Ariyalur: PM Narendra Modi praised the Chola dynasty, as a bright example of the historical and cultural heritage of India, announced a plan to erect idols of Emperor King Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola in Tamil Nadu.Modi said at the Adi Thiruvathirai Festival on Sunday on Sunday, “These idols will serve as modern pillars of India’s historical consciousness, which is in memory of Rajendra Chola I’s birth anniversary at the Brihadiswara temple in Gangikonda Cholpuram in Ariyalur district.Wearing a traditional dhoti and Angavastram, Modi called for the contribution of Cholas in Shivism and the architecture of the temple, described as one of the golden ages of India (300 BCE -1300 CE), which was defined by cultural achievement, strategic vision and naval provisions. Modi issued a memorial coin in honor of Rajendra Chola and poured Ganga water to the temple, which resonated the famous campaign of the emperor to bring the river water a millennium earlier.“The economic and strategic progress achieved during the Chola era remains a source of inspiration,” Modi said. “Tamil Nadu is one of the most important centers where this living tradition continues.”He also underlined efforts to return India’s legacy of loot. “Since 2014, over 600 ancient artifacts have been brought back from abroad, including 36 from Tamil Nadu,” he said.The PM also marked the day as the anniversary of the death of former President APJ Abdul Kalam. “India needs millions of youths like Kalam and Chola kings to lead a developed nation,” he said. While Modi addressed the gathering, dozens of Congress workers in Trichy were detained to wave black flags and protest their journey.
