CM Stalin inaugurates renovated Periyar memorial in Kerala’s Vaikom

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the renovated Periyar Memorial in Vaikom, Kerala as part of the centenary celebrations of the historic Vaikom Satyagraha. Thanthai Periyar Memorial and Periyar Library is established in honour of Dravidar Kazhagam founder E V Ramasamy.

The event drew a large crowd to Vaikom, a town known for the historic Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-1925), which fought for the rights of lower castes to access temple roads. Periyar E.V. Ramasamy played a pivotal role in the temple entry movement, leading it to a historic victory. To honor this achievement, a memorial for Periyar was established in Vaikom. The Tamil Nadu government constructed the memorial on land provided by the Kerala government, and it was first inaugurated in 1994.

After decades, the Tamil Nadu government undertook the renovation of the memorial under the orders of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, allocating ₹8.14 crore for the project. The renovation, executed by the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department, included modernizing the memorial, expanding the library, and enhancing its facilities.

Upon his arrival, Chief Minister Stalin was given a warm welcome. He and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan jointly inaugurated the renovated Periyar Memorial and Library.

The event also saw the participation of Dravidar Kazhagam President K. Veeramani, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, Tamil Nadu Ministers Duraimurugan, E.V. Velu, and Saminathan, along with several MPs and Kerala ministers.

Earlier, Stalin and Vijayan paid floral tributes to Periyar’s statue at the memorial.