Residents of Parvathipuram voiced their opposition to the establishment of an international centre in the vicinity of the Vallalar Deiva Nilayam, Satya Gnana sabha area in Peruveli, Cuddalore district, by resorting to a demonstration wherein they entered a trench dug for construction purposes. Subsequently, law enforcement apprehended 161 individuals involved in the protest, but they were later released.
The Vallalar Deity, Satya Gnanasabai, situated in Vadalur and constructed by Vallalar, also known as Ramalinga Adigalar, holds significant cultural and religious importance. The Thaipusam Jyoti Darshan ceremony conducted at this site garners considerable attention, drawing crowds of devotees not only from Tamil Nadu but also from various other states and countries. Moreover, the Jyoti Darshan is regularly observed on Poosam Nakshatra every month.
In the context of the 2021 assembly elections, the DMK party, in its electoral manifesto, pledged to establish the Vallalar International Centre in Vadalur. Following their victory in the elections and subsequent formation of the government, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin declared the intention to establish the Vallalar International Centre in Vadalur, allocating a budget of ₹100 crores for the project. Subsequent to this, Minister Shekhar Babu from the HR&CE Department, along with Minister MRK Panneerselvam from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and officials of the HR&CE Department conducted an inspection of the area at Vadalur Satya Gnanasabha.
Continuing from earlier efforts, groundwork had been ongoing. Some months ago, the foundational stone was laid, initiating the commencement of construction for the international centre building in Vadalur. Despite opposition from various quarters including political parties, religious affiliates, and the public of Parvathipuram, who protested against establishing the international centre in Vadalur, the Tamil Nadu government proceeded with the construction. Presently, excavation for the foundation is underway.
In light of this, residents of Parvathipuram joined in protesting today on 8 April 2024. They presented a set of ten demands, insisting that no structures be erected on the excavated land allocated for construction work in Sathya Gnanasabai Peruveli, which was originally donated by ancestors of Parvathipuram villagers at the request of Vallalar. They emphasized preserving the space and suggested locating the Vallalar International Centre elsewhere, advocating for legal action in the Supreme Court and an immediate halt to ongoing construction activities. Furthermore, they called for re-measurement and official decree issuance for the 31 Kandi (106 Acres) land bequeathed by their forefathers and expressed condemnation over the removal of their ancestors’ names from the Tiruvarutpa prose section, asserting it as a violation of their rights.
Their demands also included publishing the deleted page in a daily newspaper on behalf of the management of Vallalar Sabha and designating the ‘Samarasa Suddha Sanmarka Satya Sangam’, founded by Vallalar, as the sole leading association while urging for the immediate banning of the Vadalur chief association, which they claimed was acting against Vallalar’s principles.
Over a hundred residents from Parvathipuram participated in the protest against the establishment of the international centre, stressing the demands outlined in their petition. However, they expressed disappointment over the lack of response from administrative officials despite their efforts. Upon being informed, the Vadalur police intervened, leading to the arrest of 161 protestors, including 91 women and 70 men. They were subsequently released later in the evening.
Meanwhile, amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha election campaigns, with voter registration scheduled for the 19th, it is noteworthy that while political candidates are actively engaging in electoral activities, the villagers of Parvathipuram continue to voice their opposition against the establishment of the Vallalar International Centre.
Back in 1887, Ramalinga Adigalar, also known as Vallalar, established the Satya Gnana Sabha near Vadalur in the Cuddalore district. The Sabha was built on 106 acres of land donated by the people of Parvathipuram. Vallalar utilized this land to construct the Satya Gnana Sabha, Dharmasala, and Guhathirukoil in Thenkodi, reserving the rest as a congregation area for his followers.
The Jyoti festival, held on Thaipusam day, takes place in a 70-acre open space to ensure unobstructed views for devotees when the seven screens are removed. Critics argue that constructing the Vallalar International Centre in the space designated for worshipping the temple light contradicts Vallalar’s intentions and should be abandoned.
(with inputs from Hindu Tamil)
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