Tamil Nadu: Saffron Robes For Thiruvalluvar In Governor’s Invitation Creates 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.

This is not the first time that the saffron robes and vibhuti marks for Thiruvalluvar have created a row in the state. Earlier this year on Thiruvalluvar Day (16 January), Governor Ravi had paid homage to a similar picture of the saint poet.

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.

Speaking about the issue, BJP leader H Raja said, “The original Thiruvalluvar had vibhuti and all Hindu symbols. It was Dravida Kazhagam and DMK who changed his appearance to suit their political ends.” 

Also Read: After Saint-Poet Thiruvalluvar, DMK Now Tries To Portray Freedom Fighters V O Chidambaram, Muthuramalinga Thevar As Dravidians