Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, while paying his tribute to the late Cho Ramaswamy, noted journalist, political analyst and founder-editor of the Tamil magazine Thuglak, said he made the magazine a weapon against all divisive forces.
"Cho's greatest achievement is that he made Thuglak a weapon against all divisive forces," said Prime Minister Modi while addressing the 47th Thuglak anniversary in Chennai via video conference.
"For 47 years Thuglak magazine played a stellar role in the cause of safeguarding democratic values and national interest," he added further.
Emphasising on the important role played by Cho, the Prime Minister said, "If someone has to write the political history of India, he cannot write it without including Cho Ramaswamy and his political commentary."
Calling Thuglak a "platform for all", Prime Minister Modi said "Cho would carry views contrary, even hostile to him, and even abusive of him in his own magazine."
Applauding Cho's talent, the Prime Minister said, "Cho's satire made his criticism loveable even to those he criticized."
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"In the passing away of Sri Cho, we all have lost a friend who offered his invaluable wisdom to whoever came his way," said Prime Minister Modi.
Cho Ramaswamy breathed his last on December 7 and is survived by his wife, son and daughter.