The erasure of Tiruvalluvar’s Hindu heritage and the political use of his identity not only distort his teachings but also undermine the broader message of inclusivity that he championed.
Tiruvalluvar, the celebrated Tamil poet-philosopher, stands as an eternal beacon of wisdom whose ideas transcend time, space, and religious affiliations. His “Tirukkural”, with its 1,330 couplets, masterfully weaves ethics, governance, economics, and personal conduct into a universal framework that holds relevance across generations. Yet, as India aspires to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat—a developed and inclusive nation—Tiruvalluvar’s teachings need to be rediscovered, not as relics of Tamil literature or tools of sectarian politics but as guiding principles for building a balanced and equitable society.
However, Tiruvalluvar’s legacy is increasingly being distorted through politicisation and sectarian claims, whether by Christians, Jains, or even Buddhists, while his deep connections to Hindu philosophy remain underappreciated. His name and work must not be exploited for ideological gains but celebrated as a cornerstone of India’s civilisational ethos, which integrates material advancement with spiritual growth. Reviving his ideas in the context of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) can strengthen India’s intellectual and ethical foundations while providing a framework for addressing contemporary challenges.
TIRUVALLUVAR AND THE IKS
Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural is a prime example of India’s rich intellectual heritage. Much like the Bhagavad Gita or Kautilya’s Arthashastra, it embodies a synthesis of practical wisdom and spiritual philosophy. It aligns seamlessly with the framework of Indian Knowledge Systems, which emphasises the harmonious pursuit of dharma (righteousness), artha (material wealth), kama (desires), and moksha (liberation). These pillars reflect an integrated vision of life, where personal, social, and cosmic harmony are interlinked—a vision that lies at the heart of Viksit Bharat. The Tirukkural’s structure—Aram (virtue), Porul (wealth), and Inbam (love)—parallels the Sanskritic Purusharthas. However, Tiruvalluvar’s nuanced approach grounds these ideals in daily life. For instance, his reflections on governance extend beyond philosophical musings to practical strategies akin to the statecraft in the Arthashastra. While Kautilya views the state as an instrument of order, Tiruvalluvar envisions governance as a moral enterprise where the ruler’s justice determines societal well-being. His emphasis on virtuous leadership resonates deeply with India’s developmental goals, offering insights into ethical governance, economic equity, and social harmony.
By embedding these ideas into the development of Indian Knowledge Systems, India can reclaim its intellectual legacy and position itself as a leader in global thought. Reviving Tiruvalluvar’s teachings in education, policymaking, and community development can help balance India’s economic aspirations with its ethical imperatives, fostering a society that values both progress and compassion.
DE-POLITICISING TIRUVALLUVAR’S LEGACY
One of the greatest disservices to Tiruvalluvar has been the politicisation and appropriation of his legacy. Various religious groups have attempted to claim him as their own—whether by attributing Christian ethics to his teachings, framing his philosophy as a Jain moral code, or aligning it with Buddhist principles. While reflective of his universal appeal, these claims often ignore the profound Hindu underpinnings of his work. For instance, Tiruvalluvar frequently references Hindu concepts such as moksha, rebirth, and deities like Vishnu and Lakshmi, yet this aspect of his philosophy remains underrepresented in popular discourse. This erasure of his Hindu heritage and the political use of his identity not only distort his teachings but also undermine the broader message of inclusivity that he championed. Tiruvalluvar’s universal vision rejects sectarianism and calls for a society where ethical conduct transcends religious boundaries. In today
Instead, Tiruvalluvar should be celebrated as a unifying figure in India’s pluralistic tradition. His teachings can inspire a collective commitment to justice, equity, and ethical governance, transcending the divisions of caste, religion, and politics. By positioning him as a cornerstone of Viksit Bharat, India can demonstrate how its civilisational values offer solutions to modern challenges.
FROM ETHICAL PHILOSOPHY TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Tiruvalluvar’s ideas are not confined to ethical philosophy but extend to actionable frameworks for societal development. His insights on wealth creation, environmental stewardship, and education are particularly relevant to India’s sustainable and inclusive growth aspirations. For instance, his emphasis on the ethical acquisition of wealth (Porul) aligns with India’s push for equitable economic policies that uplift all sections of society. Similarly, his reflections on the importance of water management underscore the need for sustainable practices, resonating with India’s initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission and water conservation efforts.
Moreover, Tiruvalluvar’s practical wisdom offers valuable lessons for governance. He emphasises that a ruler’s primary duty is to ensure the welfare of the people, a principle that can guide India’s political leadership in addressing issues such as corruption, inequality, and social justice. His advocacy for education as a transformative force mirrors India’s vision of Viksit Bharat as an empowered knowledge economy. By incorporating Tiruvalluvar’s teachings into policy frameworks, India can create a developmental model that balances material progress with moral responsibility.
TIRUVALLUVAR AS A VISIONARY
As India charts its path towards Amrit Kaal and Viksit Bharat, Tiruvalluvar’s teachings provide a timeless roadmap for creating a materially prosperous and spiritually enriched society. His Tirukkural exemplifies the essence of Indian Knowledge Systems, blending ethical philosophy with practical guidance to address the complexities of human life.
To honour Tiruvalluvar’s legacy, India must move beyond politicising and appropriating his name. Instead, his work should be integrated into the national consciousness as a source of wisdom that transcends divisions. India can showcase its civilisational values on a global stage by embedding its teachings in education, policymaking, and community initiatives. In this vision, Tiruvalluvar is not just a Tamil poet or philosopher but a luminary for all of humanity. If properly understood and applied, his legacy can inspire a Viksit Bharat where economic development, ethical governance, and social harmony coexist, offering a model of progress rooted in timeless wisdom.
* Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is the Vice Chancellor of JNU.