The 184th birthday celebration of Colonel John Pennycuick was held with great pomp and ceremony at the Lower Camp Manimandapam, organized by the government. Colonel John Pennycuick, the British engineer who constructed the Mullaperiyar Dam, was born on January 15, 1841. Known as the "god" of Tamil Nadu's farmers, he is highly revered for building the Mullaperiyar Dam, which has been the lifeline of farmers in Tamil Nadu.
Since 2019, his birthday has been officially declared as a government event and is celebrated as a livelihood festival at the Lower Camp Pennycuick Manimandapam in Theni district. This year, the events were even more special. Farmers, tourists, and the general public gathered at the Manimandapam well before the celebrations began. Government-organized cultural events, sports competitions, and exhibitions took place, and 55 Pongal dishes were distributed by the Cudalur Municipality.
In the government’s tribute, Minister I. Periyasamy and Theni Collector Shajeena led the floral tribute to Pennycuick’s statue. The event was attended by MLA's Ramakrishnan and Maharajan, former MP Selvendran, and Cudalur Municipality Chairperson Padmavathi, along with other government officials.
Former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam also participated in the event and paid his respects to the Pennycuick statue by garlanding it. Similarly, ADMK district secretaries Ramar and Jakkaiyan also paid their respects.
At the same time, the Integrated Five District Periyar-Vaigai Irrigation Farmers’ Association, Mullaperiyar Irrigation Farmers' Association, along with political parties, farmer unions, and the public, all paid their respects by garlanding the statue of Pennycuick.
A highlight of the event was the enjoyment of international tourists, who delighted in the cultural performances. This heartfelt tribute to Pennycuick brought pride to the farmers and people of Tamil Nadu.
