Minister M.P. Saminathan launches The Hindu’s coffee table book on Tiruppur’s development

Minister M.P. Saminathan launches The Hindu's coffee table book, highlighting Tiruppur's remarkable development and industrial transformation.

Minister for Tamil Development and Information and Publicity M.P. Saminathan on Tuesday launched The Hindu’s coffee table book Made in Tiruppur, Every Stitch a Story. The first copy was received by A. Sakthivel, honorary chairman of the Tiruppur Exporters’ Association and chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council.

On the occasion, Mr. Saminathan recalled the upgraded municipal corporation was inaugurated in 2009 by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and said Tiruppur had since grown despite challenges. From its origins in cotton-based trade, the town had attained international recognition, he said. The book captures the various phases of the district’s growth and would stand as a profile of Tiruppur, he added. Referring to government initiatives such as four-laning projects, a cancer care centre and solid waste management measures, he said further development would be possible with coordination between the government and stakeholders. He also indicated the possibility of a second volume covering more sectors across the district.

Mr. Sakthivel said he had witnessed Tiruppur’s transformation over 53 years and described the book as a comprehensive account of the district. Citing various government projects, he said coordination between the people of Tiruppur and the government was essential for sustained growth. Tiruppur Collector Manish S. Narnaware said the book documents lesser-known aspects of the district, including Dharapuram’s historical school, dating back to the British period, and the Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary, a Ramsar-recognised wetland known for birdwatching. He said the sanctuary would be developed further with government support, including the construction of watchtowers and visitor facilities.

Describing Tiruppur as a self-made town, he highlighted environmental sustainability measures adopted by the textile industry and innovations implemented across units. Contributions from industries had supported initiatives such as the recently inaugurated ₹90-crore cancer care centre under the Namakku Naame scheme, he said, adding that upcoming projects would strengthen the district further.

Tiruppur Corporation Commissioner M.P. Amith said the publication reflected extensive groundwork by The Hindu and described it as a first-of-its-kind initiative for the city and a milestone in its civic narrative.

Mayor Dinesh Kumar said the book would serve as an inspiration to the people of Tiruppur. The city had been built through sustained effort and enterprise, earning recognition as the knitwear capital of India, he said, adding that the discipline and commitment of industrialists had shaped its growth.