{
  "id": 10758754,
  "title": "T.N. government proposes memorial for 5 icons on University Union Grounds at Chepet in Chennai, sports teachers object",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/t-n-government-proposes-memorial-for-5-icons-on-university-union",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T19:03:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tn-government-proposes-memorial-for-5-icons-on-university-union-grounds-at-chepet-in-chennai-sports-teachers-object/article71525294.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Tamil Nadu government recently proposed the creation of a memorial complex on a section of the University Union Grounds in Chetpet, Chennai, dedicated to five prominent figures: Queen Velu Nachiyar, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, B.R. Ambedkar, K. Kamaraj, and Anjalai Ammal. The site is also home to a library meant to be part of the University of Madras. These five personalities are considered \"ideological leaders\" of the ruling TVK. However, a group of UoM faculty, staff, physical education teachers from affiliated colleges, and sports enthusiasts have raised objections to the proposal. The University Union Grounds, located on Spur Tank Road, is a heavily utilized area for sports events and training by both university athletes and students from other institutions. The Chennai Collector, in a letter sent on September 17, sought the university's consent for this project, which Minister Rajmohan announced during the recent Budget session, estimating the project's cost at ₹5 crore. The Collector mentioned that the portion of the ground is being considered for construction. The university has expressed concerns that the memorial's construction will require a pathway through the ground, potentially affecting its use by athletes and sports enthusiasts. The teaching staff at the university argues that resources should be focused on enhancing facilities at the grounds instead of building memorials. They also urged the university not to make any decisions regarding the plot without extensive discussions involving the university's Syndicate, Senate, and other stakeholders. The historic grounds have been the site of various events, including the Buchi Babu Memorial Cricket Tournament, the A.L. Mudaliar Athletics meet, international matches featuring the women's cricket team, and a venue for lower-division league matches conducted by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. Concerns have also been raised about the loss of trees and the habitat of vultures that have frequented the area.",
  "summary": "The State government plans to build the memorial complex for 5 icons on a portion of the University Union Grounds in Chetpet belonging to the University of Madras",
  "key_points": [
    "Tamil Nadu proposes memorial for five historical figures on University Union Grounds.",
    "UoM faculty and sports enthusiasts object to the memorial proposal.",
    "Chennai Collector seeks university consent for the ₹5 crore project."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu",
        "title": "Keralam government weighs proposal for UN University centre",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/keralam-government-weighs-proposal-for-un-university-centre",
        "published": "2026-09-29T15:29:48.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}