How Many Statues and Memorial Halls Did the TN Government Install to Honor Icons and Freedom Fighters?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tamil Nadu government installed 63 statues and 11 memorial halls in four years.
- Initiative honors national leaders and freedom fighters.
- Includes prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar.
- Statue of Thiruvalluvar stands as a cultural landmark.
- Comparison with previous administrations highlights a commitment to Tamil heritage.
Chennai, June 29 (NationPress) In a significant effort to honor the legacy of national leaders, Tamil scholars, and freedom fighters, the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has successfully erected 63 statues and created 11 memorial halls throughout the state in the last four years, as indicated by an official statement released on Sunday.
The government reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the heritage of those who fought for India’s liberation and advocated for the Tamil language. This initiative is designed to motivate upcoming generations to cherish their ideals and sacrifices for the nation and culture. “Among the standout achievements is the 133-foot-tall statue of Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar located in Kanniyakumari, initially envisioned by former CM M. Karunanidhi. To mark its 25th anniversary, Chief Minister Stalin inaugurated the adjacent ‘Wisdom Dome’ on December 30, 2024,” the statement highlighted.
The government also unveiled statues of Mahatma Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar, Tamil poet Subramania Bharathiar, former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar, Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy, famous singer T.M. Soundararajan, and senior DMK leader K. Anbazhagan, among others. Memorial halls and statues have also been dedicated to freedom fighters such as Veeran Sundaralingam, Kuyili, and V.O. Chidambaram, along with monuments honoring literary figures including Mayuram Vedanayagam Pillai and Bharathidasan.
“Extending Tamil pride beyond borders, the government has established a statue of humanitarian and engineer Colonel John Pennycuick in the UK, and constructed a memorial house for poet Bharathiar in Varanasi, further solidifying Tamil Nadu’s cultural legacy on a global platform,” the statement mentioned.
In comparison to previous administrations, the government noted that only 25 statues were installed between 2011 and 2021 under the AIADMK regime. It characterized that period as one of “limited vision and neglect” regarding Tamil cultural icons. In contrast, the current government claims its inclusive cultural initiatives, which encompass historical, literary, and social reform figures, now act as a model for the entire nation, celebrating diversity and heritage.