Tamil Nadu in the 2010s
100 events, 2010 to 2019; 7 marked as turning points.
2010
Samacheer Kalvi: uniform school education
Tamil Nadu introduced a common syllabus across state, matriculation and other school boards; the Supreme Court upheld it in 2011.
Kalaignar Veettu Vasathi Thittam to replace huts
The DMK government launched a scheme to convert thatched rural huts into permanent concrete houses over six years.
Fee support for first-generation graduates
The state announced a scholarship to pay tuition and other fees of first graduates in a family who join professional courses.
New Assembly-Secretariat complex inaugurated
A new legislature and secretariat building on Anna Salai was opened, but the next government moved back to Fort St. George and turned it into a hospital.
Chennai Super Kings win their first IPL title
Founded in 2008, the Chennai Super Kings defeated Mumbai Indians in the final to take their first Indian Premier League title.
World Classical Tamil Conference in Coimbatore
The state government hosted the World Classical Tamil Conference in Coimbatore to mark Tamil's classical status.
Anna Centenary Library opens in Kotturpuram
A large public library named after C. N. Annadurai opened in Chennai on his birth anniversary.
Millennium celebrations of the Thanjavur Big Temple
Thanjavur marked 1,000 years of the Brihadisvara Temple with cultural events, including a performance by 1,000 Bharatanatyam dancers.
2011
Free mixers, grinders, fans and livestock
The new AIADMK government began giving households free mixers, grinders and fans, and goats and cows to poor families.
India protests Sri Lankan Navy attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen
India formally protested to Sri Lanka over alleged Sri Lankan Navy attacks on Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait.
Tholkappia Poonga eco-park opens on the Adyar estuary
A park restoring the ecology of the Adyar creek in Chennai opened and was named in honour of the Tamil grammarian Tholkappiar.
Former Telecom Minister A. Raja and later Kanimozhi were arrested in the 2G spectrum case; a special court acquitted all accused in 2017.
AIADMK returns to power in 2011
The AIADMK alliance won a large majority and J. Jayalalithaa became Chief Minister for the third time; the DMDK became the main opposition.
Free rice for ration card holders
In her first public event of the new term, Jayalalithaa launched free rice for eligible ration card holders under the universal PDS.
Marriage assistance with gold for the thirumangalyam
Jayalalithaa revised the marriage assistance schemes to add 4 grams of gold for the thirumangalyam and raised aid for graduates to Rs. 50,000.
Protests against the Kudankulam nuclear plant
Fishing villages around Idinthakarai led a sustained movement against the Kudankulam nuclear plant, which nonetheless began operating in 2013 and 2014.
Chief Minister's Uzhavar Pathukappu Thittam
A farmers' security scheme gave registered landless labourers, small farmers and tenants cash help for education, marriage, death and old age.
Police opened fire on Dalits protesting at Paramakudi on the Immanuel Sekaran memorial day, and the death toll rose to seven.
Free laptop scheme for students
Students at government and aided schools and colleges started receiving free laptops from the AIADMK government.
Cyclone Thane strikes Cuddalore and Puducherry
Thane, a very severe cyclonic storm, crossed the coast between Cuddalore and Puducherry, wrecking homes, crops and trees.
2012
Western Ghats inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Western Ghats mountain range, which runs through western Tamil Nadu including the Nilgiris and Anamalai hills, became a World Heritage Site.
Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme
Jayalalithaa launched a state health insurance scheme for 1.34 crore families, replacing the earlier Kalaignar insurance scheme.
Pension scheme for destitute transgender persons
Jayalalithaa announced a monthly pension of Rs. 1,000 for transgender persons above 40 living in poverty.
Sivakasi fireworks factory explosion
Forty people died and over 70 were hurt when an explosion hit the Om Sakthi fireworks factory near Sivakasi.
Mobs burned Dalit homes in three villages near Dharmapuri after an inter-caste marriage.
2013
Madurai malli recognised as a geographical indication
Madurai jasmine became the first flower from Tamil Nadu to be given geographical indication status.
Amma Unavagam subsidised canteens open
The Chennai Corporation opened low-cost canteens selling idli for one rupee, later expanded across the state.
Sathyamangalam declared a tiger reserve
The Government of India declared the Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuary in Erode district the fourth tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu.
Student protests over Sri Lankan Tamils
Colleges were shut after students throughout Tamil Nadu protested over alleged war crimes against Sri Lankan Tamils.
At Marakkanam, PMK cadres heading to a Vanniyar youth festival clashed with Dalit villagers, setting off violence in the northern districts.
The state began selling one-litre bottles of drinking water for Rs. 10 at bus termini and on long-distance government buses.
Gangaikondan Spotted Deer Sanctuary notified
Tamil Nadu notified a sanctuary at Gangaikondan in Tirunelveli district dedicated to the protection of spotted deer.
Kudankulam reactor 1 connected to the grid
Following years of delay and protest, the first VVER-1000 reactor at Kudankulam was synchronised with the power grid.
Chennai hosts the Anand-Carlsen World Chess Championship
Playing in his home city, Viswanathan Anand put his world title on the line against Magnus Carlsen and lost it to the Norwegian.
India's Prime Minister skips CHOGM in Colombo after Tamil Nadu pressure
After a unanimous Tamil Nadu Assembly resolution, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stayed away from the Commonwealth summit in Colombo.
2014
Supreme Court verdict on Mullaperiyar dam
The Supreme Court allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the Mullaperiyar reservoir level to 142 feet and struck down Kerala's law restricting it.
Tamil Nadu parties oppose Rajapaksa's invitation to Modi's swearing-in
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's attendance at Narendra Modi's swearing-in drew opposition from parties across Tamil Nadu.
Jayalalithaa opened the first ten 'Amma' pharmacies to sell quality medicines at fair prices.
The Tamil Nadu Salt Corporation began selling low-priced iodised and fortified salt under the 'Amma' brand.
An eleven-storey apartment block under construction collapsed at Moulivakkam in Chennai, killing 61 people, mostly construction workers.
Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa win Commonwealth squash gold
The Chennai pair won the women's doubles at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, India's first Commonwealth medal in squash.
Chennai Outer Ring Road phase I opens
The first phase of the Chennai Outer Ring Road, built to divert traffic around the city, was opened to the public.
Jayalalithaa convicted in disproportionate assets case
A Bengaluru special court convicted Jayalalithaa, forcing her to resign; the Karnataka High Court acquitted her in 2015 and she returned as Chief Minister.
Nokia halts production at Sriperumbudur
Nokia suspended handset production at its Sriperumbudur factory near Chennai after Microsoft ended its manufacturing agreement.
2015
Jayalalithaa announced low-cost comprehensive health check-ups in government hospitals and twice-weekly tests at primary health centres.
Amma Cement sold at half the market price
The state began selling low-priced 'Amma' cement at Rs. 190 a bag through Civil Supplies Corporation godowns, starting in Tiruchi.
Green tribunal hears challenge to the Theni neutrino observatory
Acting on a petition against the environmental clearance for the India-based Neutrino Observatory in Theni district, the National Green Tribunal issued notices.
Jayalalithaa acquitted on appeal and returns as Chief Minister
Acquitted in the assets case by the Karnataka High Court, J. Jayalalithaa took the oath as Chief Minister for a fifth time.
Murder of Dalit engineering student Gokulraj
Dalit engineering student V. Gokulraj was abducted from a temple in Tiruchengode and murdered, in a case treated as an honour killing.
The first stretch of Chennai Metro, between Koyambedu and Alandur, opened to passengers.
Seshasamudram violence over a Dalit temple car procession
A dominant-caste mob attacked the Dalit colony of Seshasamudram and burned a temple car on the eve of its procession.
First Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet
The state held its first Global Investors Meet at the Chennai Trade Centre, signing more than 100 investment MoUs.
Amma Baby Care Kit for newborns
Mothers delivering in government hospitals began receiving a free kit of 16 baby care items worth about Rs. 1,000.
Extremely heavy north-east monsoon rains flooded Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Cuddalore, killing hundreds of people.
Chennaiyin FC win the Indian Super League
Chennaiyin FC beat FC Goa 3-2 in the final in Goa to win the Indian Super League in only its second season.
2016
Tamil Nadu Premier League launched
A Twenty20 league with franchises based on districts was launched by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association to showcase local players.
Free bus rides for senior citizens in Chennai
Senior citizens in Chennai were allowed ten free rides a month on ordinary city buses, using tokens issued by the transport corporation.
Udumalaipettai honour killing of Shankar
Dalit youth Shankar was hacked to death in a busy street in Udumalaipettai for marrying Kausalya, a woman from a dominant caste.
Crop loan waiver and 100 free units of household power
Back in power, Jayalalithaa cancelled the cooperative crop loans of 16.94 lakh farmers and made the first 100 units of household power free.
Winning a second term in a row, the AIADMK became the first party in power in Tamil Nadu to be returned to office since 1984.
Mariyappan Thangavelu wins Paralympic high jump gold
Mariyappan Thangavelu from Salem district won the T-42 high jump gold at the Rio Paralympics with a jump of 1.89 m.
Kamuthi solar power plant completed
A 648 MW solar power plant built by the Adani group at Kamuthi in Ramanathapuram district was completed.
Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa died at Apollo Hospital, Chennai, after a 75-day hospitalisation; O. Panneerselvam was sworn in the same night.
Cyclone Vardah made landfall near Chennai, uprooting thousands of trees and cutting power and communication across the city.
2017
Tamil Thalaivas join the Pro Kabaddi League
When the Pro Kabaddi League grew to twelve teams for its fifth season, Tamil Nadu gained a franchise of its own.
Pro-jallikattu protests at Marina Beach
Mass protests led largely by students and youth at Marina Beach forced an ordinance and then a state law allowing jallikattu.
Ennore oil spill after tanker collision
Two tankers collided off Kamarajar Port in Ennore, and the resulting oil spill spread along the north Chennai coast.
Neduvasal protests against hydrocarbon extraction
Villagers of Neduvasal in Pudukkottai district protested against a central plan to extract hydrocarbons from farmland.
Sasikala convicted; Edappadi K. Palaniswami becomes Chief Minister
After the Supreme Court restored V. K. Sasikala's conviction, AIADMK legislators chose Edappadi K. Palaniswami as Chief Minister.
Kodanad estate robbery and murder
A watchman was killed during a break-in at the Kodanad tea estate in the Nilgiris, a retreat used by J. Jayalalithaa.
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam memorial opens at Rameswaram
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the DRDO-built memorial to A. P. J. Abdul Kalam at Peikarumbu, Rameswaram.
The Palaniswami and Panneerselvam factions of the AIADMK reunited, with Panneerselvam becoming Deputy Chief Minister.
Death of S. Anitha and the NEET protests
Dalit student S. Anitha, who had challenged NEET in the Supreme Court, died by suicide, triggering protests across the state.
Cyclone Ockhi strikes Kanyakumari
Cyclone Ockhi caused heavy damage in Kanyakumari district and many fishermen out at sea were lost.
2018
Supreme Court final verdict on Cauvery waters
The Supreme Court reduced Tamil Nadu's share of Cauvery water slightly and ordered a scheme for implementation, leading to the Cauvery Water Management Authority.
Kamal Haasan founds Makkal Needhi Maiam
Actor Kamal Haasan launched the Makkal Needhi Maiam party at a public meeting in Madurai.
Amma Two-Wheeler scheme for working women
Prime Minister Modi launched a 50 percent subsidy, up to Rs. 25,000, for working women buying scooters, on Jayalalithaa's 70th birth anniversary.
T. T. V. Dhinakaran founds the AMMK
Expelled AIADMK leader T. T. V. Dhinakaran launched the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam at Melur as a breakaway party.
Thoothukudi anti-Sterlite police firing
Police fired on protesters marching against the Sterlite copper smelter in Thoothukudi, killing 13 people; the state ordered the plant closed.
Chennai Super Kings win the IPL on return from suspension
In their first season back after a two-year suspension, Chennai Super Kings beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in the IPL final.
Cauvery Water Management Authority constituted
Following the Supreme Court's final Cauvery verdict, the Union government created the Cauvery Water Management Authority.
R. Praggnanandhaa becomes a grandmaster at twelve
Aged 12 years and 10 months, R. Praggnanandhaa of Chennai became a grandmaster, at that time the second-youngest ever.
Former Chief Minister and DMK president M. Karunanidhi died in Chennai and was buried at Marina Beach after a High Court ruling.
M. K. Stalin elected DMK president
M. K. Stalin was elected unopposed as president of the DMK, succeeding his father M. Karunanidhi.
Cyclone Gaja devastates the Cauvery delta
Cyclone Gaja crossed the coast near Vedaranyam, killing dozens and destroying coconut groves, homes and boats in the delta districts.
2019
Erode turmeric gets a geographical indication
The Government of India recognised Erode turmeric (Erode manjal) as a geographical indication.
Palani panchamirtham gets geographical indication
Palani Murugan temple's panchamirtham offering was the first temple prasadam in Tamil Nadu to receive a GI tag.
Tamil Nadu bans single-use plastics
The Tamil Nadu government's ban on plastic carry bags and other single-use plastic items came into force on 1 January 2019.
D. Gukesh becomes a grandmaster at twelve
Aged 12 years, 7 months and 17 days, Chennai's D. Gukesh earned the grandmaster title, at that point the second-youngest ever to do so.
Second Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet
The Palaniswami government held the second Global Investors Meet in Chennai, facilitating 304 MoUs worth about Rs 3 lakh crore.
Pollachi sexual assault and extortion case
Arrests in Pollachi exposed a gang accused of sexually assaulting and blackmailing many women, causing statewide outrage and protests.
DMK alliance sweeps 2019 Lok Sabha election in Tamil Nadu
The DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance won 38 of the 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu.
After a failed monsoon, Chennai's main reservoirs dried up, forcing heavy reliance on tankers and water brought by train from Jolarpet.
Keezhadi excavation report dates Sangam-era settlement
The Tamil Nadu archaeology department reported that finds at Keezhadi near Madurai date to about the 6th century BCE.
Modi and Xi Jinping hold informal summit at Mamallapuram
Among the Pallava monuments of Mamallapuram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Chinese President Xi Jinping for an informal summit.
Tamil Nadu Day first observed on 1 November
The Palaniswami government began observing 1 November as Tamil Nadu Day; in 2022 the DMK government moved it to 18 July.
Tenkasi district carved out of Tirunelveli
On 22 November 2019, Tenkasi district was carved out of Tirunelveli district.
Kallakurichi, announced on 8 January 2019 as the 33rd district, came into existence on 26 November 2019.
Vellore district trifurcated into Vellore, Ranipet and Tirupattur
Ranipet and Tirupattur districts, carved out of Vellore district, were officially declared on 28 November 2019.
Chengalpattu district carved out of Kanchipuram
Chengalpattu district, taking in Chennai's southern suburbs, came into existence on 29 November 2019.
