Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated India's first glass bridge in Kanniyakumari. National | Dated: 01 Jan 2025 On December 30, 2024, Tamil Nadu (TN) Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin inaugurated India's first bowstring arch glass bridge connecting the 133-foot Thiruvalluvar Statue and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu. 🎯 Key Highlights: - The inauguration marked the Silver Jubilee (25th anniversary) of the Thiruvalluvar Statue's installation. - The CM also announced that the Thiruvalluvar Statue will now be officially referred to as the 'Statue of Wisdom.' - The 133-foot-tall Thiruvalluvar Statue, weighing 7,000 tonnes, was unveiled by former TN CM M. Karunanidhi on January 1, 2000, and stands on a rock in the sea off the Kanyakumari coast. Designed by renowned sculptor V. Ganapati Sthapati, its height symbolizes the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural, authored by the saint-poet Thiruvalluvar over 2,000 years ago. 💡 Other Important Facts: (i) The bridge spans 77 meters in length and 10 meters in width, constructed using advanced technology to resist corrosion and withstand strong sea winds. (ii) Built at a cost of Rs. 37 crore by the Tamil Nadu government, the bridge provides a time-saving alternative for tourists by eliminating the need for ferry rides between the two iconic landmarks. (iii) The Poompuhar Shipping Corporation currently operates a ferry service from the Kanyakumari boat jetty to the Vivekananda Memorial and then to the Thiruvalluvar Statue. The newly inaugurated glass bridge is expected to become a major attraction in Kanyakumari, drawing thousands of visitors daily to experience its famous sunrise and sunset. 📚 Test Your Knowledge: Who recently inaugurated India's first glass bridge in Kanniyakumari? Correct Answer: M.K. Stalin 🚀 Quick Recap: About Tamil Nadu (TN) CM : Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin Governor : Ravindra Narayana Ravi