Chennai: To popularise tribal art and local ethos through popularly used rail networks, five railway stations in the state could be developed to exhibit art forms pertaining to tribal places in the state.
Taking a cue from airports that exhibit various artworks depicting the cultural significance of a state, railway stations at Coonoor, Mettupalayam,
Udagamandalam, Rameswaram and Madurai may soon have tribal art exhibits to popularise history and cultural vibrancy of the tribal groups around those regions.
Initially, a proposal from the Railway Board suggested improving aesthetics of railway stations through art, a senior railway official said. “Two stations in the Southern Railway zone — Madurai and Trivandrum — were selected for displaying artwork so people could be aware of the cultural and historical importance of the place,” he said.
Later, a similar proposal from Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd (TNHDC) was approved, which suggested exhibit of items that display tribal art as these five stations are surrounded regions habituated by a number of tribal groups, and which have a vibrant heritage.
“This move will help people appreciate the local ethos, and also make them aware of the historical and cultural importance of the place,” said an official.
“Beautifying stations in this manner will not only add to the splendour of a railway station, but also make people aware about local and tribal culture in that region,” he continued.
“Beautifying stations is one step, but maintaining the already existing stations is another. Railways and commuters together should aim at keeping the stations clean and tidy, at the same time appreciate such development,” said C. Meera, a railway commuter.
