Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi pays tribute to Thiruvalluvar
Chennai, January 16
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi on Friday paid floral tributes to the statue of Thiruvalluvar on the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day at Lok Bhavan in Guindy.
The day, observed on January 16 (on Leap Year as per Tamil Calendar) in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, commemorates Thiruvalluvar's contribution to Tamil literature and philosophy.
Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin offered floral tributes to the Tamil poet.
Tributes on Thiruvalluvar day poured in from across the nation, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extending greetings on the occasion and paying tribute to the famous Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar.
In a post on X, Kharge said, "Warm greetings on Thiruvalluvar Day. Today, we bow in reverent homage to Thiruvalluvar -- an enduring fountain of ethical, social, political, economic, religious, philosophical, and spiritual wisdom. His timeless Tirukkural stands as a rare and radiant guide, inspiring humanity with its clarity, compassion, and truth."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the famous Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day. In his post on X, PM Modi said, "Today, on Thiruvalluvar Day, paying homage to the versatile Thiruvalluvar, whose works and ideals inspire innumerable people. He believed in a society that is harmonious and compassionate. He personifies the best of Tamil culture. I urge you all to read the Tirukkural, which gives a glimpse of the outstanding intellect of the great Thiruvalluvar."
Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, Minister TRB Rajaa on Thursday urged the central government to start with "understanding" Tamil culture instead of simply giving "ceremonial praise". His response came hours after Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended Thiruvalluvar Day greetings to the people of Tamil Nadu.
Rajaa, a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader, said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a "fundamental issue" of not understanding Tamils and not making the effort to understand what they need or who they are.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the tributes are welcome, Minister Rajaa makes a valid point. There is often a gap between ceremonial praise and genuine understanding of Tamil culture and aspirations. The Centre needs deeper engagement, not just symbolic gestures.
Thiruvalluvar belongs to all of humanity, not just Tamil Nadu. PM Modi urging people to read the Tirukkural is a positive step. Let's focus on spreading his teachings of harmony and compassion, which India needs today.
As a Tamilian living in Delhi, I feel proud when our culture is recognized nationally. But it should be a year-round respect, not just on Thiruvalluvar Day. More inclusion in school curricula across India would be a great start.
Interesting to see the political dimension here. The DMK's criticism highlights the ongoing tension between regional identity and national integration. Hopefully, the day's true spirit—celebrating wisdom—isn't lost.
My father used to quote the Kural every day. "அகர முதல எழுத்தெல்லாம் ஆதி பகவன் முதற்றே உலகு." (As the letter 'A' is the first of all letters, so the eternal God is first in the world). True wisdom never fades. Vanakkam, Thiruvalluvar!
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