Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Oct 16: Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday inaugurated a knowledge centre here named after rational leader E V Ramasamy, took out a high-energy roadshow amid a massive crowd of supporters braving heavy downpour, but had to cancel a scheduled visit to Thrissur in Kerala by helicopter following inclement weather.
Vijay inaugurated the Periyar Arivulagam and Science Centre established on sprawling seven acres on Dr Nanjappa Road, Gandhipuram, here. Dravidian stalwart Ramasamy is respectfully addressed as “Periyar.”
Vijay had to abandon his travel plans to Thrissur from Coimbatore for a private event owing to bad weather and heavy downpour in the city. A private helicopter was kept ready for the CM to fly after the official function in the city but on account of heavy rain, he had to remain in the city till the weather condition improved, only to return to Chennai in the evening.
His scheduled helicopter trip to Thrissur was cancelled in the last minute due to bad weather and heavy rain in this western Tamil Nadu city, a source said.
Nevertheless, massive crowds of TVK party workers, fans, and local residents braved heavy rain in Coimbatore to catch a glimpse of Vijay during his official visit after he became chief minister in May.
As heavy downpour lashed parts of the city, enthusiastic supporters and party cadres refused to leave their spots along the barricaded streets. The pouring rain failed to dampen the electric atmosphere, with supporters chanting slogans and transforming the thoroughfares into a massive wave of support. They stood tightly packed together for hours to welcome the leader.
Earlier, upon his arrival, Vijay traveled along an 11.4 km route from the Coimbatore International Airport to Gandhipuram via Avinashi Road, waving back and flashing his trademark victory signs to the cheering crowds.
The Rs 300 crore Periyar Arivulagam and Science Centre was conceptualised and initiated by the previous DMK government to serve as a knowledge centre. Named after the social reformer “Periyar” Ramasamy, the 8-storey facility was built to serve as a destination for education, scientific learning, and research.
Hours before the formal inauguration of the facility, DMK president and former chief minister M K Stalin posted a video on social media and stated that the project was the brainchild of his “Dravidian model government”.
“What does it matter who opens it? Does the pride lie in inaugurating it? The true pride is in planning and creating something unique. That pride belongs to the DMK forever,” Stalin said.
Massive crowds of TVK party workers and residents lined up along the Avinashi Road to welcome CM Vijay. Police personnel have set up heavy barricades across Peelamedu, Avinashi Road, and Gandhipuram. A strict drone-flying ban was actively enforced along the entire stretch.
The chief minister later arrived at the Periyar Arivulagam campus, where he was accorded a warm reception. He unveiled a huge statue of Periyar on the campus and also inaugurated the Periyar Arivulagam and Science Centre.
Vijay went around the science centre, digital library, and planetarium, interacting with local corporation school students on the second floor of the facility.
The foundation stone for the project was laid by Stalin on November 6, 2024. The initial construction and development framework were carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD) under the DMK administration before the change in governance. While the project was designed, funded, and started under the DMK government, it was officially completed and opened to the public by Vijay.
The facility features over 1.25 lakh books, a digital library, children’s library, reading sections, and interactive science facilities. It is also equipped with modern computer systems, a vast e-book network, digital archives, and interactive learning media designed specifically for children.
Specialised study halls and materials curated for students preparing for competitive examinations like TNPSC and UPSC are available in the ‘Arivulagam’, meaning ‘world of knowledge’.
The facility also houses a modern, high-tech auditorium built to host academic seminars, intellectual debates, and cultural events.
Following the inauguration, Vijay distributed welfare aid amounting to Rs 34.72 crore to 9,343 beneficiaries under various state government schemes, and inaugurated 89 completed development projects across the region, built at a cost of Rs 408.25 crore. Besides, he laid the foundation stone for 144 upcoming projects estimated at Rs 32.32 crore to upgrade Coimbatore’s infrastructure.
A security blanket was in place ahead of Vijay’s maiden visit for an official engagement after becoming the chief minister in May, with over 3,500 police personnel deployed across the city. Barricades were erected along Avinashi Road, the airport route, Peelamedu, and Red Fields, leading to expected traffic diversions throughout the morning, police sources said.
