PM Modi's Thirukkural Gift Puts Tamil on World Stage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to gift Russian President Vladimir Putin a copy of the *Thirukkural* during the BRICS summit carries deep linguistic significance. The *Thirukkural*, composed over 2,000 years ago by Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, is one of the most celebrated works of classical Tamil literature, comprising 1,330 couplets across 133 chapters.

Beyond diplomacy, the gesture underscores India's effort to showcase Tamil, one of its oldest classical languages, on the global stage. The text's themes - good conduct, justice, leadership and friendship - transcend religious and cultural boundaries, making it a fitting cultural ambassador.

Modi has previously spoken of expanding the *Thirukkural*'s reach beyond Tamil-speaking audiences. During his 2026 Uzbekistan visit, he proposed translating the work into Uzbek so its wisdom could reach new readers.

By pairing strategic talks on trade, energy and defence with a literary gift, Modi signals that India's global engagement extends beyond politics, into language, heritage and ideas rooted in Tamil tradition.