A small structure with a nameplate, installed to commemorate former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s 48th birthday in 1971, in Ashok Nagar, is now in a dilapidated state
| Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj
A small memorial structure in Ashok Nagar, with a plaque and a metal lettering sign, installed to commemorate former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s 48th birthday, is in poor shape, and will soon be restored by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).
The plaque reads that the structure was erected to commemorate Karunanidhi’s birthday as well as the occasion of the Kodambakkam-Pudur Housing Scheme Phase II being named ‘Kalaignar Karunanidhi Nagar’ (K.K. Nagar) on June 3, 1971. It was inaugurated by then-Governor K. K. Shah in the presence of then-Ministers of the Cabinet Anbil Dharmalingam, K. Rajaram, and S.J Sadiq Pasha.
The main structure and its base are made of concrete, while the sloped roof is made of clay tiles. The name contains steel lettering, and there is brickwork on the side of the structure. The facade is now broken in several places, and is surrounded by debris, with posters stuck on the walls.
Ward 138 councillor K. Kannan said he had inspected the memorial recently, and had suggested the installation of a statue of the former CM or a small gazebo next to the plaque.
Chennai Corporation Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar said he too had noticed the dilapidated structure while passing by. “The proposal can be considered and taken up by the GCC,” he added.
Sharing a bit of history behind the memorial, he said that C.P. Pavalavannan, the Deputy Mayor in 1967 (when Chennai was Madras), had initially proposed a statue for Karunanidhi when he was the Tamil Nadu Public Works Minister in then-CM C.N. Annadurai’s Cabinet. However, Karunanidhi declined it, preferring not to have his statue raised while they were under Annadurai’s leadership. The memorial structure was later proposed and constructed in 1971, Mr. Kumaar noted.
Published – February 03, 2025 02:55 pm IST