The iconic Valluvar Kottam in Chennai is all set for a grand reopening on June 21, following a massive ₹80 crore renovation. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will attend the first event hosted at the rejuvenated monument, where persons with disabilities will publicly thank the CM for enacting a law that ensures their representation in local bodies—a progressive milestone for Tamil Nadu.

But the event is more than a formal ceremony—it's a moment steeped in history, symbolism, and emoti

A Monument Rooted in History and Politics

Valluvar Kottam, dedicated to the celebrated Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, is not just a cultural landmark—it’s deeply tied to the political legacy of the DMK and former Chief Minister Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi.

DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan recalled how Karunanidhi personally conceptualized the design of Valluvar Kottam after extensive discussions with Tamil scholars. Once re-elected in 1971, he made the construction of this monument a priority and oversaw every detail himself.

However, the monument’s grand inauguration did not unfold as planned. During the Emergency, Karunanidhi's government was dismissed in January 1976, just weeks before the scheduled opening on February 22–23. The inauguration finally took place on April 15, 1976, officiated by then-President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed—without Karunanidhi’s presence.

Karunanidhi, hurt by the exclusion, penned a moving letter in 'Murasoli', likening the moment to a mother being barred from her child’s wedding. In a poignant twist, the foundation stone he had laid was even removed during the official ceremony.

In 1977, during a DMK rally, cadres symbolically recreated Valluvar Kottam on stage. Karunanidhi remarked, “Just as one shows a child the moon’s reflection in a mirror when it wishes to catch the moon, my cadres have recreated the Kottam, a place I have not entered yet.”

That changed in 1989. When DMK returned to power, Karunanidhi chose Valluvar Kottam for his swearing-in ceremony, making a powerful statement of reclaiming both the space and his vision.

The New Valluvar Kottam: Tradition Meets Technology

The rejuvenated monument is now a vibrant, modern space to celebrate Tamil heritage and literature. Here are some key features:

🛕 Revamped Stone Chariot: The majestic chariot housing the Thiruvalluvar statue has been restored to its original glory.

❄️ Air-Conditioned Auditorium: The ground floor now includes a fully air-conditioned hall with a seating capacity of 1,550, ideal for hosting cultural events.

📺 Digital Tirukkural Experience: Visitors can explore the wisdom of the Tirukkural through digital screens and audio systems that bring its 1,330 couplets to life.

🛍️ Tirukkural Store: A special retail space selling 133 types of Tirukkural-themed items, promoting literature through creative merchandising.

🏛️ Illustrated Pillars: The first floor features 133 engraved plates, each representing a chapter from the Tirukkural, with beautiful inscriptions and illustrations.

A New Chapter Begins

The restoration of Valluvar Kottam is more than just a facelift. It is a revival of Tamil Nadu’s cultural heartbeat and a reaffirmation of the ideals that Karunanidhi envisioned decades ago.

Tamil literature enthusiast Pozhilan summed it up best:

“Valluvar Kottam was neglected during the 10 years of the AIADMK regime. Now that it has been thoroughly renovated, it makes us happy. We are eager to use the facility to promote and host Tirukkural-related activities.”