Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has asserted that Saint Thiruvalluvar’s teachings are deeply rooted in Sanatana Dharma, stating that even those who do not believe in Sanatana Dharma would eventually bow before the revered Tamil saint-poet because of the power and universality of his message.
Describing Thiruvalluvar as a reflection of the Sanatana way of life, the Governor said that the author of the Thirukkural could, in a sense, be regarded as a “Sanatani”, as his teachings and principles form an integral part of the Sanatana tradition.
Arlekar made the remarks while addressing the Thiruvalluvar Thirunaal Vizha (Vaikasi Anusham Valluvar Thirunaal), organised by the Thiruvalluvar Thirunaal Kazhagam at Bharathiar Mandapam, Lok Bhavan, Chennai, on May 30, 2026.
In his address, the Governor paid rich tributes to Saint Thiruvalluvar, whose timeless work, the Thirukkural, continues to guide humanity with its universal values of virtue, righteousness and ethical living.
He highlighted that Thiruvalluvar’s teachings transcend time, culture and geography, offering profound insights into good governance, social harmony and moral responsibility.
Governor Arlekar emphasised that the principles enshrined in the Thirukkural remain highly relevant in today’s world, inspiring individuals to lead lives rooted in integrity, compassion and wisdom. “Such celebrations serve as a reminder of our rich literary and cultural heritage and encourage us to imbibe the noble ideals of Thiruvalluvar in our daily lives for the betterment of society.”
Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, Thiru. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, presided over and addressed the gathering at the Thiruvalluvar Thirunaal Vizha (Vaikasi Anusham Valluvar Thirunaal) organised by Thiruvalluvar Thirunaal Kazhagam, held at Bharathiar Mandapam, Lok Bhavan, Chennai… pic.twitter.com/kYi18mfZYz
— LOK BHAVAN, TAMIL NADU (@lokbhavan_tn) May 30, 2026
The TN Governor said: “Saint Thiruvalluvar cannot be restricted to the borders of any state. If one reads his couplets, they will know how great he was. Persons like Thiruvalluvar, who were born in Bharat, are saints, sadhus, poets, knowledgeable and learned persons. We can call them by different names. But their works, knowledge and principles in poetic form are repositories of wisdom and knowledge.”
Governor Arlekar said: “It is immaterial whether he adorns white attire, saffron robes or blue robes, and whether he bears religious marks on his forehead. What is important is what he bequeathed to the nation — a treasure trove of knowledge. People who do not have faith in Sanatana Dharma would still come and bow before him. That is his speciality. That is his power.
“Krishna says he would be born whenever there is anarchy, chaos and evil becomes the order of the day. It is true; sometimes we have seen his words come true. The avatars of Adi Shankaracharya, Gnaneswar, Tulasidas and Thiruvalluvar are his reincarnations to destroy evil and demons.”
The Governor said that for people like Thiruvalluvar, the wellbeing of society was paramount. It was their objective. They were not meant for a short period or a particular yuga. They are relevant for all times and all yugas. Hence, Saint Thiruvalluvar’s thoughts and principles on the way of living are Sanatana Dharma.
“Sanatana means eternal, immortal and ever-new. It has no beginning or end like other religions. The same applies to Thiruvalluvar’s ideals. So he is a Sanatani. Being so, why should he not be a member of the Sanatani parampara? That is the truth which we cannot reject.”
The Governor presented the “Tamizhagarar Sami Thiagarajan Memorial Award-2026” to Prof. Balaraman of the Tamil Department, Chennai Nandanam College. Theni Sithbavananda Ashrama Swamigal Samananda, Ithihasa Sangalpa Samithi and T.V. Arangarajan also spoke at the event.
Lok Bhavan, in a post on X, said: “On the auspicious occasion of Thiruvalluvar Jayanti Vaikasi Anusham on May 31, the nation pays its deep reverence to Thiruvalluvar, the great Tamil saint-poet of the Bharatiya Sanatan tradition. Thiruvalluvar’s Thirukkural stands as an eternal confluence of Dharma and Niti, guiding righteous living, ethical governance and the values that shape both individual conduct and collective life.”
