Bharat land of many languages, its soul one: Vice President

New Delhi, Mar 2: The Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, Tuesday released 16 significant books brought out by the Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, at Uparashtrapati Bhavan on eminent Tamil scholars, heritage, architecture, literature, culture, and civilizational thought.
The publications cover a wide spectrum of themes, including Rameswaram, a sacred centre symbolising spiritual unity from North to South India; the life and philosophy of Sri Ramanuja; the historic Nadukal tradition; the ancient trade centre of Arikamedu; Bhakti literature of the Nayanmars and Alwars; natural farming traditions; ancient Tamil musical instruments; folk deities of Tamil Nadu; emerging scientific technologies; and the architectural marvels of the Meenakshi Amman Temple and the Brihadeesvara Temple. Works on Manimekalai, and Mahavidwan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, are also part of the publications.
Expressing immense pride and happiness, the Vice-President said that the titles released today reflect the depth and diversity of Tamil civilization, encompassing temple traditions, philosophy, architecture, literature, music, science, social reform, and spiritual thought.
The Vice President also released a book on Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in Tamil, English and Hindi. Recalling the immortal words of Vande Mataram penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the Vice-President said that the song ignited a revolution in the hearts of millions and inspired countless freedom fighters. “Those two words carried the fragrance of our soil, the strength of our rivers, and the spirit of our motherland,” he said, appreciating the Publications Division for bringing out the book.
Describing Tamil as one of the world’s most ancient classical languages with over two millennia of literary and philosophical tradition, the Vice-President said the books released today reflect the intellectual depth and civilizational continuity of Tamil knowledge systems.
He emphasized that Indian temples are not merely places of worship but centres of art, architecture, music, astronomy, mathematics, and social organization. India’s ancestors excelled in philosophy, literature, science, and social reform, he added.
The Vice-President underlined that Bharat is a land of many languages but one civilizational soul. He said that India has always been one country, culturally united by a single Dharma, despite differences in languages, religions, and political ideologies. He added that the ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and “Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir” reflect the same Dharma.
Reflecting on the organic spread of the Ramayana and Mahabharata across every village of India, he observed that these epics were not imposed but embraced through the shared spiritual ethos that binds the nation together.
Referring to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Vice-President noted that economic progress must go hand in hand with cultural preservation. He appreciated the Prime Minister’s consistent efforts in honouring Tamil heritage, including his frequent references to Thirukkural and Subramania Bharati on global platforms. He said that more than anyone else, the Prime Minister has consistently recognized and praised the greatness of the Tamil language wherever he goes.
He also recalled the announcement of establishing a Thiruvalluvar Chair at a university in Malaysia and lauded initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam as symbols of national integration.The Vice-President expressed pride that Tamil is gaining global recognition and that the sacrifices of Tamil freedom fighters such as Pulithevar, Velu Nachiyar, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Ondiveeran, Thiruppur Kumaran, Theeran Chinnamalai, Kuyili, Sundaralinganar, the Marudhu Brothers, and others are now acknowledged nationally.
Stating that the books brought out by the Publications Division are more than literary works, the Vice-President described them as guiding lights for the younger generation. In a rapidly changing technological world, youth need strong roots along with wings, he said. He also urged the youth to dedicate at least an hour every day to reading books.
He appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting under Ashwini Vaishnaw and Dr. L. Murugan, and commended the Publications Division for meticulously bringing out these volumes.
Concluding his address, the Vice-President said that as India moves towards the goal of Viksit Bharat, cultural strength must accompany economic growth.
Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting; Railways; and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw; Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan; Secretary to the Vice-President, Amit Khare; and Principal Director General, Publications Division, Bhupendra Kainthola, were present on the occasion along with distinguished scholars, writers, and dignitaries.