KOLLAM: The much-hyped cultural complex in memory of Velu Thampi Dalawa at Nandrikkal near Kundara is now lying idle. Hardly anyone pays visit to the memorial envisaged as a centre which would facilitate the new generation to learn about the sacrifice of the Velu Thampi Dalawa, who raised clarion call to revolt against imperialism. The complex had attracted a large number of visitors last year when the sword of Velu Thampi Dalawa was kept for public viewing. Even after four years of construction, the complex, constructed in the land provided by Perinad Panchayat, is yet to get electric connection. The complex includes, a mandapam with the statue of Dalawa and a museum displaying copies of various historical documents, including the famed Kundara Vilambaram (Kundara declaration). Construction of a park and landscaping were proposed by the previous government. Kundara MLA and former Minister for Culture and Education, M A Baby, who took great initiative to construct the complex, said that the present government should take up the protection and developmental activities of the memorial. “The LDF Government had allotted `20 lakh for the development of the complex, the Cultural Affairs Department should take initiative to protect it,” he said. A caretaker, who has been appointed on daily basis at the complex and he has to manage all the affairs of the complex. The foundation stone for the complex was laid by the then Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee in 2006 and was inaugurated by Sukumar Azhikode in July 2008.
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