CM Stalin Inaugurates Gandhi-Jeeva Memorial Hall in Sivaganga, Recalls Historic Freedom Struggle Moment
Chief Minister M K Stalin of Tamil Nadu inaugurated the Gandhi-Jeeva memorial hall at Siravayal village in Sivaganga district on Friday. The hall, constructed at a cost of Rs 3.27 crore, commemorates the historic meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and freedom fighter Jeevanandam during India's independence movement.
A Tribute to Freedom Fighters and Their Legacy
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Stalin recounted the poignant interaction between Gandhi and Jeevanandam. "Comrade Jeeva built an ashram for Mahatma Gandhi. When Gandhiji visited, he inquired about Jeeva's property. Jeeva responded, 'This is my property.' Gandhiji, in his characteristic wisdom, reportedly replied, 'No, all of India is your property,'" the Chief Minister shared. This exchange symbolizes the spirit of sacrifice and national ownership that defined the freedom struggle.
To honor this significant moment, the memorial includes not only the hall but also a statue and a dedicated memorial structure. Stalin emphasized that the facility was designed as a marriage hall to serve the local community practically, rather than being a mere symbolic construction.
Announcement of Karl Marx Statue in Chennai
During his address, Stalin revealed plans to install a statue of Karl Marx in Tamil Nadu. This decision came in response to a request from CPM state secretary P Shanmugam, who highlighted Marx's extensive use of libraries. The statue will be placed at the museum within the Connemara Library in Chennai, with an unveiling ceremony scheduled for February 6. Stalin extended an invitation to the leaders present at the event to attend this unveiling.
Further Engagements and Homages in Sivaganga
Following the inauguration, Stalin proceeded to Kundrakudi, where he garlanded and paid homage to the statue of Thavathiru Kundrakudi Adigalar at Arulalayam. He also unveiled a stone inscription marking the centenary of Adigalar at his memorial. Later, at Kalanivasal, the Chief Minister unveiled a statue of renowned Tamil poet Mudiyarasan, which was installed at a cost of Rs 50 lakh.
Distinguished Attendees and Upcoming Government Events
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Ministers K K S S R Ramachandran, Thangam Thennarasu, K R Periyakaruppan, M P Saminathan, R S Rajakanappan, Siva V Meyyanathan, Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram, Sivaganga MP Karti Chidambaram, and CPM state secretary P Shanmugam.
Earlier in the day, Stalin received a warm reception from DMK cadres and local residents upon his arrival in Sivaganga. The Chief Minister is set to participate in a government event on Saturday, where he will inaugurate completed projects, lay foundation stones for new initiatives, and distribute welfare assistance to beneficiaries, furthering the state's developmental agenda.
