Sayed Habib, Prayagraj: The sacred land of Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati merge, has now witnessed another divine confluence — the unity of culture, language, and spirit. With the installation of the statue of Saint Tiruvalluvar during the auspicious occasion of the Maha Kumbh, the hearts of North and South India resonated as one. This historic unveiling was more than just the inauguration of a statue. It marked the establishment of a spiritual bridge — connecting Tamil and Hindi, South and North India, thought and soul. Tiruvalluvar: A Sage Beyond Boundaries Tiruvalluvar, the saint-poet, has been a guiding light for humanity across centuries. In his 1,330 couplets, he encapsulated the essence of Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha — not merely as literary verses, but as a profound philosophy of life. His teachings transcend all sects and castes, embracing only the universal religion of humanity. This very sentiment was echoed when Varanasi Divisional Commissioner S. Rajalingam stated, “Thirukkural is a universal code of ethics.” His words resonated deeply, as if every Indian heart echoed the realization — "These verses belong to all of us." An Idol, a Symbol, an Eternal Inspiration DIG Dr. N. Kolanji, whose dedication brought this vision to life, remarked, “Seven words in a couplet contain the essence of life.” These were not mere words, but a reflection of the ancient cultural wisdom embedded in the Thirukkural. His powerful statement — “What God cannot do, man can achieve through effort” — echoed in the skies of Prayagraj, etching an eternal message that will inspire generations to come. North Meets South: A Living Example of Brotherhood R. Shafimunna, senior consulting journalist from Hindu Tamil Disai, emphasized, “Every religion has its own sacred book, but the Thirukkural is one that transcends all religions.” His statement wasn’t just about unity — it was a reaffirmation of a deep, spiritual truth. The statue of Tiruvalluvar in Prayagraj stands not only for the Tamil community but for every Indian who reveres truth, compassion, and ethical living. A Long Struggle, A Dream Realized The roots of this historic event go back decades. Bhasha Sangam, which has served as a linguistic bridge in India for 49 years, worked relentlessly for 34 of them to enshrine the spirit of Tiruvalluvar in the heart of North India. Their persistent efforts, supported by Hindu Tamil Disai and dedicated officials like Dr. Kolanji, finally bore fruit. When Rekha Goud, wife of the late K.C. Goud, was honored at the event, it was not just a tribute to an individual but a symbolic culmination — a yajna completed, an acknowledgment of a lifelong penance that transformed struggle into a sacred pursuit. Prime Minister Modi’s Contribution: Building a Linguistic Bridge Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s launch of the Hindi translation of Thirukkural during the Kashi Tamil Sangamam marked a pivotal moment in this cultural journey. More than a literary initiative, it was a deliberate step towards fostering dialogue and understanding between India's linguistic communities. Tiruvalluvar: A Beacon for Every Indian As India marches forward on the path of progress, it is vital that our spiritual and ethical roots remain grounded. The teachings of Thirukkural remind us that true advancement does not stem from technology alone, but through adherence to values — truth, compassion, and righteousness. Thus, when Dr. Kolanji proposed, “The Thirukkural should be declared the national book,” or that “every student should be taught at least one couplet,” he wasn’t merely offering a suggestion. He was launching a movement of cultural renewal — a path to awaken the collective conscience of the nation. Conclusion: The River of Culture Flows Through the Sangam As lamps were lit during the grand unveiling ceremony, and each guest received a miniature statue of Tiruvalluvar along with a copy of Thirukkural in Hindi, it became clear that this event was more than ceremonial. It was a celebration of cultural light dispelling the darkness of division. This statue is not just a monument in Prayagraj — it is a sacred tilak on the forehead of Mother India. It reflects a vision of India united not in spite of its languages, but because of them. An India where every dialect adds to the melody of unity, and every culture strengthens the soul of the nation.
