A Fargo van gifted to ‘Periyar’ E.V. Ramasamy, the founder of the Dravida Kazhagam (DK) in August 19, 1973, is being repaired and given a makeover in Tiruchi to further preserve its iconic status in Tamil politics.

Parked in a glass-fronted enclosure adjoining the leader’s residence at the ‘Periyar Maaligai’, a 2.5 acre estate in Puthur, the vehicle is a familiar sight for those passing by in the neighbourhood.

A board informs visitors that a golden key to the van, with the numberplate ‘TMZ 9595’, was gifted by then-Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi to Periyar at a ceremony in Thanjavur. A sum of ₹1 lakh was estimated to have been collected from the public in 1973 to buy the van. The then-DK general secretary K.Veeramani raised ₹1.5 lakh and gifted ₹50,000 to Periyar during the inaugural function.