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Tamil Nadu Unveils India’s First Glass Sea Bridge

Tamil Nadu has recently inaugurated a groundbreaking glass bridge over the sea, enhancing connectivity between two landmarks. This development coincides with the silver jubilee celebrations of the Tiruvalluvar Statue, which has become a symbol of cultural pride.

Inauguration Details

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin officially opened the bridge, linking the Tiruvalluvar Statue and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari. The event celebrated the statue’s 25th anniversary, marking its significance in Tamil culture.

Bridge Specifications

The glass bridge spans 77 metres and is 10 metres wide, constructed at a cost of ₹37 crore. It allows visitors to walk between the two landmarks while enjoying views of the sea below. The bridge addresses previous transportation issues caused by rough seas and low tides, providing a reliable means of access.

Key Facts About Tiruvalluvar Statue

  • Unveiled on January 1, 2000, the statue stands at a height of 133 feet, representing the 133 chapters of the Tirukkural.
  • The statue, installed on a rock in the sea, is an important identity for Tamil people and embodies the philosophy of social justice expressed in the Thirukural: “Pirapokkum ella uyirkkum” (Everyone is equal at birth).
  • Designed by renowned sculptor V. Ganapathi Sthapathi, it weighs approximately 7,000 tonnes and has withstood natural disasters, including the 2004 tsunami.
  • Recently, it was officially renamed as the Statue of Wisdom.

    • Key Facts About Vivekananda Rock Memorial

  • The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located on one of the two rocks, about 500 meters off the mainland of Vavathurai, at the southernmost tip of India in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. The rocks are surrounded by the Laccadive Sea, where the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea meet.
  • The memorial was constructed in 1970 to honor Swami Vivekananda, who is believed to have attained enlightenment on the rock.
  • Its main structures are Vivekananda Mandapam (A hall dedicated to Swami Vivekananda) and Shripada Mandapam (built to enshrine the footprint of Devi Kanyakumari) and Dhyana Mandapam (Meditation Hall).

    • GKToday Notes:

    1. Tirukkural: Tirukkural is a classic Tamil text consisting of 1,330 couplets. It covers ethics, politics, and love, and is considered a masterpiece of Tamil literature.
    2. V. Ganapathi Sthapathi: V. Ganapathi Sthapathi was a renowned Indian sculptor. He is celebrated for his intricate and monumental sculptures, particularly the iconic Tiruvalluvar Statue in Kanniyakumari.
    3. Poompuhar Shipping Corporation: Poompuhar Shipping Corporation operates ferry services. It connects visitors to coastal landmarks, including the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, enhancing tourism in Tamil Nadu.
    4. Statue of Wisdom: The Statue of Wisdom is the new name for the Tiruvalluvar Statue. This renaming reflects the statue’s cultural significance and the principles of wisdom embodied in the Tirukkural.

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