News Brief
Tamil Nadu: Saffron Robes For Thiruvalluvar In Governor’s Invitation Creates Row
Saffron robes for Thiruvalluvar in an invitation by the Raj Bhavan has created a row
Members of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) have criticised an invitation issued by the Governor for the ‘Thiruvalluvar Thirunal Vizha’ to be held in honour of the famous saint-poet Thiruvalluvar on 24 May because he has been depicted wearing saffron robes.
Thiruvalluvar is known for the Thirukkural, a collection of 1330 couplets.
The DMK had then accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of ‘saffronising’ Thiruvalluvar. The party and Chief Minister M K Stalin posted pictures of Thiruvalluvar in white robes without the vibhuti marks. A similar picture is seen in state government buses.
DMK MP Kanimozhi had then stated, “There are no religious symbols in Thirukkural, we cannot impose Sanatan or Hindutva symbols or any other religion on Thiruvalluvar. We need to understand this. Thirukkural is something which is beyond religion and speaks humanity.”
In 2019, Indu Makkal Katchi leader Arjun Sampath was arrested after draping a statue of the saint-poet with a saffron shawl.
