CHENNAI: The life and contributions of Major John Pennycuick, the engineer, who built the Mullaiperiyar Dam after selling away his properties, should be included in the school syllabi of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, director Thankar Bachan said here on Thursday.“Pennycuick will be the perfect role model for the future generation on how to take life forward,” Bachan said and added “I demand that the syllabus be included in Kerala curriculum as it will benefit our brethren as well.” “We have studied about several leaders in our school days and it will be apt to include a lesson on Pennycuick for his immense contribution,” he reiterated.Pennycuick was entrusted with the work of planning and executing the Mullaiperiyar Reservoir to irrigate the barren lands in Southern districts in 1888.“Several sacrifices and Pennycuick’s struggle made the dam a reality,” he observed. “In the Southern districts, several farmers had named their children after Pennycuick to express their gratitude to him,” Bachan claimed. “Farmers across the country have the custom of offering their first produce to Sun. The farmers in Southern districts of the State offer their first yield to Pennycuick,” he observed. “The reservoir, which irrigates the dry Southern districts should aptly be named after Pennycuick,” he demanded.Earlier, he unveiled the portrait of Pennycuik at Kamaraj Matric School in Washermanpet to honour the contributions of the engineer in building the marvel.‘Let all parties share common platform on Mullaiperiyar’Leaders of all political parties should come together on a common platform to express their solidarity in the Mullaiperiyar issue considering the welfare of Tamils, said film director Thankar Bachan, here on Thursday.The award-winning director said that he was glad that the parties were united in voicing their concern over the issue, but that should transform into action. “This is the first time political parties in TN have come together for a single cause. But that isn’t enough. The Centre is watching the developments in Kerala as all political parties in that State are not just united in the issue, but also act in a constructive manner even in protecting vested interests,” Bachan added.
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