PM Modi expressed that the Thiruvalluvar statue in Cergy is a beautiful testament to the shared cultural bonds between France and India. Thiruvalluvar, the revered Tamil poet and philosopher, is known for composing the Thirukkural, a revered text with 1330 couplets encapsulating the essence of Tamil culture, moral values, and way of living.
The statue, set to be erected in the Prefecture De Serge in France, is seen as an honour for India, bringing Thiruvalluvar’s teachings to a global audience. PM Modi emphasised the special place Thiruvalluvar holds in Indian history and how the Thirukkural resonates with people worldwide. Quoting from the Thirukkural, he reflected on the joy a mother feels when her child is praised by others, stating that he was experiencing a similar moment.
Jean-Paul Jeandon, the Mayor of Cergy, shared pictures of the inauguration on social media. Responding to Jeandon’s post, PM Modi acknowledged the significance of the Thiruvalluvar statue in reinforcing cultural ties. He praised Thiruvalluvar as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, whose writings inspire millions around the world.
Tamil Nadu state BJP chief K Annamalai also expressed gratitude to PM Modi for promoting the greatness of the Tamil language. He thanked the Prime Minister for the establishment of Thiruvalluvar’s statue in Cergy, highlighting Modi’s love for the Tamil language and his mission to spread the teachings of Saint Thiruvalluvar globally.
On his social media platform, Annamalai stated, “Our Hon PM Thiru @narendramodi avl, during his visit to France in July 2023, announced the establishment of Thiruvalluvar’s Statue in Cergy & today, the Tamil Saint’s Statue stands tall as a testament to our Hon PM’s love for our Tamil language & his mission to spread the teachings of Saint Thiruvalluvar across the world.”
PM Modi also conveyed his message in Tamil on the X platform, reiterating the importance of the Thiruvalluvar statue in strengthening cultural bonds. His multilingual approach, including Tamil, serves to connect with the diverse linguistic communities and debunk any notions of being anti-Tamil.
The installation of the Thiruvalluvar statue in France reflects PM Modi’s consistent efforts to highlight the rich cultural heritage of India, including its classical languages. His eloquent references to Tamil literature and ethos resonate positively, dispelling any misconceptions about his commitment to promoting linguistic diversity.
The inauguration ceremony in Cergy, France, stands as a landmark moment, emphasising the significance of Thiruvalluvar’s teachings and reinforcing the enduring cultural ties between India and France. The statue serves as a beacon of wisdom, knowledge, and shared values, symbolising the unity of diverse cultures across borders.
