Fri May 09 19:09:24 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Councillors Push for Road Renaming to Honor Dravidian Leaders
**Chennai, India (May 10, 2025)** – A group of Chennai city councillors are urging Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to rename several roads in the city to honor prominent figures of Dravidian ideology. Their proposals include renaming Triplicane High Road after artist Oviya Perunthagai Venugopal Sarma, known for his portrait of Tiruvalluvar, and Anna Nagar Second Avenue after Dravidian leader Perasiriyar K. Anbazhagan.
MDMK councillor S. Jeevan argued that Sarma’s portrait, reflecting Dravidian ideals, deserves recognition through the renaming of a road near where he lived. Similarly, DMK councillor T.V. Shemmozhi emphasized the educational significance of renaming Anna Nagar Second Avenue, a hub for civil service exam coaching centers, to inspire younger generations with Dravidian principles. Shemmozhi believes this would promote peace, harmony, and development.
AIADMK councillor J. John advocated for renaming roads in Korattur that currently bear caste-specific names, suggesting instead the names of leaders who promoted social harmony. John noted that the current names are outdated and no longer reflect the diverse and inclusive population of the area.
The councillors reported facing resistance from the Chennai Corporation Council when attempting to raise these proposals, with the council stating that the government must ultimately make the decision.
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