In an initiative to infuse patriotic values in the younger generation, the Rotary Club of Gudiyattam has sought 2 acres from the district administration for setting up a park, which will have a flag pole and exhibits narrating the town’s role in the nation’s history.

JKN Palani, Assistant Governor, Rotary Club of Gudiyattam

Vellore:

Rotary assistant governor and AIADMK town secretary JKN Palani told DTNext that Rotary district governor Jawarilal Jain and other rotarians had submitted a request seeking land for the park to Collector SA Raman last month.

“The idea for the park evolved from the fact that the Tricolour hoisted on the ramparts of Red Fort on August 15, 1947, was woven in Gudiyattam. Only old-timers are aware of this great feat and not the present generation,” Palani said.

Another interesting fact is that the statue of saint poet Tiruvalluvar was made by R Tamilselvan of Gudiyattam back in 1950’s with funds provided by one Venugopal Sharma.

“But the town’s chief claim to national fame lies in the fact that K Kamaraj contested from Gudiyattam in 1954 after the assembly seat was vacated. He won and became the Chief Minister and the rest is history,” said K Sathiyamoorthy, a resident of Gudiyattam. 

“We have suggested that land be allotted in Pichanur. Collector Raman has inspected the site and we are hopeful of getting the land soon,” Palani added. 

There is a plan to install Tiruvalluvar’s statue and a replica of the 1947 flag in the park, which will also have other leisure facilities.

Referring to the Robinson Tank in the heart of the town, Palani said, “We spent more than Rs 80 lakh to clean it up and plant saplings some years ago, due to which the surrounding region gets good water. The park is used by several people for their morning exercise.”