Context:
On the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day, observed on January 16, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the celebrated Tamil poet‑philosopher Thiruvalluvar, underscoring the enduring relevance of his teachings and literary genius.
About Thiruvalluvar:
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- Thiruvalluvar, often simply called Valluvar, is revered as one of the greatest Tamil poet‑philosophers and a key figure in the classical Tamil literary tradition. Although exact details of his birth and life remain debated among scholars, tradition places him around 2000 years ago, with some estimates varying between the 4th century BCE and the early 6th century CE.
- He hailed from Mylapore (present‑day Chennai), and his timeless work, the Tirukkural, comprises 1,330 couplets (kurals) that explore a wide array of themes including morality, governance, economics, virtue, and love. The Tirukkural is celebrated for its universal values, ethical clarity, and secular wisdom, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. It is often referred to as the Tamil Veda or a universal scripture of ethics.
- Thiruvalluvar, often simply called Valluvar, is revered as one of the greatest Tamil poet‑philosophers and a key figure in the classical Tamil literary tradition. Although exact details of his birth and life remain debated among scholars, tradition places him around 2000 years ago, with some estimates varying between the 4th century BCE and the early 6th century CE.
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Cultural and Philosophical Significance:
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- Thiruvalluvar’s teachings emphasize righteous living, moral conduct, compassion, familial and social duties, and ethical governance. They demonstrate that spiritual excellence and ethical life can be achieved while fulfilling worldly responsibilities, a message that resonates deeply in contemporary discourse on moral values and social harmony.
- Across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Thiruvalluvar Day is celebrated with reverence, commemorating his contributions to Tamil literature and Indian philosophy. Leaders and scholars continue to highlight the Tirukkural’s practical relevance to issues of ethics, governance, and human values in modern life.
- Thiruvalluvar’s teachings emphasize righteous living, moral conduct, compassion, familial and social duties, and ethical governance. They demonstrate that spiritual excellence and ethical life can be achieved while fulfilling worldly responsibilities, a message that resonates deeply in contemporary discourse on moral values and social harmony.
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Conclusion:
Thiruvalluvar remains an emblem of ethical wisdom and cultural heritage. His work Tirukkural is not only a cornerstone of Tamil literary tradition but also a universal ethical guide valued across regions and eras. The Prime Minister’s homage on Thiruvalluvar Day serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of moral philosophy and cultural pluralism in shaping a harmonious society.
