Coimbatore South MLA Vaanathi Seethivasan has accused the DMK of attempting to distort the legacy of Thiruvalluvar and the Thirukkural. In a press statement issued today (January 22), she referred to a speech made by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin at a function in Sivaganga district, where Stalin remarked that Tamil Nadu and the world would be protected by following the teachings of Thirukkural, and that no one should defame Thiruvalluvar. She further added that a particular group was attempting to distort the legacy of great Tamil personalities like Thiruvalluvar and Vallalar, who spoke for equality in Tamil Nadu.
Vaanathi Seethivasan responded, stating that both Thiruvalluvar and Vallalar were born into the Hindu faith and propagated spiritual wisdom to the people. She criticized those who attempt to erase their Hindu identity, referring to the recent incident where Vallalar’s image was shown without the traditional sacred ash (Vibhuti) that is part of his religious identity. She also emphasized the erasure of Thiruvalluvar’s identity, despite his teachings being based in Hindu spirituality and moral values.She highlighted that the DMK, under the guise of Dravidian ideology, has been working long-term to erase Tamil identity and Hindu spirituality. She referred to the ancient spiritual wisdom embedded in the Thirukkural and pointed out that the DMK has consistently worked to eliminate the Hindu spiritual elements from Thirukkural’s teachings.
Vaanathi Seethivasan also spoke about the contributions of Eknath Ranade, who was instrumental in establishing the Vivekananda Memorial at Kanyakumari and later proposed the installation of the Thiruvalluvar statue. She reaffirmed the consistent reverence shown towards Thiruvalluvar and criticized the DMK for trying to erase his legacy while blaming others.
