T.N. CM Stalin inaugurates memorial for freedom fighter Maaveeran Pollan in Erode district

Internal reservation for Arunthathiyars introduced by the DMK government in 2009 enabled students to pursue higher education and paved the way for development of the entire community, said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in Erode district on Wednesday (November 26, 2025).

Mr. Stalin inaugurated a newly-constructed memorial hall with a statue of freedom fighter Maaveeran Pollan at Jayaramapuram in Modakkurichi taluk. The memorial, built at ₹4.90 crore, also displays weapons used by Pollan, who served as a commander in the army of Theeran Chinnamalai. The Chief Minister felicitated the heirs of the freedom fighter and distributed free house-site pattas to them. A documentary on Pollan’s life and valour was also screened on the occasion.

Highlighting Pollan’s contribution to the freedom movement, Mr. Stalin said he was a trusted commander of Theeran Chinnamalai and was shot dead by the British forces who were angered by his courage. “It is fitting that this Dravidian Model government has fulfilled the demand for a memorial to honour his sacrifice,” he added.

Tamil Nadu’s illustrious freedom fighters, Pulithevan, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, the Marudhu Brothers, Velu Nachiyar, and Pollan, had safeguarded the honour of Tamil land and language. Their legacy, he said, continues to remind future generations of the need to fight for social justice and equality.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin distributing welfare assistance to a beneficiary at a function held at Solar in Erode district on November 26, 2025
| Photo Credit:
M. Govarthan

The Chief Minister referred to a report in The Hindu that highlighted the progress made through internal reservation for Arunthathiyars. Engineering enrolments among Arunthathiyar students rose from 193 in 2009 to 3,944 this year, with 193 students enrolled in medical programmes in 2023–24, he noted.

Former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had resolved to enact internal reservation through legislation. “When his health declined and he was hospitalised, he instructed me to represent him in the Assembly and ensure the Bill was passed. It was an honour to introduce the Bill and contribute to shaping this social structure,” the Chief Minister said.

“True development lies in inclusivity. The Dravidian Model ensures equality and opportunities for all,” he said, expressing confidence that people will extend their support to the Dravidian Model 2.0 governance.