University officials are expressing concern over plans to build a memorial on University Union grounds
The government plans to build a memorial complex for Queen Vela Nachiyar, Periyar EV Ramasamy, BR Ambedkar, K. Kamaraj and Anjalai Ammal on a piece of land in Chetpet. | Photo credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM
A day after the government’s proposal to build a memorial complex at the University Department was unveiled, University of Madras (UoM) officials on Thursday met the higher education secretary to voice record concerns raised by directors of physical education (PED) and sportspersons.
Rita John, Registrar, UoM, told The Hindu that she met Higher Education Minister Dheeraj Kumar to present the matter and he assured her that he would take up the matter with the relevant authorities.
The state government is planning to build a memorial complex for Queen Vela Nachiyar, Periyar EV Ramasamy, BR Ambedkar, K. Kamaraj and Anjalai Ammal at a part of the University Union Grounds in Chetpet, Chennai.
“So far, no decision has been taken regarding the land transfer,” ministry sources said.
University sources pointed out that among the demands made before the government was the need for wider consultation with university authorities, PEDs of affiliated colleges, the university’s sports department, its players and other stakeholders before taking a decision.
The university has asked the government to explore other suitable sites so that the existing area of the University Union Grounds remains intact. It called for the land to be primarily used for sports and physical education activities and called on the government to examine the feasibility of long-discussed proposals for a swimming pool, tennis courts, a men’s dormitory and a master plan to develop the site as a modern multi-purpose facility.
Signed petition
Earlier, PED of affiliated colleges and players of Madras University submitted a signed petition to the registrar. Twenty-five PEDs and 100 players signed a petition that called attention to the loss of trees and birds during the construction of the statues, which they said would threaten the natural vegetation.
They also raised safety concerns, saying the presence of public statues could lead to unregulated steps and accidental trespassing, creating safety issues for all students, especially female athletes.
They also pointed to major parking issues and said the proposal could hinder the athletes’ training regime.
Published – 02 Oct 2026 0:42 IST