Stalin Donates Rs 1.70 Crore for ‘Periyar Ulagam’

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced a contribution of ₹1.70 crore, representing the monthly salaries of DMK legislators and Members of Parliament, towards the creation of ‘Periyar Ulagam’, a grand memorial and knowledge centre to be established in Sirukanur, Tiruchirappalli, in honour of social reformer Thanthai Periyar E.V. Ramasamy.
In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Stalin said the amount was handed over to Dravidar Kazhagam President K. Veeramani, who is leading the initiative.
The Chief Minister said the project would stand as a symbol of Periyar’s relentless struggle for rationalism, equality, and self-respect, values that continue to shape Tamil society.
“I have donated ₹1,70,20,000 — the monthly salary of DMK’s legislative and parliamentary members for the establishment of Periyar Ulagam at Sirukanur, Trichy, in praise of Periyar, who dedicated his life to fostering rational thought and self-respect among Tamils,” Stalin wrote.
He ended his message with an emotional tribute:
“The Tamil nation will walk with its head held high in the glory of the great fire of Periyar!”
The gesture has drawn wide appreciation from party members and supporters, who described it as a reaffirmation of the Dravidian movement’s founding principles. The upcoming Periyar Ulagam is envisioned as a global center for rationalist learning, celebrating the enduring influence of Periyar’s philosophy on Tamil identity and social progress.