Germany keen to renovate Gundert Park in Thalassery

Kozhikode: Germany is interested in renovating the dilapidated Gundert Park in Thalassery.

German honorary consul Dr Syed Ibrahim had recently visited the park near Thalassery Municipal Stadium and expressed willingness to aid its renovation.

Talks are also on with the Church of South India (CSI) officials for renovating and converting Gundert’s Bungalow at Illikkunnu into a museum and research centre.

The Gundert Park and the bronze statue of Dr Hermann Gundert- the German missionary, scholar, and linguist known for his immense contribution to the Malayalam language, is one of the iconic spots in Thalassery.

Though the voluntary organisations occasionally remove bushes, the Park still lacks a permanent maintenance system and is a haven for stray dogs and weeds. The Gundert Park and the statue is one of the major tourist spots in Thalassery frequently visited by tourists, especially those from Germany.

“Germany is keen on preserving the existing links between both countries and Thalassery is a major place where Dr Gundert spent over two decades. We hope soon we can do the needful with the cooperation of municipal and revenue authorities,” said Dr Ibrahim, who had already talked to local legislator A.N. Shamseer and municipality chairperson C.K. Ramesan.

The park houses many trees planted by eminent persons including the mayor of Gundert’s hometown Calw. It was during his death centenary in 1993, the then culture minister T.M. Jacob announced a memorial for him.

In August 2000 the then chief minister E.K. Nayanar unveiled the statue.

“The bungalow of Gundert is also needed proper care. I have already met the CSI officials who own the place. They are happy to co-operate and will soon explore the possibilities of how to go about it,” the Consul added.