On the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the revered Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, urging citizens to read his magnum opus, the Tirukkural.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “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.”
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… pic.twitter.com/sXp1ROlwOh
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 16, 2026
Thiruvalluvar lived around 2,000 years ago in Mylapore, present-day Chennai. Valluvar is remembered for his profound philosophical insights and poetic genius.
Tradition describes him as the son of Bhagavan, a Brahmin, and Adi, a Pariah woman. He showed that one could achieve spiritual excellence while remaining a householder. In doing so, he emphasised purity, ethics, and compassion.
Thiruvalluvar wrote the Tirukkural, comprising 1,330 couplets. The work addresses morality, governance, economics, and love.
People celebrate the text for its ethical clarity and universal values, making it one of the most significant works in Tamil literature.
The Tamil Nadu government recognises 31 BCE as Thiruvalluvar’s birth year.
Scholars have associated him with Jainism or Hinduism. During his time, his teachings flourished alongside Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism across India.
Revered across southern India, many consider him a saint, and some even regard him as a deity. Shaivite communities honour him as the 64th Nayanmar.
Several temples dedicated to Thiruvalluvar celebrate his life and work. The most renowned is in Mylapore, located within the Ekambareeswara-Kamakshi temple complex.
Thiruvalluvar remains an enduring symbol of Tamil culture and ethical philosophy.
His life and works continue to inspire generations. They encourage harmony, compassion, and intellectual growth. PM Modi’s tribute emphasises the relevance of his teachings in contemporary society.
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