CM Stalin inaugurates statues of Venni Kaladi, Kuyili and Ethalapar Nayakkar

Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated statues commemorating freedom fighters Venni Kaladi and Kuyili, along with Dhali Palayakar Malayandi Venkatapathi Ethalapar Nayakkar, during a virtual ceremony at the 
Secretariat. 
These statues, honouring the sacrifices of these martyrs in the freedom struggle, were unveiled across different districts of Tamil Nadu.
The statue of Venni Kaladi, commander under Pulithevan, was installed in Tenkasi district at a cost of Rs. 50 lakh. Venni Kaladi is remembered for his leadership in defeating British forces before dying in battle. The statue serves as a tribute to his courage and sacrifice during India's fight for independence.
In Sivagangai district, a statue of freedom fighter Veerathai Kuyili was inaugurated at the Velunachiyar Manimandapam complex, also at a cost of Rs. 50 lakh. Kuyili, a close ally and bodyguard of Velunachiyar, played a key role in fighting the British.
She famously set fire to the British armoury by covering herself in oil and sacrificing her life, leading to a major victory for Sivagangai.
Additionally, the statue of Dhali Palayakar Malayandi Venkatapathi Ethalapar Nayakkar, a revered figure for his resistance against the British, was inaugurated in Udumalpet, Tirupur 
district. 
Nayakkar is celebrated for avenging the death of Veerapandiya Kattabomman by killing a British general. 
His statue, along with a memorial hall, was set up at a cost of Rs. 2.60 crore in Thirumurthy Nagar.
The event was attended by several prominent leaders and officials, including Minister of Information and Publicity MP Saminathan, Chief Secretary N Murugananthanam, Tamil Development Secretary V Rajaraman, and Information and Public Relations Director Dr. Ira Vaithinathan. Local ministers, MPs, MLAs, and district collectors from Tenkasi, Sivagangai, and Tirupur also took part in the occasion, paying tribute to the freedom fighters.