TIRUCHY: A study centre opened at Gandhipuram in Woraiyur by freedom fighter P Kakkan, who was also a minster in former CM K Kamaraj's tenure, is on the verge of closure as footfalls have reduced due to lack of facilities. Residents and councillors have urged the authorities to connect the centre to the district central library, which will ensure better access to books and learning resources.

The centre, earlier known as Mahatmaji Night Patasala, was inaugurated by Kakkan on June 10, 1956. Housed in a tiled roof building, it served as a hub for students and others who sought a quiet space to study. Over the decades, the building fell into disrepair. in 2016-2017, the Tiruchy City Corporation demolished the structure and constructed a new building at a cost of Rs 9.15 lakh. Locals donated over 200-300 books at that time. For nearly three years, the corporation supplied newspapers.

In the last six months, the number of visitors has come down due to lack of books and proper management. As a result, the centre, which used to function regularly in the mornings and evenings, remains closed most of the time and is used only for corporation-related events.

Speaking to TNIE, councillor of ward 23, in which the centre is located, K Suresh Kumar said, "Without resources, the centre cannot serve the people. We want it to connected to the central library. If this happens, staff will be appointed and more books will be provided."

K Vaheel, a class XII student from Gandhipuram, said, "I used to come here in the evenings, but now most of the time, the centre is closed. There are not enough books. It is boring to study in an empty room"

Residents recalled that similar initiatives in the city have been successful. For instance, the Manickam Pillai Memorial study centre in Woraiyur Kuratheru, inaugurated in 1963, was converted into a rural library in 2012 under the Tiruchy District Library Committee, with staff appointed following public demand, ensuring proper access to books and learning resources.

When contacted, Mayor Mu Anbalagan told TNIE, "I will discuss this with the District Central Library immediately and request them to take over the centre."

The story is published by P Thiruselvam of The New Indian Express