Mahatma Ayyankali Hall
Mahatma Ayyankali Hall, originally Victoria Jubilee Town Hall (VJT Hall), also known by its former name "VJT Hall", is a town hall in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. It had originally been built as a gift from the British Empire to Sri Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, the then Maharaja of Travancore, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Victoria, in 1896.[1]
In 2019, it was renamed by the current Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan to honor the social reformer Ayyankali[2] Renaming the building resulted in criticism from some historians who felt there would be a more appropriate way to honor Ayyankali. Nevertheless, Dalit activists, such as Sunny Kapikad, supported the renaming of the hall, as they feel Ayyankali has not been honored in a respectful manner and renaming the hall would give due respect to both Ayyankali and the Dalit community as a whole.[3]
Today, this hall has retained its architectural and cultural richness and is one of the most sought-after centres for exhibitions and cultural get-togethers in Thiruvananthapuram.[4]
References[edit]
- ^ "DTPC Thiruvananthapuram". www.dtpcthiruvananthapuram.com. Archived from the original on 19 January 2009.
- ^ "VJT Hall in Thiruvananthapuram to be renamed after social reformer Ayyankali". 29 August 2019.
- ^ "Renaming Thiruvananthapuram's VJT Hall not ideal way to honour Ayyankali, feel historians". The New Indian Express. 30 August 2019. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
- ^ "Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Thiruvananthapuram, India - VirtualTourist.com". www.virtualtourist.com. Archived from the original on 15 April 2006.