An unveiling ceremony of the statue of Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar, installed during the Mahakumbh, was held at Prayagraj on Monday at an event organised jointly by the Bhasha Sangam, Union Ministry of Culture, Central Classical Tamil Research Institute, Chennai with Hindu Tamil Thisai. It was attended by Tamil officials from Uttar Pradesh.
Speaking on the occasion, Varanasi Divisional Commissioner, S. Rajalingam said that while the poet had written 1330 couplets on all subjects including Dharma, Artha and Kama, he had not used the word ‘Tamil’ anywhere in them. Thus, these were considered as universal ethics.
Even Mahatma Gandhi, on a visit to Tamil Nadu, had expressed the desire to study Tamil to read Thiruvalluvar.
The Prayagraj DIG, N. Kolanji opined that a day dedicated to the poet should be celebrated internationally and that at least one couplet should be taught in the curriculum to school students at the national level.
“Like the national bird, animal and flower of our country, Tirukkural should be declared the national book. In North India, it is believed that a person's destiny is determined by God from birth. But, according to the verse 'Deivattal Aagadeninum...', man can win even that which is impossible for God with his efforts. Therefore,” Kolanji said, it would be good for people to read at least one couplet daily.
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Statues of the poet abound in South India and also in many foreign countries. This is, however, the first time that a statue has been installed in Uttar Pradesh.
Senior journalist R. Shafimunna described Tirukkural as the ‘only common text that is accepted by people of all religions’.
“In Tamil Nadu, it is mentioned in conversations between all kinds of people including friends, couples, politicians, officials. A similar situation could be created in UP too,” said Shafimunna.
The statue was to be unveiled during the Mahakumbh in the presence of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. However, this was not possible because of the huge crowds.
