Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a floral tribute at the Thiruvalluvar statue in Kanyakumari on June 1.
Thiruvalluvar is a celebrated poet-philosopher from Tamil culture, with his exact historical period debated among scholars, ranging from the 3rd to the 9th century CE.
Thiruvalluvar is renowned for writing the Tirukkural, a significant literary work comprising couplets on morality, politics, economy, and love.
His religious affiliation and ethnic background are subjects of scholarly debate, with some viewing him as a Jain and others highlighting his Dravidian roots.
The Tirukkural was first translated into English by Edward Jewitt Robinson in 1873.
Thiruvalluvar's teachings are often quoted in Indian budget speeches, reflecting his enduring relevance in Indian philosophical and economic thought.
Apart from the Tirukkural, Thiruvalluvar is credited with other Tamil texts, though these are believed to be from later periods.
The Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari stands 133 feet tall, representing the 133 chapters of the Tirukkural. It is located adjacent to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
Crafted by sculptor V Ganapathi Sthapathi, the statue is a masterpiece of art and engineering, weighing 7,000 tonnes and featuring detailed Indian architectural styles.
The Thiruvalluvar Statue, along with the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, draws millions of visitors annually, highlighting its popularity and the cultural fascination with Thiruvalluvar’s legacy.