Three months have passed since the roof above the first-floor verandah of Mahakavi Bharathiyar’s home in Ettayapuram collapsed, yet restoration work has still not commenced. This delay has sparked public outcry, with residents and activists urging the government to commence restoration work without further delay.
பாரதிக்கு இந்த நிலை#bharathiyar #tngovt #chanakyaa
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In March 2025, K. Annamalai, who was then the President of the Tamil Nadu BJP, strongly criticized the ruling DMK government for its failure to properly maintain Bharathiyar’s historic residence. On 25 March 2025, the roof over the verandah on the first floor of the house collapsed. Annamalai condemned the DMK for allocating vast sums for statues of figures with no ties to Tamil Nadu while neglecting the preservation of Bharathiyar’s birthplace—a symbol of Tamil heritage.
The incident occurred in the evening, when the roof of the traditional two-story structure, built in the Madras terrace style (known locally as Kattakuthu), gave way. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the caretaker and watchman were outside at the time.
Declared a memorial by the Tamil Nadu government in 1973, the house also features a photo gallery showcasing images and works of Bharathiyar. It is currently under the care of the state’s Public and Information Department.
Following the collapse, Annamalai took to his official X account to voice his concern. He recalled visiting the site during his En Mann En Makkal yatra on 12 August 2023, describing the experience as spiritually moving. He criticized the DMK government for allowing such an important cultural site to fall into disrepair, reiterating his frustration over government priorities.
தூத்துக்குடி மாவட்டம் எட்டயபுரத்தில், மகாகவி பாரதியார் பிறந்த வீடு, முறையான பராமரிப்பு இல்லாமல் இடிந்திருக்கிறது. கடந்த 2023 ஆம் ஆண்டு ஆகஸ்ட் மாதம் 12 அன்று, என் மண் என் மக்கள் பயணத்தின்போது, மகாகவி பிறந்த இல்லத்தைத் தரிசிக்கும் பாக்கியம் எனக்குக் கிடைத்தது. மகாகவியின் புரட்சி… pic.twitter.com/pdzsUsRo58
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) March 25, 2025
Even after three months have passed since the incident, no progress has been made toward restoration. As a result, local residents and activists continue to press the government to initiate renovation work immediately.
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