Learning Cast in Stone - A New Symbol Riseson Chennai’s Marina

In a move that reinforces Tamil Nadu’s long-standing commitment to education, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin unveiled a striking allegorical statue along the iconic Marina Beach in Chennai. The newly installed sculpture, titled ‘Katranai Thoorum Arivu’, draws inspiration from the timeless wisdom of the Thirukkural, symbolizing the enduring value of continuous learning and intellectual growth. Positioned among the historic statues that line the Marina, this addition serves not only as a cultural landmark but also as a visual reminder of the State’s educational ideals. The project, executed by the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation under the School Education Department, was completed at a cost of ₹1.43 crore, according to official sources.

Incredible Tamil Nadu Magazine · April 2026

On the same day, at an event held in the State Secretariat, the Chief Minister also released a significant publication titled ‘100 Year Old Trees of Chennai’. This comprehensive guide documents the city’s centenarian trees and is part of the broader Green Tamil Nadu Mission, an initiative focused on ecological conservation and scientific documentation of heritage trees across the region. The occasion also celebrated the efforts of individuals dedicated to environmental stewardship. Awards were presented to several forest officials and rangers, including S. Gowtham, N. Venkatesh Prabhu, S. Ganesalingam, Vismiju Viswanathan, M. Saran Vivek, D. Pandurangan, M. Sadhasivam, and Sathishkumar, recognizing their contributions to forest conservation and management. The events were attended by prominent leaders and officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with Ministers E.V. Velu, M.P. Saminathan, R.S. Rajakannappan, P.K. Sekarbabu, and Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. R. Priya, along with senior government officials, was also present. Together, these initiatives reflect a thoughtful blend of cultural reverence, environmental awareness, and educational aspiration—values that continue to shape Tamil Nadu’s progressive vision.