In a historic move honouring Tamil Nadu’s rich legacy, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has renamed its Regional Training Centre in Thakkolam after Rajaditya Chola, a valiant warrior prince of the Chola dynasty. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah announced this during the 56th Raising Day Parade of the CISF held at Thakkolam on 7th March. He stated that naming the centre after Rajaditya Chola was a matter of pride, as the warrior had created numerous tales of valour and sacrifice on this very land, ultimately attaining martyrdom while upholding the glorious traditions of the Chola Empire.
The official renaming order, issued by CISF Director General Rajwinder Singh Bhatti on 24th February, changes the Recruits Training Centre (RTC) in Arakkonam to Rajaditya Cholan RTC, Thakkolam in memory of the warrior prince.
The CISF Thakkolam Training Center will be known by the name of the great Chola dynasty king, Rajaditya Chola Ji.
சிஐஎஸ்எஃப் தக்கோலம் பயிற்சி மையம், சோழ மன்னர் ராஜாதித்ய சோழன் அவர்களின் பெயரால் அழைக்கப்படும். pic.twitter.com/FSxSDef9M0
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 7, 2025
Rajaditya Chola, the son of Parantaka I, was a prominent 10th-century Chola prince known for his bravery in the Battle of Thakkolam (948–949 CE). He died fighting the Rashtrakutas, leaving behind a legacy of valour that is etched in Chola history. According to historical accounts, Rajaditya was killed by an arrow from Ganga prince Butuga, an ally of the Rashtrakutas. He earned the title ‘Yanaimel Thunjiya Devar’ (The king who died on the back of an elephant), which is inscribed in Chola-era records at Kumbakonam and Thirunageswaram. His valour even finds mention in Ponniyin Selvan, the iconic novel by Kalki Krishnamurthy, which was later adapted into a film.
On this occasion, Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan and CISF Director General Rajwinder Singh Bhatti were also present. The event was marked by the honouring of 22 CISF jawans with gallantry and service medals. Amit Shah also laid the e-foundation for ₹88 crore infrastructure projects aimed at the welfare of CISF personnel, inaugurated a new gym at SSG Noida, and flagged off the 6,500 km Coastal Cyclothon.
Amit Shah took this opportunity to highlight the immense contributions of Tamil Nadu to India’s cultural and administrative heritage. “The culture of Tamil Nadu has played a significant role in strengthening India’s culture in many ways—whether in administrative reforms, achieving spiritual heights, setting educational standards, or promoting the message of unity and integrity of the country,” he remarked.
The Tamil language, culture, and traditions are a priceless jewel of India's heritage, which the entire nation proudly embraces today: HM Shri @AmitShah https://t.co/VzxsZfxgMs
— Office of Amit Shah (@AmitShahOffice) March 7, 2025
Furthering the cultural and linguistic revival, Amit Shah urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to introduce medical and engineering courses in Tamil. He pointed out that many Chief Ministers of other states had already taken this step to promote their respective regional languages. “This will not only strengthen Tamil as a mother tongue but also benefit students studying in the Tamil medium. It will empower the language and provide equal opportunities for children educated in Tamil medium schools,” he said.
The local Tamil populace welcomed the renaming of the CISF centre with enthusiasm. Many expressed their gratitude to the Modi government for honouring the Chola legacy, which they feel has been sidelined by successive Dravidian governments. A local resident stated, “We are happy and thank the Modi government for naming the centre after a Chola king. This government has been making immense efforts to remember the forgotten and unsung freedom fighters, as well as the great Chera, Pandya, and Chola kings. The Dravidian parties, following the footprints of the British, have deliberately erased their sacrifices and instead named everything after Anna and Karunanidhi, who did nothing to promote Tamil, its culture, or the welfare of Tamilians.”
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