Fr. Stan Swamy Memorial Statue Unveiled in Virugalur, Trichy

VIRUGALUR (TRICHY), July 7, 2025: Four years after his death in judicial custody shook the conscience of the nation, Fr. Stan Swamy returned to his native village — this time not in handcuffs, but in honour. A life-size statue of the Jesuit priest and tribal rights activist was unveiled in Virugalur, near Lalgudi on July 5, in a poignant ceremony attended by political leaders, activists, and hundreds of villagers. The event, organised by the Stan Swamy People’s Federation, transformed the quiet village into a site of remembrance and resistance. The air was filled with folk songs and powerful tributes celebrating a man whose voice echoed far beyond his humble beginnings.

A voice they tried to silence — but we remember

DMK MP Kanimozhi, who unveiled the statue, called Stan Swamy’s death a “wound on India’s conscience” and condemned the indignity he suffered in custody. “He was denied even a glass of water in prison, but he was given labels like ‘anti-national’ and ‘urban Naxal’. Today, this statue restores the honour that was denied to him,” she said to loud applause. She also pledged to introduce a private member’s bill in Parliament to protect human rights defenders.

He lived for the oppressed and died for the truth

VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan said Fr. Stan was a symbol of peaceful resistance. “He did not take up arms. His only weapon was compassion for Dalits, tribals, and the voiceless. His arrest and death were unjust — but this statue shows he still stands among us,” he declared.

Stan Swamy belongs to Tamil Nadu — and to all of India

Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, addressing the gathering, said: “We are proud that such a selfless soul was born in our land. He is now a guiding light for our work to uplift the marginalised through education and empowerment.”

Not just a memory, but a movement

CPM State Secretary K. Balakrishnan urged people to carry forward Fr. Stan’s mission. “To remember him is not enough. We must stand up wherever justice is denied, and continue the path he walked.”

The gathering adopted several resolutions calling for justice, protection of civil liberties, and support for the causes Fr. Stan championed. The event concluded with a cultural programme that reflected his deep bond with India’s indigenous people and their struggles.

As the curtain fell from the statue, many in the crowd wept quietly — not just out of grief, but pride. In a village that once watched its son taken away in silence, a statue now stands tall — bearing witness, inspiring action, and reminding the world that truth never dies.

By Vox Ecclesiae