'Knowledge Park' in Tamil Nadu Village: A son’s tribute to his father

Giving tribute to his father, T Veerapandian, a government-aided middle school teacher, has built a well-equipped library in an interior dusty village in Tamil Nadu's Perambalur district. The library is named as ‘Valavanar Knowledge Park’ and boasts of more than 3000 collections of various titles.

Perambalur (TN): It is usual and not uncommon for people to erect statues or memorials for their loved ones. But, it is unusual to run a well-equipped library in an interior dusty village to perpetuate the memory of one’s beloved father.

T Veerapandian, a government-aided middle school teacher, is running a library with more than 3000 collections of various titles at Chinna Venmani village in Tamil Nadu's Perambalur district.

Naming it as ‘Valavanar Knowledge Park’ after his father, he has provided what the village and its neighbourhood was lacking for decades.

A knowledge park, that too in the backyard of a backward district, cannot but be the cynosure of all eyes. Chinna Venmani village in Perambalur district now boasts of a well-established library since 2015.

It is not a government-sponsored one, but a son’s tribute to his father, who commanded respect in the area.

“I was not satisfied with holding competitions and events for students and giving prizes for the winners on his death anniversary of May 27. Deep inside, I felt that it was not enough. I wanted to do something different but worthwhile. And then came this idea,” said Veerapandian.

Why a memorial in the form of a library? To this, he explains that his father, Thirumavalavan, had devoted his whole life for the upliftment of students of the middle school where he had served till retirement.

"He passed away in 2005 but, as a role model, he had earned the respect and goodwill of the locals," said Veerapandian.

“And what would be the best way to honour my father’s memory than turning the house in which he lived as a library? It was established for Rs 6 lakh and each year 500 titles are added, he disclosed.

Viji, a student of the village, said, “It is a treasure for this region since we do not have a library in the vicinity. The feel of reading is more rewarding than watching something on social media."

It is to be noted that this library is also proving to be a boon for students who can't afford to buy books.