Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that there is much that our youth today can learn from  Subramania Bharathi. Most importantly to be courageous. Fear was unknown to Subramania Bharathi.  Quoting Bharathi “Fear I have not, fear I have not, Even if all the world opposes me,” the Prime Minister said that he sees this spirit in Young India today when they are at the forefront of innovation and excellence. He added India’s start-up space is filled with fearless youth who are giving something new to humanity.  Such a  ‘can do’ spirit will bring wonder for our nation and our planet, he echoed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was addressing International Bharathi Festival 2020 through video conferencing and paid tributes to the Bharathiyar on his Jayanti. The festival is being organised by Vanavil Cultural Centre to celebrate the 138th birth anniversary of Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi. The Prime Minister Congratulated the Scholar Seeni Viswanathan, for receiving the  Bharathi  Award for this year who was presented the award during the event.

The Prime Minister said describing  Subramanya Bharathi is very difficult. Bharathiyar cannot be linked to any single profession or dimension. He was a  poet,  writer,  editor,  journalist,  social reformer,  freedom fighter,  humanist and much more, Shri Modi said. PM Modi said in a short life of  39 years he wrote so much, did so much and excelled in so much. His writings are a guiding light to us towards a glorious future.

The Prime Minister said Bharathiyar believed in a healthy mix between the ancient and the modern.  PM said Mahakavi Bharathiyar’s definition of progress had a central role for women. One of the most important visions was that of independent and empowered women.  Mahakavi Bharathiyar wrote that women should walk with their head held high while looking people in the eye. The Prime Minister said the Government is inspired by this vision and is working to ensure women-led empowerment. In every sphere of the Government’s working,  there has been important given to the dignity of women.

The Prime Minister remarked that Mahakavi Bharathiyar understood that any society which is divided will not be able to succeed. At the same time, he wrote about the emptiness of political freedom which does not address the social inequities and does not address social ills. Quoting Bharathi “Now we will make a rule, and enforce it ever If ever one man faces starvation the world has to atone on pain of destruction,” the Prime Minister said his teachings are a strong reminder to us to remain united and committed to the empowerment of every single individual, especially,  the poor and marginalised.