The Department of Posts’ stall at the Rotary Book Fair in Tiruchi witnessed a surge in visitors on Gandhi Jayanthi and the day after. The department drew visitors by hordes by putting on display a real spinning wheel and several other memorabilia relating to Mahatma Gandhi. Many visitors were thrilled as they were setting their eyes on a chakra for the first time. Rare photographs of Gandhiji, and a copy of the ‘Swadesamitran’ issue announcing the death of the Mahatma, original copies of ‘Young India’ and ‘Harijan,’ two journals brought out by Mahatma Gandhi, were on display. “We had put up some first day covers and stamps on Mahatma on display. The objective was to take Mahatma Gandhi to the next generation,” said V.Jambunathan, in-charge of the Philatelic Bureau and the stall as well. Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Tiruchi Division, K.Raveendran made arrangements to distribute name labels carrying select stamps on Mahatma Gandhi to children visiting the stall.
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Chola king Karikalan is better recognized in history for his colossal effort in taming the Cauvery at Kallanai than for his battlefield exploits that expanded and stabilised his kingdom.
As a fitting tribute to his contribution to generations of farmers in the delta, the then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa ordered construction of a memorial at Kallanai.
The wonderful marble white monument, spread over nearly two acres of land adjacent to the Coleroon at Kallanai, gleams in grandeur with neatly maintained lush green garden surrounding the ‘manimandapam’ adding to its splendour.
Inside the ‘manimandapam,’ the 3.5 tonne bronze statue of Karikalan riding an elephant in regal attire is truly impressive.
However, there is practically nothing to enlighten the visitors on the Karikalan legend. The authorities could put up display boards containing information on Karikalan, his battle victories, administrative acumen, worldly wisdom etc. Contributed by
S. Ganesan and
L. Renganathan
