Madurai to Get Grand VOC Memorial

A foundation stone ceremony for the construction of a 110-foot statue in memory of freedom fighter Kappalottiya Tamizhan V.O. Chidambaram Pillai will be held in Madurai on February 22, with Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan set to attend the event, New Justice Party leader A.C. Shanmugam announced on Tuesday, outlining a major cultural and heritage initiative planned for the city.

Location and Scale of the Project:
Madurai city, 2.5-acre land parcel, strategically chosen site with tourism potential, public accessibility, and scope for heritage-based development.

Design and Structural Details:
Statue height of 110 feet, pedestal height of 20 feet, total structure rising to 130 feet, sculpted to reflect the courage and legacy of V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, with long-term structural durability.

Financial Outlay and Execution:
Project to be executed by the ACS Foundation, estimated cost of Rs 10 crore, implementation through private initiative and public support, construction timeline fixed at 18 months.

Tourism and Cultural Development:
Plans to develop the statue site as a full-fledged tourism centre, inclusion of historical interpretation zones, visitor amenities, and exhibits highlighting the freedom struggle and Tamil Nadu’s role in India’s independence movement.

Ceremonial Events and Future Plans:
Foundation stone laying ceremony scheduled for February 22 with the Vice President’s participation, commencement of construction thereafter, and a proposal for a grand inauguration ceremony upon completion, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A.C. Shanmugam stated that the project would stand as a lasting tribute to the legacy of Kappalottiya Tamizhan and significantly enhance Madurai’s cultural and historical profile at the national level.