Chambakkulam Chundan, the prestigious snake boat that has won several snake boat races, including the Nehru Trophy boat races of 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996,1998 and 2009, has arrived at UST Global’s brand new campus at Technopark, Trivandrum Phase II.
The Chundan, which was handed over to UST Global by its owners Chambakkulam Boat Club at a gala ceremony in Alappuzha, was transported to Kollam via the Alappuzha – Kollam waterway and then to Thiruvananthapuram by road.
The snakeboat’s journey to Thiruvananthapuram was on an 86-wheeled trailer specially brought from Chennai for the purpose. The boat was loaded on to the trailer on Monday at Kollam using a crane, and transported to Thiruvananthapuram.
The Chambakkulam Chundan will adorn the UST Global atrium at the new campus, which is being designed in a very indigenous fashion. As a tribute to the heritage and culture of Kerala, the Chundan will find its place in the UST Global campus after a bit of polishing and ornamentation, which is expected to take another 60 days time before being displayed.
Eight-time winner
Champakulam Chundan is eight-time winner of the renowned Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which included two hat-tricks, one in 1989, 1990 and 1991 and the other in 1994, 1995 and 1996, is all set to be preserved as showcase piece at Thiruvananthapuram.
The 130-feet-long boat was built in 1974 by ace craftsman Koimukku Narayanan Achary for the Champakulam Boat Club.
The boat was purchased by UST Global in December. The boat will be on display on the company’s new campus at Technopark Phase-11 along with the Virgin Racing team’s Formula One car. Joe Nalkara, UST Global president, said the company bought Champakulam Chudan as it was interested in preserving the rich cultural traditions of the State.
The snake-boat has a width of 69 inches and a hull depth of 22 inches.
It can accommodate 105 oarsmen. Thousands cheered the rowers of the boat during the races. Now, it will take the visitors to the company to the glorious days of Kerala’s boat races.
