What Is Thirukkural? All About the Tamil Classic that PM Modi Gifted to Vladimir Putin
The 2026 edition includes the original Tamil text, transliteration and a Russian translation by Naira Mkrtchyan, underscoring the work’s ethical themes.
- On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
- The Thirukkural, a collection of 1,330 couplets written over 2,000 years ago by poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, addresses virtue, morality, and governance as a foundational Tamil literary work.
- Published by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil, this 2026 edition includes the original Tamil text, transliteration, and a Russian translation by Naira Mkrtchyan, reflecting the work's universal reach.
- Modi has consistently elevated Tamil heritage, installing the ceremonial Sengol in Parliament in May 2023 and launching multilingual translations of Tamil classics to bring them into national prominence.
- The Thirukkural's emphasis on human conduct allows it to travel across languages and cultures, with Modi frequently citing Sangam-era poet Kaniyan Pungundranar's line 'Yaadhum Oore, Yaavarum Kelir' in international forums.
24 Articles
24 Articles
PM gifts Putin Russian version of Tamil text 'Thirukkural'
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Modi presented President Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, an esteemed Tamil classic that encapsulates teachings on morality, governance, and affection. Moreover, it addresses conflict resolution and advocates for peace, aligning with Modi's stance on resolving the Ukraine crisis. This gesture symbolizes the enduring legacy of Thiruvalluvar that transcends cultural barriers.
Cultural diplomacy at BRICS: PM Modi presents ancient Tamil classic Thirukkural to Vladimir Putin
On the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a Russian translation of the ancient Tamil classic Thirukkural. Published in 2026 by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil, the edition features original Tamil verses alongside transliterations and a translation by Naira Mkrtchyan. Composed by the poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar between 300 BCE and 500 CE, the iconic …
PM Modi presented Russian President Putin with a Russian translation of the Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar's famous work, "Thirukkural," at the Bharat Mandapam. This nearly 2,000-year-old work contains 1,330 verses. Significantly, the Thirukkural is also said to have connections with Russia and Leo Tolstoy. Learn about this book's Russian connection in the video.
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