Workers carrying out repairs on a Fargo van at Periyar Maaligai in Tiruchi. | Photo credit: Nahla Nainar
A Fargo van donated by ‘Periyar’ EV Ramasamy, founder of the Dravida Kazhagam (DK) on August 19, 1973, is being repaired and converted in Tiruchi to further maintain its iconic status in Tamil politics.
The vehicle parked in a glass enclosure adjacent to the leader’s residence on ‘Periyar Maaligai’, a 2.5-acre plot in Puthur, is a familiar sight to passers-by.
The plaque informs visitors that the golden key to the van with registration number ‘TMZ 9595’ was gifted by the then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Periyar at a ceremony in Thanjavur. An estimated sum of ₹1 lakh was collected from the public in 1973 to purchase the van. The then General Secretary DK K.Veeramani collected ₹1.5 lakh and donated ₹50,000 to Periyar during the inaugural function.
Published – 18 Apr 2026 20:11 IST
