The Nilgiri History Museum housed in the historic Sullivan Memorial at Kannerimukku near Kotagiri has urged the Government to extend a helping hand to convert it into a major centre of attraction for tourists, researchers, locals and students.
In an appeal to Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Sunday, Dharmalingam Venugopal, director of the Nilgiris Documentation Centre (NDC), which runs the Museum, expressed the hope that the heritage facility would be made part of the Pongal benevolence of the government.
The heritage building was rebuilt in 2002. From 200,6 the NDC was running it with great difficulty. The highest standards of cleanliness, discipline and museum duties were maintained.
Stating that the visitor’s book was ample proof of visitors the museum attracted from all over the country and the world and their high praise for its content and service, he said that it had considerable potential.
Pointing out that the death anniversary of John Sullivan, popularly referred to as the founder of Ooty, falls on January 15, he averred that no colonial family could match the contribution of the Sullivans to the Tamils. John Sullivan Sr., as resident at Tanjavur, brought education and development to the southern district around 1788. John Sullivan and his son Henry Sullivan served as Collectors in most districts of Tamil Nadu. Benjamin Sullivan, Sullivan’s uncle, was a Chief Justice of Madras High Court. Several other Sullivans also served as police officers.
