The Ripon Memorial Fund (from The Hindu dated August 26, 1909)
Honorary secretaries of the Ripon Memorial Fund Dewan Bahadur Mr. Adinarayanaiayah and Messrs V. Ryru Nambiar and G.A. Natesan mourned the death of Lord Ripon.
In an appeal issued to raise a suitable memorial for him, the office-bearers of the committee said: “Lord Ripon’s name is a household name throughout the country. It is needed to recount the various measures of his magnificent rule. He is loved and honoured not so much for his measures, great as they were, as for the principles of Government which he laid down and adhered to.
Numerous memorials were raised in his honour, which were all provincial but unfortunately an all-India Memorial in Calcutta is not yet raised.
The maidan of Calcutta is graced by statues of many a Governor-General and Viceroy.
The noteworthy absence of a statue to Lord Ripon is greatly deplored. It is fitting that the universal expression of sorrow should be followed by the erection of an All-India Memorial in Calcutta, so that the Viceroy who has the largest place in the hearts of the India people may have a suitable representation in the city which knew him best in India.”
An equestrian statue in bronze is estimated to cost ₹80,000. Madras should at least contribute ₹ 10,000 of that sum.
The Reception Committee of the Madras Congress of 1903 set apart a sum of ₹5,000 as a contribution for that purpose. That amount has now with interest come up to ₹ 6,500. It has been resolved by the Executive Committee that Madras should in addition possess a statue of the great Viceroy.
It is hoped that with a sum of ₹21,500, a good statue can be raised in his honour in Madras.
