Vice President Radhakrishnan releases 16 books celebrating Tamil heritage, calls for cultural unity and reading habit among youth

Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday released 16 publications highlighting Tamil heritage, culture, architecture and civilisational thought at Uparashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

The books, brought out by the Publications Division under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, cover a wide range of subjects including eminent Tamil scholars, sacred sites, temple architecture, literature, music, science and social reform.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said the titles reflect the depth and diversity of Tamil civilisation. “Bharat is a land of many languages, but its soul is one,” he said, emphasising that India remains culturally united by a single Dharma despite differences in language, religion and political thought.

The publications explore themes such as Rameswaram as a spiritual link between North and South India; the life and philosophy of Sri Ramanuja; the historic Nadukal tradition; the ancient port town of Arikamedu; Bhakti literature of the Nayanmars and Alwars; natural farming traditions; ancient Tamil musical instruments; folk deities of Tamil Nadu; and emerging scientific technologies.

Books on the architectural grandeur of the Meenakshi Amman Temple and the Brihadeesvara Temple were also released, along with works on Manimekalai and Mahavidwan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai.

The Vice-President also unveiled a book on Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in Tamil, English and Hindi. Recalling the enduring impact of “Vande Mataram,” he said the song inspired generations of freedom fighters and carried “the fragrance of our soil, the strength of our rivers, and the spirit of our motherland.”

Describing Tamil as one of the world’s most ancient classical languages with over two millennia of literary and philosophical tradition, V-P Radhakrishnan said the releases underscore the intellectual depth and continuity of Tamil knowledge systems.

He noted that Indian temples historically functioned not only as places of worship but as centres of art, architecture, astronomy, mathematics and social organisation.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Vice-President stressed that economic progress must go hand in hand with cultural preservation. He lauded the Prime Minister’s efforts to promote Tamil heritage globally, including references to Thirukkural and Subramania Bharati on international platforms and initiatives such as Kashi Tamil Sangamam.

He also mentioned the proposed establishment of a Thiruvalluvar Chair at a Malaysian university and said that the sacrifices of Tamil freedom fighters such as Pulithevar, Velu Nachiyar, Veerapandiya Kattabomman and others are receiving national recognition.

Calling the newly released books “guiding lights” for the younger generation, the Vice-President urged youth to cultivate strong cultural roots alongside technological advancement. “Dedicate at least one hour every day to reading books,” he advised, stressing that knowledge and cultural awareness are essential in a rapidly changing world.

He appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State L. Murugan, and commended the Publications Division for bringing out the volumes.

Among those present at the event were Amit Khare, Secretary to the Vice-President, and Bhupendra Kainthola, Principal Director General of the Publications Division, along with scholars and dignitaries.

Concluding his address, the Vice-President reiterated that as India advances towards the goal of becoming a developed nation, cultural strength must remain the foundation of economic growth.