Thiruvalluvar statue / X/@narendramodi

A statue of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar was unveiled in France, in a commune called Cergy, located approximately 27.8 km from central Paris. Jawed Ashraf, Indian envoy to France and Monaco and Cergy mayor Jean-Paul Jeandon were present at the event.

Thiruvalluvar is known for authoring Thirukkural (translated as “sacred couplets"), which is compared to the Bible, and the works of Greek philosopher Plato. The poet is a revered figure, majorly in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu which also observes Thiruvalluvar Day, annually, either on the 15th of 16th of January, as a part of Pongal celebrations. 

“Fulfilling an assurance given by PM @narendramodi in Paris on July 13. Inaugurated Thiruvalluvar statue in Cergy near Paris, gifted by Tamil Cultural Association France, with Mayor @Jp_jeandon, Minister K Laxminarayan from Puducherry, Governor of Eastern Province of Sri Lanka,” Ashraf shared in a post on X. 

Cergy Mayor shared photos from the unveiling on X, encouraging a response from Indian PM Narendra Modi. “Thiruvalluvar statue in Cergy, France is a beautiful testament to our shared cultural bonds. Thiruvalluvar stands tall as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. His writings motivate millions across the world,” Modi’s post read. 
 

Thiruvalluvar statue in Cergy, France is a beautiful testament to our shared cultural bonds. Thiruvalluvar stands tall as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. His writings motivate millions across the world. https://t.co/yaDbtXpOzb pic.twitter.com/UJiX5k5myW

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2023

The unveiling of the statue was welcomed and commended by dignitaries back in India. India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr S. Jaishankar in a post on X, wrote, The inauguration of Thiruvalluvar statue in Cergy, France today implements PM @narendramodi’s assurance given during his visit for the Bastille day. The statue will be guide to many to follow Thiruvalluvar’s noble thoughts and is yet another symbol of our long-standing cultural links, a key pillar of friendship.”

In Tami lNadu Thiruvalluvar  day was first celebrated in the year 1935 over two days in May. The bus drivers of Chennai city adopted Thiruvalluvar as their patron saint and his likeness was found to be integrated in the livery, in the past. In 2021, as part of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party’s efforts to infuse Tamil identity into public spaces, the transport department of Chennai placed display boards with Thirukkural couplets along with their explanations in all government buses.