The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed on the occasion of the 200th birth anniversary of Shri Ramalinga Swamy also known as Vallalar.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed happiness that this programme is being held in Vadalur, a place closely associated with Vallalar. He said that Vallalar is one of India’s most respected Saints who walked the earth in the 19th century and his spiritual insights continue to inspire millions even today. “Vallalar’s impact is global”, Shri Modi said as he highlighted that several organisations are working on his thoughts and ideals. 

“When we remember Vallalar, we recall his spirit of care and compassion”, the Prime Minister said. He underlined that Vallalar believed in a way of life where compassion towards fellow human beings was primary. The Prime Minister highlighted his most important contribution and commitment to removing hunger and said, “Nothing pained him more than a human being going to bed on an empty stomach. He believed that sharing food with the hungry is one of the most noble of all acts of kindness.” Quoting Vallalar, the Prime Minister said, “Every time I saw crops withering, I withered too” as he highlighted that the government is committed to his ideal. He gave the example of providing major relief in testing times to 80 crore fellow Indians by providing free ration during the covid pandemic.

Throwing light on Vallalar’s belief in the power of learning and education, the Prime Minister underlined that his door was always open as a mentor and he guided countless people. Shri Modi highlighted Vallalar’s efforts to make the Kural more popular and the importance he gave to modern curriculums. The Prime Minister reiterated that Vallalar wanted the youth to be fluent in Tamil, Sanskrit and English as he highlighted the government’s efforts to transform the infrastructure of Indian education in the last 9 years. Speaking about the National Education Policy that India got after 3 long decades, the Prime Minister said that the policy is transforming the entire educational landscape while focusing on innovation, research and development. He highlighted the record number of Universities, engineering and medical colleges set up in the last 9 years and said that youngsters can now become doctors and engineers by studying in their local languages opening several opportunities for the youth. 

“Vallalar was ahead of his time when it came to social reforms”, the Prime Minister underlined as he noted that Vallalar's vision of God went beyond barriers of religion, caste, and creed. He said that Vallalar saw divinity in every atom of the universe and urged humanity to recognize and cherish this divine connection. The Prime Minister underlined that his belief in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwaas and Sabka Prayas gets even stronger when he is paying homage to Vallalar as his teachings are aimed at working for an equal society. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Vallalar would have blessed the passing of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam which reserves seats for women in legislative bodies. Highlighting the simplicity of Vallalar’s works, the Prime Minister noted that they are easy to read and understand, and also convey complex spiritual wisdom in simple words. The Prime Minister reiterated that the diversity in India’s cultural wisdom across time and space is connected by the common thread of teachings by the great saints which add strength to the collective idea of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. 

On this pious occasion, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to fulfilling Vallalar’s ideals and urged everyone to spread his message of love, kindness and justice. “May we also keep working hard in areas close to his heart. Let us ensure that no one around us goes hungry. Let us ensure every child gets a quality education”, the Prime Minister concluded. 

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