- 16 publications on Tamil heritage, architecture and culture released
- VP stresses cultural unity under one Dharma
- PM lauded for global promotion of Tamil language
- Youth urged to read at least one hour daily
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 2nd March: The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, on Monday released 16 publications celebrating Tamil heritage, culture, literature and architecture at Uparashtrapati Bhavan.
The books, brought out by the Publications Division under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, cover a wide spectrum of Tamil civilisation — from sacred centres like Rameswaram and the architectural grandeur of the Meenakshi Amman Temple and Brihadeesvara Temple, to Bhakti literature, Nadukal traditions, ancient trade hubs like Arikamedu, Tamil musical instruments, folk deities and emerging scientific thought.
A trilingual publication on Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was also released in Tamil, English and Hindi. Recalling the immortal “Vande Mataram,” the Vice-President said the song ignited a revolution in the hearts of millions and inspired India’s freedom movement.
Describing Tamil as one of the world’s most ancient classical languages with over two millennia of literary and philosophical continuity, the Vice-President said the publications reflect the intellectual depth and civilisational strength of Tamil knowledge systems.
“Bharat is a land of many languages, but its soul is one,” he said, underlining that India remains culturally united by a shared Dharma despite linguistic and regional diversity. He added that ideals such as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and “Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir” embody the same civilisational ethos.
Highlighting India’s temple traditions, he said temples were not merely places of worship but centres of art, science, architecture, astronomy and social organisation.
The Vice-President lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for consistently celebrating Tamil language and culture globally, including references to Thirukkural and Subramania Bharati on international platforms. He also cited initiatives such as Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the proposed Thiruvalluvar Chair in Malaysia as examples of strengthening cultural integration.
Urging young Indians to remain rooted in culture while embracing modernity, he advised them to dedicate at least one hour every day to reading books. The publications, he said, are not merely literary works but guiding lights for the younger generation.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State L. Murugan were among those present at the event, along with scholars and dignitaries.
Concluding, the Vice-President said that as India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, cultural preservation must go hand in hand with economic growth.
