Chief Minister M. K. Stalin of Tamil Nadu has cautioned against altering the state’s cultural identity and undermining the egalitarian principles of saint-reformer Ramalinga Vallalar. He stated that Tamil Nadu will resist any divisive efforts to distort Vallalar’s philosophy of compassion and equality. Speaking at the International Vallalar Conference, organized by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, Stalin highlighted ongoing attempts to misrepresent the state’s cultural identity.
Efforts to safeguard Vallalar’s teachings from distortion were encouraged by the Chief Minister, who called for the establishment of a society grounded in love, virtue, culture, and compassion. Stalin referenced Vallalar’s concept of ‘Thaniperum Karunai’ (infinite compassion), where the saint equated hunger with a disease and emphasized that feeding the underprivileged was the ultimate act of service. He also linked these principles to the Dravidian model of governance, emphasizing that the state’s welfare programs align with Vallalar’s ideology.
Stalin outlined various initiatives in the HR and CE sector, including the completion of renovation projects in 4,192 temples that had not undergone consecration ceremonies for years. Additionally, ongoing restoration efforts in over 12,900 temples, costing approximately Rs 8,100 crore, were highlighted, with thousands of projects already finished. The Chief Minister announced seven new initiatives in honor of Vallalar, such as the establishment of a memorial pillar, a Sanmarga training school, and the publication of a book titled Spiritual Alchemy.
