In our country, words are not considered mere expressions,We are part of a culture that talks about 'Shabda Brahma', talks about the infinite power of words: PM
Subramania Bharati Ji was a profound thinker dedicated to serving Maa Bharati: PMSubramania Bharati Ji's thoughts and intellectual brilliance continue to inspire us even today: PMThe literary works of Mahakavi Bharati Ji are a treasure of the Tamil language: PMUnion Ministers, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat ji, Rao Inderjit Singh and L. Murugan ji, the central figure of this program, literary scholar Shri Seeni Vishwanathan ji, publisher V. Srinivasan ji, and all the esteemed dignitaries present… ladies and gentlemen,
Today, the nation is celebrating the birth anniversary of the great poet Subramania Bharati ji. I pay my respectful tribute to Subramania Bharati ji. This is a significant occasion for Indian culture and literature, for the memories of Bharat’s freedom struggle, and for the pride of Tamil Nadu. The publication of the works and creations of Mahakavi Subramania Bharati is a monumental act of service and an immense spiritual endeavour, which is reaching its culmination today. The compilation of 'Kaala Varisaiyil Bharathiyar Padaippugal' in 21 volumes is an extraordinary and unprecedented achievement, the result of six decades of tireless effort and remarkable courage. This extraordinary and unprecedented accomplishment is the result of Shri Seeni Vishwanathan ji’s devotion and hard work, which I am confident will benefit future generations immensely. Often, we hear the phrase “One life, one mission,” but Shri Seeni ji has truly exemplified what this means. This is a truly profound dedication. His labour of love reminds me of Mahamahopadhyaya Pandurang Vaman Kane, who devoted 35 years of his life to writing the History of Dharmashastra. I am confident that this work by Shri Seeni Vishwanathan ji will set a benchmark in academic circles. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Vishwanathan ji, his team, and all of you for this extraordinary achievement.
Friends,
I have been informed that these 23 volumes of 'Kaala Varisaiyil Bharathiyar Padaippugal' include not only Bharati ji’s literary creations but also insights into their background and philosophical analysis. Each volume contains commentaries, descriptions, and annotations, which will greatly help in understanding Bharati ji’s thoughts in depth and grasping the context of that era. This compilation will also serve as a valuable resource for research scholars and intellectuals.
Friends,
Today is also the auspicious occasion of Gita Jayanti. Shri Subramania Bharati ji had deep faith in the Gita and a profound understanding of its wisdom. He translated the Gita into Tamil and provided a simple and accessible commentary on it. Coincidentally, today we are celebrating Gita Jayanti, Subramania Bharati ji’s birth anniversary, and the release of his works — a ‘Triveni Sangam’ (confluence) of sorts. Through this program, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you and to all Indians on the occasion of Gita Jayanti.
Friends,
In our culture, words are not merely a means of expression. We are part of a culture that speaks of 'Shabda Brahma' (the Divine Word) and acknowledges their infinite power. Thus, the words of sages and intellectuals are not just their thoughts; they are the essence of their contemplation, experiences, and devotion. It is our duty to preserve the wisdom of such extraordinary souls for future generations. The significance of such a compilation today is as relevant in the modern context as it is in our tradition. For instance, many of the works attributed to Lord Vyasa are still available to us today because they were systematically compiled into the Puranas. Similarly, modern compilations such as the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar: Writings and Speeches, and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Sampoorna Vangmaya have proved invaluable for society and academia. Efforts to translate Thirukkural into various languages are ongoing as well. Last year, I had the privilege of releasing a Tok Pisin translation of Thirukkural in Papua New Guinea and, prior to that, I had also released the Gujarati translation of Thirukkural right here at Lok Kalyan Marg.
Friends,
Subramania Bharati was a visionary who worked according to the needs of the country. His vision was so expansive that he worked in every direction the nation needed during that era. He is not just the pride of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil language; he is a thinker whose every breath was dedicated to serving Mother India. Bharati ji’s dream was the rise and glory of Bharat. Our government has made consistent efforts to bring Bharati ji’s contributions to the masses. Despite the challenges of COVID in 2020, we commemorated the 100th anniversary of Bharati ji’s passing with grandeur. I personally participated in the International Bharati Festival. Whether addressing the nation from the Red Fort or engaging with the international community, I have consistently highlighted Bharat’s vision through Bharati ji’s thoughts. And just as Shri Seeni ji mentioned, wherever I went across the world, I spoke about Bharati ji, and Seeni ji has proudly highlighted this. And you know, there is a living, spiritual connection between me and Subramania Bharati ji, and that is our Kashi. His bond with Kashi, the time he spent there, has become an integral part of Kashi's heritage. He came to Kashi in pursuit of knowledge and became one with it. Many members of his family still reside in Kashi, and I am fortunate to have a connection with them. It is said that Bharathiyar was inspired to grow his iconic moustache while living in Kashi. Bharathiyar wrote many of his works on the banks of the Ganga during his time in Kashi. That is why, as the Member of Parliament from Kashi, I wholeheartedly welcome and celebrate this sacred work of compiling his writings. It is our government's privilege to have established a chair dedicated to Mahakavi Bharathiyar's contributions at Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
Friends,
Subramania Bharati was a personality who appears only once in centuries. His thinking, intellect, and multi-dimensional personality continue to astonish everyone to this day. In just 39 years of life, Bharati ji gave us so much that scholars would spend their entire lives trying to explain it. Though he lived for only 39 years, his work extended across six decades. In his childhood, at an age meant for playing and learning, he was instilling a sense of nationalism. On one hand, he was a seeker of spirituality, and on the other, a supporter of modernity. His works reflect his love for nature as well as his inspiration for a better future. During the freedom struggle, he not only demanded freedom but also shook the hearts of the Indian masses to awaken them to the need to be free. And this is a very significant thing! He had said to his countrymen and I am attempting to speak in Tamil. Please forgive me for any pronunciation mistakes. Mahakavi Bharathiyar had said: एन्रु तणियुम्, इन्द सुदन्तिर,दागम्। एन्रु मडियुम् एंगळ् अडिमैयिऩ्मोगम्।
This means, "When will the thirst for freedom be quenched? When will our attachment to slavery end?" At that time, there was a section of people who still had an attachment to slavery, and he rebuked them for it. "When will this attachment to slavery end?" Such a call could only come from someone who had the courage for self-reflection and the confidence to win! And this was the unique trait of Bharathiyar. He spoke bluntly and showed the society the right direction. In the field of journalism, he did remarkable work as well. In 1904, he joined the Tamil newspaper ‘Swadesamitran’. Then, in 1906, he started publishing ‘India’, a weekly newspaper on red paper. This was the first newspaper in Tamil Nadu to print political cartoons. Bharati ji inspired society to help the weak and marginalized. In his poetry collection ‘Kannan Paattu’, he imagined Lord Krishna in 23 forms. In one of his poems, he asks for donations of clothes for the poorest families, reaching out to those who could afford to give. His poems, filled with inspiration for philanthropy, continue to inspire us today.
Friends,
Bharathiyar was a visionary, someone who could see far beyond his time and understand the future. Even during an era when society was entangled in various struggles, Bharathiyar was a strong advocate for youth and women’s empowerment. Bharathiyar had immense faith in science and innovation. He conceived a communication system in his time that would bridge distances and unite the entire nation. And today, the technology we are living with is what Bharathiyar had envisioned back then. He had said: "काशी नगर,पुलवर पेसुम्,उरै तान् ॥ कांचियिल्, केट्पदर्कोर्,करुवि चेय्वोम ॥
Means there should be a device that allows us to listen to what the saints in Banaras are saying while sitting in Kanchi." Today, we are witnessing how Digital India is turning these dreams into reality. Apps like ‘Bhashini’ have also eliminated many of the language barriers. When there is a feeling of respect for every language of Bharat, when there is pride in every language, and when there is a sincere intention to preserve each language, it is then that true service to every language takes place.
Friends,
The literature of Mahakavi Bharati is a treasure for the world’s oldest Tamil language. And we take pride in the fact that our Tamil language is the most ancient language in the world. When we spread his literature, we are also serving the Tamil language. And when we serve Tamil, we are serving the most ancient heritage of this country as well.
Brothers and sisters,
In the last 10 years, the nation has worked with dedication for the glory of the Tamil language. I had presented the pride of Tamil before the entire world at the United Nations. We are also opening Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centres across the globe. The spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ reflects the thoughts of Subramania Bharati. Bharathiyar always strengthened the ideology of connecting the diverse cultures of the country. Today, events like Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam are doing the same work. These initiatives are increasing people's curiosity to learn and know about Tamil across the country. The culture of Tamil Nadu is also being promoted. Our resolution is that every citizen of the country should embrace every language of the country as their own and take pride in each language. We have also given young people the option of higher education in their mother tongue to promote Indian languages like Tamil.
Friends,
I am fully confident that the compilation of Bharati ji’s literature will further promote our efforts related to the spread of the Tamil language. Together, we will reach the goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and fulfil the dreams of Bharathiyar. Once again, I congratulate all of you for this compilation and publication. I was observing that at this stage of life, living in Tamil Nadu and enduring the cold of Delhi, he must have lived a life of great dedication. I was also looking at his handwritten notes—such beautiful handwriting! At this age, we tremble even when we make signatures, but his handwriting is truly a symbol of his devotion and penance. I bow to you with sincere reverence. I greet you all with a warm Vanakkam and thank you very much!
