DMK govt installed 11 memorials, 63 statues in four years
Chennai: The DMK govt has installed 63 statues and 11 memorials over the last four years, which is more than double the number of statues erected during the 10 year rule of the previous AIADMK govt.
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A statement from the govt said the AIADMK had installed only 25 statues between 2011 and 2021.
While the DMK govt has installed more than five dozen statues across the state so far, work was underway to construct statues for 28 more leaders and 12 additional memorials, furthering the Dravidian model govt's efforts to preserve and honour the contributions of icons who shaped Tamil identity and history, according to the statement.
The statement noted that former chief minister M Karunanidhi was the pioneer in honouring stalwarts.
Among the notable structures installed by Karunanidhi was the statue of Tamil poet Tiruvalluvar in 2000 and the govt celebrated 25the anniversary of the statues, recently.
Chief minister M K Stalin is continuing the legacy of Karunanidhi by constructing statues for leaders, Tamil scholars and even for leaders from foreign countries who have contributed for the development of Tamil society.
Among the statues unveiled by the current govt include Dr B R Ambedkar at the Ambedkar Memorial in Chennai, Col John Pennycuick in England, freedom fighter Anjalai Ammal in Cuddalore and Sir John Marshall, British archaeologist in Egmore.
In addition, the house where poet Bharathiyar lived in Varanasi has been converted into a memorial, the statement said.
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