnews.com/life-style/happy-birthday-to-durga-stalin-from-asianet-news-tamil-q74tdg|work=Tamil Asianet|date=13 March 2020|language=ta}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Tiruchirappalli]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| occupation = {{hlist|Writer}}
| spouse = {{marriage|[[M. K. Stalin]]|1975}}
| relatives = [[Karunanidhi family]] (by marriage)
| children = 2 (including [[Udhayanidhi Stalin|Udhayanidhi]])
| party = [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| othername =
| alma_mater =
| office = Spouse of the Chief Minister of [[Tamil Nadu]]
| term_start = 7 May 2021
| term_end = 4 May 2026
| 1blankname = [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu|Chief Minister]]
| 1namedata = [[M. K. Stalin]]
| predecessor = Radha Palaniswami
| successor = TBA
| office2 = Spouse of the Deputy Chief Minister of [[Tamil Nadu]]
| term_start2 = 29 May 2009
| term_end2 = 15 May 2011
| predecessor2 = ''Office established''
| successor2 =P. Vijayalakshmi
| 1blankname2 = [[Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu|Deputy Chief Minister]]
| 1namedata2 =[[M. K. Stalin]]
}}

'''Durga Stalin'''<ref>{{cite news |title=KALAIGNAR KARUNANIDHI COMPLETE FAMILY TREE - DURGA STALIN|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/kalaignar-karunanidhicomplete-family-tree/durga-stalin.html#google_vignette|work=www.behindwoods.com|date=8 August 2018|language=en}}</ref> (born '''Shantha'''; 12 March 1955) is an Indian writer who served as the Spouse of the Chief Minister of [[Tamil Nadu]] from 2021 to 2026, as the wife of [[M. K. Stalin]], the 8th [[chief minister of Tamil Nadu]]. She had previously been the Spouse of [[deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu]] from 2009 to 2011, when her husband was deputy chief minister under chief minister [[M. Karunanidhi]].

==Early life==
Durga was born as Shantha on 12 March 1955 in [[Tiruchirappalli]], Tamil Nadu, India to a working middle class [[Tamil language|Tamil]] speaking [[Hindu]] family. She is the eldest of three daughters.<ref>{{cite news |title=Durga Stalin's sister Sarumathi passes away at 62|url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/chennai/durga-stalins-sister-sarumathi-passes-away-at-62|work=www.dtnext.in|date=5 February 2023|language=en}}</ref> Her father was a school teacher, and died in 1969, when Durga was just aged 14 years. Durga was initially an active member in the party [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (AIADMK) which was ran by [[J. Jayalalithaa]], since her childhood.<ref>{{cite news |title=Durga Stalin’s sister passes away in Chennai|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/durga-stalins-sister-passes-away-in-chennai/article66475072.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=6 February 2023|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=A record of T.N.’s political history and societal life|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/a-record-of-tns-political-history-and-societal-life/article22872173.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=28 February 2018|language=en}}</ref>

==Writing career==
Durga Stalin started her career as an writer and author and has published more than 15 books in her native language [[Tamil language|Tamil]], which are taught in schools all over [[India]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Durga Stalin’s book ‘Avarum Naanum Part-2’ released|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2025/Jul/22/durga-stalins-book-avarum-naanum-part-2-released|work=New Indian Express|date=22 July 2025|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=MK Stalin’s wife Durga releases book amid praises|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/Feb/28/mk-stalins-wife-durga-releases-book-amid-praises-1779930.html|work=New Indian Express|date=28 February 2018|language=en}}</ref> Most of her books are based about real life incidents and events that happened among the members in the [[Karunanidhi family]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Reporter’s Diary: How Durga Stalin made mends with her in-laws|url=https://www.dtnext.in/amp/citizen/2018/03/06/reporters-diary-how-durga-stalin-made-mends-with-her-inlaws|work=www.dtnext.in|date=6 March 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=‘Wish to be one like you, as my husband is,’ says Durga Stalin at 'Avarum, Naanum' book launch|url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/wish-to-be-one-like-my-husband-says-durga-stalin-at-launch-of-book-documenting-50-years-of-kinship-840812|work=www.dtnext.in|date=22 July 2025|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Durga Stalin didn’t know Nedunchezhian during first meet at Gopalapuram house
|url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/chennai/durga-stalin-didnt-know-nedunchezhian-during-first-meet-at-gopalapuram-house|work=www.dtnext.in|date=22 July 2025|language=en}}</ref>

==Tenure as Spouse of the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (2009–2011)==
On 29 May 2009, the [[Governor of Tamil Nadu]] [[Surjit Singh Barnala]] appointed her husband [[M. K. Stalin]] as the state's deputy chief minister.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/headlines-today-top-stories/story/stalin-appointed-tamil-nadu-deputy-cm-48892-2009-05-28 |title=Stalin appointed Tamil Nadu Deputy CM |date=29 May 2009 |access-date=12 April 2016 |archive-date=25 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425213030/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Stalin+appointed+Tamil+Nadu+Deputy+CM/1/44292.html |url-status=live |work=[[India Today]] }}</ref> During her tenure, on 23 February 2011, the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]] received a special award for the best state among the largest states in [[India]], and the diamond state award for best state in civil safety, drinking water and sanitation, and women's development.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tamil Nadu & Himachal Pradesh win top honours at IBN7 Diamond States Awards |url=https://www.afaqs.com/media-briefs/47946_tamil-nadu--himachal-pradesh-win-top-honours-at-ibn7-diamond-states-awards |access-date=11 October 2022 |work=Afaqs |date=23 February 2011 |archive-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011113652/https://www.afaqs.com/media-briefs/47946_tamil-nadu--himachal-pradesh-win-top-honours-at-ibn7-diamond-states-awards |url-status=live }}</ref> The state also won the most number of Nirmal Gram Awards for its exceptional role in maintaining sanitation in villages during her tenure.<ref>{{cite news |title=Trichi in TN bags highest number of Nirmal Gram Awards |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2008/nov/07/trichi-in-tn-bags-highest-number-of-nirmal-gram-awards-5138.html |access-date=11 October 2022 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=14 May 2012 |archive-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011113651/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2008/nov/07/trichi-in-tn-bags-highest-number-of-nirmal-gram-awards-5138.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Stalin’s star campaigner — his wife|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2011/Mar/27/stalins-star-campaigner-%E2%80%94-his-wife-239065.html|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=17 May 2012|language=en}}</ref>

==Case against Junior Vikatan Magazine (2019)==
In 2019, Durga sued the weekly magazine company [[Ananda Vikatan]] over a 'defamatory' article in their Tamil magazine Junior [[Vikatan]]. Durga called the article 'entirely false, misleading, malicious and highly defamatory'. She also took legal action against the publishers and editors of the magazine if they do not tender an unconditional public apology, retract the article are required pay Rs 10 [[crore]] within 48 hours (to be used for charitable purposes) and disclose the source for the article.<ref>{{cite news |title=MK Stalin's wife Durga threatens to sue Vikatan: Wants apology, Rs 10 cr in damages|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/mk-stalins-wife-durga-threatens-sue-vikatan-wants-apology-rs-10-cr-damages-106158|work=The News Minute|date=26 July 2019|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=DMK Stalin"s Wife demands Rs.10 Crore from Vikatan Magazine for damages
|url=https://www.indiaherald.com/Politics/Read/369057/DMK-Stalin-s-Wife-demands-Rs-10-Crore-from-Vikatan-Magazine-for-damages|work=indiaherald.com|date=27 July 2019|language=en}}</ref>

==Tenure as Spouse of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (2021–2026)==
After her husband's inauguration as [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]] in 2021. Durga did a lot of volunteer work in the community and around the state of [[Tamil Nadu]], she inaugurated and built facilities such as schools, hospitals and essential needs around the state as the role of the spouse of the chief minister.<ref>{{cite news |title=Durga Stalin inaugurates hospital|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/durga-stalin-inaugurates-hospital/article36393051.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=10 September 2021|language=en}}</ref> As the spouse of the chief minister she accompanied her husband on global events and political meetings in places like [[San Francisco]], [[London]] and [[Germany]] making allies with cities and countries on behalf of her husband.<ref>{{cite news |title=T.N. CM Stalin lands in San Francisco to a rousing reception|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-chief-minister-us-trip-stalin-lands-in-san-francisco-to-a-rousing-reception/article68580246.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=29 August 2024|language=en}}</ref>

She has also donated a lot of gold and wealth to prominent [[Hindu]] temples around [[India]] under her role.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tamil Nadu CM's spouse Durga Stalin gifts golden crown to Guruvayur temple ..|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2023/08/10/durga-stalin-presents-golden-crown-at-guruvayur-temple.html|work=www.onmanorama.com |date=10 August 2023|language=en}}</ref> Durga donated a 14 lakh worth golden crown to [[Guruvayur Temple]] in [[Kerala]] in 2023 as first lady.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tamil Nadu chief minister's wife offers Rs 14 lakh gold crown to Kerala temple|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tamil-nadu-chief-ministers-wife-offers-rs-14-lakh-gold-crown-kerala-guruvayur-temple-2419586-2023-08-11|work=India Today|date=13 August 2023|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Stalin’s wife to offer golden crown at Guruvayur Temple |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/stalins-wife-to-offer-golden-crown-at-guruvayur-temple/article67177163.ece|work=[[The Hindu]] |date=9 August 2023|language=en}}</ref> She also attended the ''[[Prana pratishtha]]'' ceremony for the [[Ram Mandir]] which was consecrated in [[Ayodhya]], representing the state of [[Tamil Nadu]] and on behalf of her husband, [[M. K. Stalin]].<ref>{{cite news |title=CM's wife Durga Stalin invited to attend Ram Mandir's 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony|url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/cm-stalins-wife-durga-stalin-invited-to-attend-ram-temples-pran-pratishtha-ceremony-761084|work=www.dtnext.in|date=14 January 2024|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Durga Stalin receives sacred ‘Akshatham’ ahead of Prana Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya Ram Temple|url=https://english.janamtv.com/news/india/90007/durga-stalin-receives-sacred-akshatham-ahead-of-prana-pratishtha-ceremony-in-ayodhya-ram-temple/|work=english.janamtv.com|date=15 January 2024|language=en}}</ref> She also donated several deity ornaments and jewellery to the [[Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala]] in [[Tirupati]] making a deal of unity and alliance with the government of the state [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Andhra Pradesh: TN CM's wife Durga Stalin offers prayers at Tirumala|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amaravati/andhra-pradesh-tn-cms-wife-durga-stalin-offers-prayers-at-tirumala/articleshow/85153187.cms|work=[[Times Of India]]|date=8 August 2021|language=en}}</ref>

In 2025, she also spent a few days in [[Kanchipuram]] learning about the ancient [[Dravidian architecture]] in the temples [[Kamakshi Amman Temple]] and [[Ekambareswarar Temple (Kanchipuram)]] and offered donations to temple construction workers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Durga Stalin honours artisans of Kanchipuram temple's golden chariot|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/india/durga-stalin-honours-artisans-of-kanchipuram-temples-golden-chariot-articleshow-fc3evlb|work=Asianet News|date=7 December 2025|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Durga Stalin visits Kanchipuram, honours ancient temple artisans for their craft|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/religion/durga-stalin-visits-kanchipuram-honours-ancient-temple-artisans-for-their-craft-article-13715444.html|work=www.moneycontrol.com|date=8 December 2025|language=en}}</ref>

Durga also was involved in the [[Kollywood]] cinema industry for promoting films which talk about social awareness and religion specifically [[Hinduism]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Durga Stalin releases Sai Baba film trailer|url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/durga-stalin-releases-sai-baba-film-trailer|work=www.dtnext.in|date=24 December 2025|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Hindu Tamil Thisai’s Deepavali Malar launched|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/hindu-tamil-thisais-deepavali-malar-launched/article65985563.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=9 October 2022|language=en}}</ref> During her tenure as first lady she conducted several award ceremonies representing the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] party and awards for women empowerment and female entrepreneurs.<ref>{{cite news |title=35 women receive ‘Surya Magal’ award|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/35-women-receive-surya-magal-award/article69401388.ece#google_vignette|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2 April 2025|language=en}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
Durga married [[M. K. Stalin]] on 20 August 1975.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stalin, in the words of his devoted wife
|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/stalin-in-the-words-of-his-devoted-wife/article22847766.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=25 February 2018|language=en}}</ref> They have two children.<ref>{{cite news |title=Every mom wants son to do well: Durga Stalin|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/tamil-nadu/every-mom-wants-son-to-do-well-durga-stalin/articleshow/81733762.cms|work=[[Times Of India]]|date=28 March 2021|language=en}}</ref> Their son, [[Udhayanidhi Stalin]], is an actor and politician who since 2024 is [[List of deputy chief ministers of Tamil Nadu|deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu]].<ref>{{cite news |title=MK Stalin’s Wife Durga Gets Emotional As He Takes Oath As Tamil Nadu CM, Video Goes Viral|url=https://www.india.com/viral/video-mk-stalins-wife-durga-gets-emotional-as-he-takes-oath-as-tamil-nadu-cm-video-goes-viral-watch-4645965/#goog_rewarded|work=India.Com|date=7 May 2021|language=en}}</ref> Their daughter Senthamarai is an entrepreneur and education professional.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sunshine {{!}} Management|url=http://sunshineschool.in/senior/management.aspx|access-date=25 January 2022|work=Sunshine school|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928064400/http://sunshineschool.in/senior/management.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=4 April 2021|title=V Sabareesan: Tamil Nadu's first family's premier son-in-law|url=https://indianexpress.com/elections/v-sabareesan-tamil-nadus-first-familys-premier-son-in-law-7258121/|access-date=25 January 2022|work=[[The Indian Express]]|archive-date=21 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121142001/https://indianexpress.com/elections/v-sabareesan-tamil-nadus-first-familys-premier-son-in-law-7258121/|url-status=live}}</ref> Durga has described herself of having deep faith in [[Hinduism]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Durga Stalin prays at Tirumala|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/durga-stalin-prays-at-tirumala/article35799106.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=8 August 2021|language=en}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Stalin, Durga}}
[[Category:1955 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian Tamil politicians]]
[[Category:Karunanidhi family]]
[[Category:Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam politicians]]
[[Category:Indian Tamil people]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian women politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian politicians]]
[[Category:Politicians from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Tamil-language writers]]
[[Category:Women writers from Tamil Nadu]]

Durga Stalin - Revision history

A.RAHMAN at 08:38, 6 May 2026