CM M.K. Stalin to Inaugurate the Renovated Valluvar Kottam Worth ₹80 Crore on June 21, 2025;

First Event to Feature a Grand Felicitation by Differently-Abled Citizens

In a significant cultural and social event, the renovated Valluvar Kottam in Chennai, restored at a cost of ₹80 crore, will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M.K. Stalin, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The first event to be hosted at this iconic venue will be a felicitation ceremony organized by differently-abled citizens, who will express their heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister for various initiatives introduced for their welfare.

Valluvar Kottam, originally constructed in 1974–1975 during the tenure of Dr. Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi, is a monument celebrating Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, and is a prominent cultural hub that continues to attract global Tamil scholars and tourists alike.

In a symbolic gesture, Thiru M.K. Stalin recently paid floral tributes to the statue of Kalaignar Karunanidhi at the entrance of the monument on his birth anniversary. Observing the neglected state of the monument due to poor maintenance during the previous 10-year regime, he immediately instructed its renovation, leading to the comprehensive makeover that is now complete.

Key Features of the Renovated Valluvar Kottam:

• “Ayyan Valluvar Kala Arangam”: A grand, air-conditioned auditorium built across 20,000 sq. ft., with 1,548 seats, suitable for hosting major Tamil literary and cultural events.
• “Kural Manimandapam”: Redesigned with visual art installations showcasing all 1,330 Thirukkural couplets.
• “Thirukkural Research Hall and Library”: Refurbished for academic research and debates, with seating for 100.
• Parking Facility: Built over 27,000 sq. ft., accommodating up to 162 vehicles.
• Dining Hall: A 3,336 sq. ft. space that includes seating for 72 in the dining area and 24 in the coffee zone.
• Souvenir Shop: Covering 275.56 sq. ft. for memorabilia and handicrafts.
• Covered Viewing Deck: A “kavya madam” for visitors to rest and view the statue of Thiruvalluvar in comfort.
• Spectacular Sculpture: A 106-ft high sculptural tribute representing key themes of Thirukkural, with advanced lighting and sound projection systems.
• Water Features and Landscaping: Aimed at providing a serene and joyful experience for all visitors.

The first official event at the restored monument is a grand felicitation function organized by the differently-abled community, acknowledging the CM’s unprecedented welfare initiatives for persons with disabilities.

Landmark Welfare Measures for the Differently-Abled by CM Stalin:

• Over 60 new government schemes launched post his assumption of office.
• 13,988 differently-abled individuals appointed in local bodies based on reservation.
• Accessible beach walkways established in Marina and Besant Nagar.
• Formation of State Commission for Persons with Disabilities and increased accident compensation.
• Free travel in city buses, Best Teacher awards for those teaching disabled students, and provision of motorized wheelchairs for amputees.
• A ₹1 lakh incentive for differently-abled students pursuing postgraduate degrees.
• Exemption from physical fitness tests in government job recruitment.
• 5% reservation in business loans, and increased pension from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 and for severely disabled, from ₹1,500 to ₹2,000.
• Land and housing pattas allocated to deserving disabled individuals.

Chief Minister Stalin has been hailed as a visionary in carrying forward the inclusive legacy of Dr. Kalaignar, not just by maintaining but vastly expanding social welfare frameworks for marginalized groups. The differently-abled community of Tamil Nadu has united to express their deep gratitude by organizing this first-ever large-scale felicitation at the newly renovated Valluvar Kottam.

The felicitation event is scheduled to be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM at Valluvar Kottam, marking both a cultural renaissance and a celebration of inclusive governance.

Press Release by: Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9