As every year turns out with the celebration of Thiruvalluvar Day. His work, the Tirukkural, is packed with short, bracing couplets giving advice on how to lead a good, ethical, meaningful life. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated today’s Thiruvalluvar Day to the great philosopher, in a deeply moving tweet, urging people across India to read the Tirukkural and consider its eternal truths.
Message From the Prime Minister:
When Prime Minister Modi tweeted about Thiruvalluvar, he depicted him as a multi-dimensional figure whose moral lessons still guide people today. He commended Thiruvalluvar’s faith in a peaceful and kind society and referred to him as a representative of Tamil culture. Modi encouraged all to read the Tirukkural, saying it reveals the extraordinary intellect of the great poet and philosopher. The tweet was accompanied by a video thumbnail showing the Prime Minister seated in front of a statue of Thiruvalluvar, with the words "We bow to the great Thiruvalluvar on his Jayanti." The visual tribute brought emotional depth to the messages, reminding us again, too, of what is important in remembrance and honoring cultural icons who gave the moral foundations and philosophical underpinnings to India.
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
Who was Thiruvalluvar?
Thiruvalluvar lived over two thousand years ago and is regarded as one of the most important voices in Tamil literature. There are 1,330 couplets of his works, the Tirukkural, structured in three parts: virtue (aram), wealth (porul), and love (inbam). A couplet can have just two lines and yet it has so much meaning. The special thing about Thiruvalluvar’s writing, however, is its universalism. No religion, caste or region has any monopoly on his teachings. They are universalizing, telling others life of honesty, kindness and purpose. His ideas on justice, leadership of family life, and how one should go about affairs personally remain highly relevant.
Symbol of Unity and Culture:
Thiruvalluvar is more than just a poet; he’s also a symbol of Tamil pride and of Indian unity. His writing has been translated to many languages and studied by scholars around the globe. It may also be worth noting that places like Kanyakumari and Chennai have statues of Thiruvalluvar where the people remember Thiruvalluvar and his lasting legacy. Prime Minister Modi and such have also paid tribute to Thiruvalluvar to celebrate the richness of Tamil culture and his role in Indian heritage. The Tirukkural is not merely a book, it is a guide to life, honored by people of all backgrounds, politicians and educators to even spiritual leaders.
Why Does His Message Still Matters?
Thiruvalluvar’s teachings, in a fast-paced world where we are faced with stress, conflict and confusion, bring clarity and calm. It is a more significant urgency than ever before due to his call to compassion, truth and balance. With respect to personal relationships, business, and governance, the values embedded in the Tirukkural can contribute to a better society. As Prime Minister Modi puts it in a tweet it is true ancient wisdom has its place. By teaching anyone to read the Tirukkural He is the one preserving Thiruvalluvar’s life and his worth.
Thiruvalluvar Day is not just a celebration of a poet -- it is a remembrance of values to steer us toward a brighter tomorrow. In his tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again brought attention to the significance of Thiruvalluvar’s writings and its contribution to a compassionate and peaceful society. Thiruvalluvar’s words continue to shine, offering hope, direction, and unity to generations across India and beyond.
