Stalin Inaugurates Statue of Veeramangai Velunachiyar, Announces Naming of Police Training School in Her Honor

Chennai, Sept 2025 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday inaugurated the newly installed statue of freedom fighter Veeramangai Velunachiyar at the Guindy Gandhi Mandapam complex in Chennai. The statue, constructed at a cost of ₹50 lakh, was announced earlier in the Assembly as part of the state’s efforts to commemorate the valor and sacrifice of Velunachiyar for future generations.

After unveiling the statue, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to Velunachiyar’s portrait and recalled her remarkable contributions as one of the earliest women warriors to challenge British rule. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, cabinet ministers, MPs, and MLAs were present during the ceremony.

Marking the occasion, Stalin further announced that the Police Training School in Vellore will be named after Veeramangai Velunachiyar. He emphasized that such initiatives are part of the Dravidian Model government’s commitment to honor the legacy of freedom fighters and instill pride in Tamil heritage.

Taking to Page X, Stalin wrote, “Since our Dravidian Model government came to power, honoring the memory of freedom fighters has been a primary duty. We have celebrated their legacy through musical dramas, and in the 2023 Republic Day parade in Delhi, Velunachiyar’s valor was showcased through a dedicated tableau. Today, I had the honor of unveiling her statue at Guindy Gandhi Mandapam.”

He added, “On this historic day, I am proud to announce that the Police Training School in Vellore will be named after Veeramangai Velunachiyar. The history of the brave Mother Velunachiyar, who rose like a storm to defend this land, and the valiant Tamils, including the Marudhu brothers who stood beside her, will forever remind the world that this land will never bow its head.”

The move has been widely welcomed as a fitting tribute to Velunachiyar, celebrated as the first queen to wage war against colonial powers and a symbol of courage in Tamil history.