His legacy Will Continue To Guide Us On Our Journey To Greatness, Says HM Shah On Thiruvalluvar Day

Union Home Minister Amit Shah joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday to commemorate Thiruvalluvar Day, paying homage to the renowned Tamil poet-philosopher whose ideas continue to shape moral and social thought.

Both leaders highlighted the relevance of his teachings in contemporary society and their ability to inspire harmony and compassion.

Taking to X, Shah posted, “On Thiruvalluvar day, I offer my solemn tributes to the great sage. Thiruvalluvar Ji’s life and works epitomised highest virtues of our civilisation and illuminated the path to pious life and harmonious society. His legacy will continue to guide us on our journey to greatness.”

Earlier in the day, PM Narendra Modi also joined in wishing on Thiruvalluvar Day.

“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,” he posted on X.

Historical traditions place Thiruvalluvar’s life around two thousand years ago, with Mylapore in present-day Chennai often cited as a key location associated with him.

Widely known as Valluvar, he was recognised as a Siddha and poet whose teachings reached far beyond regional boundaries.

Accounts suggest that he belonged to the Valluva community, traditionally tasked with announcing royal edicts.

Legends, however, describe him as the son of Bhagavan, a Brahmin, and Adi, a woman from the Pariah community, reflecting a life that symbolised social inclusivity.

Scholars continue to debate the exact period of Thiruvalluvar’s life.

Estimates range from the 4th century BCE to the early 6th century CE. While Maraimalai Adigal proposed 31 BCE as his birth year, scholar Kamil Zvelebil placed the composition of the Tirukkural between 500 and 600 CE.

In 1935, the Tamil Nadu government officially adopted 31 BCE as his birth year.

Thiruvalluvar’s seminal work, the Tirukkural, consists of 1,330 concise couplets addressing virtue, governance, wealth, and love.

The text, however, holds a distinguished place in Tamil literature and is celebrated globally for its universal ethical principles.

Through his writings, Thiruvalluvar demonstrated that spiritual fulfilment was possible within family life. He rejected the belief that renunciation was essential for achieving moral excellence. People remember his wife, Vasuki, as an embodiment of devotion and virtue.

Across southern India, communities revere Thiruvalluvar as a saint and, in some traditions, worship him as a divine figure.

Several temples dedicated to him, particularly in Mylapore, continue to honour his lasting contribution to Indian philosophy and cultural heritage.

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