THALASSERY: The proposed renovation of the Gundert Park in Kozhikode is yet to take place despite the offer made by Germany seven months back. The honorary consul of Germany to Kerala, Dr Syed Ibrahim, had visited the dilapidated park near Thalassery municipal stadium earlier this year and offered to aid its renovation. It is learnt that the drawing and estimate for the project are ready and will be forwarded to the consul for further action.
The consul also held talks with Thalassery municipal chairman C.K. Ramesan and Thalassery MLA A.N. Shamseer regarding the renovation. “We will soon submit the drawing and estimate to the consul. We hope to finish the work within 40 days after starting it,” said a source. The Gundert Park with the bronze statue of Dr Hermann Gundert, the German missionary, scholar and linguist, known for his immense contribution to Malayalam language and journalism, is one of the iconic spots in Thalassery.
It lacks a permanent maintenance system and is a haven for stray dogs and weeds. The park, frequented by the tourists, especially Germans, has many trees planted by eminent persons, including the mayor of Gundert’s hometown Calw. It was during Gundert’s death centenary in 1993 the then culture minister T.M. Jacob announced establishing a memorial. In August, 2000 the then chief minister E.K. Nayanar unveiled the statue.
