KOCHI: The Rama Varma Parikshit Thampuran memorial day was inaugurated by Anoop Jacob MLA at the Tripunithura Hill Palace on Sunday. The commemoration underscored the valour and the greatness of the Thampuran, who was the last ruler of the erstwhile Cochin Princely State.
“Thampuran was a renowned scholar and even in his sunset years, he was actively involved in Kochi’s cultural development,” said Jacob . He said titans like the Thampuran lived on in the collective consciousness and they will always be remembered for their pioneering and industrious ways. The Hill Palace is a prime tourist destination and it is important to keep the status of the palace alive which is the greatest tribute to the refulgent memory of the Thampuran, he said.
Thilothama Suresh, municipal councillor, said the Thampuran was a legendary person who had vastly enriched the Sanskrit language. She recalled his leadership qualities which prompted the monarch to treat all civilians, irrespective of caste and creed, with equal respect.The councillor also showered encomiums on the administrators of the Hill Palace for organising the commemoration programme every year.
Joseph Augustine, a history teacher at Newman College,Thodupuzha, spoke about the present generation’s ignorance of history. “Those who have not studied humanities do not know our Freedom Struggle in detail. Our education system should incorporate the traditional culture of our nation,” he said.