The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently gifted Russian President Vladimir Putin a Russian edition of the Thirukkural, one of the most celebrated works of Tamil literature. The Thirukkural is a classic work of ancient Tamil moral literature and one of the most famous and respected texts in the Tamil language.
Presenting the book, Modi highlighted its timeless wisdom and expressed hope that it would inspire readers across Russia.
“I presented a Russian translation of the sacred Thirukkural by the divine scholar Thiruvalluvar to Russian President Putin. The Thirukkural proclaims the immeasurable wisdom of Thiruvalluvar that transcends national borders and languages,” Modi expressed on X.
“I hope this book helps strengthen our people-to-people connections,” he said.
The exchange took place during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Brics Summit in New Delhi.
What is Thirukkural?
Among the most celebrated works of ancient Tamil literature, the Thirukkural has endured over 2,000 years as a profound work of ethical and practical wisdom.
Composed by Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, Thirukkural explores questions of morality, virtue and the conduct of everyday life.
What sets the Thirukkural apart from many ancient religious texts is that it is secular and universal. It does not promote a particular deity, religion or caste; hence it’s often described as the “Universal Veda” or the “Common Creed of Humanity.”
What is Thirukkural’s Russian connection?
The intellectual exchange between Russia and India has a long history, with Russian interest in Indian philosophy and literature can be traced to at least the 17th century.
Leo Tolstoy, among Russia’s most renowned writers, is believed to have read the Thirukkural in an early 19th-century translation. Its emphasis on virtue, compassion and non-violence is said to have resonated with Tolstoy and influenced his philosophical writings.
By gifting Putin a Russian edition of the Thirukkural, Modi has effectively connected this historic literary exchange with the modern India-Russia relationship and showcased India’s rich Tamil literary heritage.
Even, Modi has frequently quoted the text in speeches and presented its translations to global leaders.
Source: Firstpost
