Governor Ravi honours Tiruvalluvar in saffron, TN Congress demands his recall

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, on the occasion of Tiruvalluvar Day on Wednesday, paid floral tributes to a portrait of the saint-poet in saffron prompting Congress leader K Selvaperunthagai to condemn the depiction of the savant in saffron as unacceptable and urged the Centre to immediately recall him.

Paying tributes, Ravi, in a post on 'X,' praised Tiruvalluvar for bequeathing Tirukkural and hailed the classic work as unparalleled wisdom, and a matchless guide.

Tiruvalluvar Day is observed on the second day of the Tamil month 'Thai' to honour the saint-poet.

In the Raj Bhavan premises, Ravi showered flowers on a decorated portrait, which showed the poet in saffron with religious marks like Rudraksha beads, sacred ash and kumkum.

Reacting to it, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K Selvaperunthagai said depicting Tiruvalluvar in saffron clothing was ‘unacceptable’.

It is against the law to use a drawing of Tiruvalluvar with religious leanings and not use the government-recognised portrait, the Congress leader alleged.

"It is condemnable and regrettable that the Governor, who must uphold the law, is doing this. The union government should recall the Governor who is continuously insulting not only the Tamil Nadu government but also the Tamil race and Thiruvalluvar," the TNCC chief said in a post on social media.

In 'X,' Ravi said: "The nation remembers with profound gratitude and utmost reverence Tiruvalluvar, the Tamil patron saint of Bharat. Several thousand years ago he bequeathed us the unparalleled wisdom of Tirukkural, the matchless guide for every individual and institution. In the Sanatan civilisational tradition of

Bharat, he taught us the sublimity of devotion to God and profundity of right conduct in our individual and collective life."

Further, the Governor said: "He laid down a comprehensive virtuous code for all sections of the society as well as the rulers. Though we are celebrating Thiruvalluvar Day today, he remains our everyday guide and hence should be remembered and celebrated every day. Thanks to Hon'ble PM @narendramodi who is a great devotee of Tiruvalluvar, teachings of Tirukkural are now resonating across the world."