Chennai :
Denmark appears to be keen on preserving Schmidt Memorial on the Elliot’s beach in Besant Nagar. The structure was put up in memory of a Danish sailor who gave up his life to save a drowning English girl off the beach.
On Friday, Danish ambassador to India Freddy Svane and S B Prabhakar Rao, honorary vice-consul of Denmark for Southern India, will visit the site along with R Anandakumar, regional joint commissioner (south) of the city corporation.
The civic body had taken up the restoration in November 2014 at an estimated Rs 15 lakh after beachgoers and activists complained that the heritage monument had been converted into a toilet and was also being used as a bar. On December 30, 2012, a few residents placed wreaths at the memorial to commemorate K A J Schmidt’s 82nd anniversary.
The memorial was ordered built in 1930 by Madras Governor Lieutenant-Colonel Sir George Frederick in memory of Schmidt, a Dutch sailor who lost his life while trying to save a girl from drowning in the sea. The epitaph on the memorial stone reads, “To commemorate the gallantry of K A J Schmidt who drowned near this spot on December 30, 1930, while helping to save the lives of others.”
With Schmidt’s 84th death anniversary coming up on December 30, beachgoers have urged the city corporation to initiate steps to ensure that the monument is protected from further acts of vandalism.
Residents of Besant Nagar, who had for long fought to the get the monument restored, are happy. Kamakshi Subramaniyam, a resident, said there was a need to conserve the structure. “There should be a comprehensive plan for the protection of this heritage structure. Technical and financial support from Denmark would be an additional benefit. The coordination between the Denmark consulate and corporation will prevent future vandalism.”
The fact that the restoration is nearing completion has thrilled regulars to the beach. Raghav Kumar, a frequent visitor, said: “It’s the only heritage structure on the beach. There is a need to conserve this landmark. The story of the sailor should act as a model for future generations.”
He said strict action should be initiated against those trying to misuse it. “Members of the public should also be made responsible to protect the monument,” he added.
The corporation is considering deploying security guards and constructing a compound wall around the memorial.
source: http://www.timesofindia.com / Times of India / Home> City> Chennai / TNN / September 19th, 2014