Madurai Farmers Extend Warm Welcome to UK Delegation Honoring British Engineer
In Melur and surrounding areas of Madurai district, the name John Pennycuick resonates deeply with farming communities. Farmers here consistently honor the British engineer whose work fundamentally changed their agricultural landscape through the construction of the Mullaperiyar dam.
Annual Celebration Gains International Significance
What typically functions as a straightforward annual gathering at the John Pennycuick Memorial Hall acquired special meaning this Wednesday. A delegation from Camberley, England visited the site. Colonel John Pennycuick passed away in Camberley on March 9, 1911.
The visiting group included Mathew Sleap and Sharon Pilling from St Peter's Church. Surrey Heath councillor Alan Ashbery joined the delegation alongside Surrey Heath mayor Louise Ashbery, deputy mayor Cliff Bennett, and Nicky Coles.
Community Gathers to Celebrate Legacy
Approximately three hundred to four hundred farmers and local residents assembled at the Colonel John Pennycuick bus stand in Melur. They came specifically to receive the delegation from England. Community members welcomed the visitors with traditional garlands.
The delegation enjoyed various cultural performances arranged for their visit. Early celebrations for John Pennycuick's upcoming birth anniversary on January 15 featured a cake-cutting ceremony. Organizers distributed sweets to all attendees.
Farmers Voice Their Gratitude
M Murugan, who serves as president of the Mullaiperiyar Single Crop Farmers Association in Melur, expressed the community's perspective. "Our entire district and even neighboring districts survive because of him," Murugan stated emphatically. "The Mullaperiyar dam forms the backbone of our agricultural system."
He further explained how multiple generations of farmers continue to benefit from the irrigation provided by the dam structure. The water supply remains crucial for their farming activities year after year.
Indoor Meeting Addresses Local Requests
Following the public celebrations, participants moved indoors for a formal meeting. During this session, farmers reiterated their long-standing request. They want authorities to erect a statue of Pennycuick directly in front of the bus stand that bears his name.
Exchange of Gifts and Future Plans
Before their departure, local organizers presented the delegation with various gifts. These included traditional sweets, shawls, calendars, books, and other commemorative items.
The delegation plans to watch the Avaniyapuram jallikattu event on January 15. On January 16, Surrey Heath mayor Louise Ashbery will sign an important agreement with Madurai corporation commissioner Chitra Vijayan.
This agreement establishes a twin cities partnership between the regions. The long-term collaboration aims to promote cooperation in several key areas:
- Education and research initiatives
- Cultural and heritage preservation
- Tourism development
- Economic growth projects
- Urban sustainability efforts
The partnership represents a meaningful extension of the connection between these communities, a connection that began with one engineer's vision over a century ago.
