MDMK general secretary Vaiko on Saturday alleged that Governor R.N. Ravi was working in tandem with the right-wing organisations to promote the ideals of Hindutva in the State.
Answering a question on the Governor’s claim that the spiritual aspects of Tirukkural were systematically downplayed by missionaries like G.U. Pope while translating it into English, Mr. Vaiko, in an informal chat with the reporters here, said that the translation of Thirukkural by G.U. Pope was perfect in accordance with tenets outlined by Tiruvalluvar.
“Mr. Ravi has no deep understanding of Thirukkural . He pointed out that 16 Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu State Assembly were pending before the Governor for his assent for long.
Alagiri flays remarks
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K.S. Alagiri on Saturday requested Mr. Ravi to understand Thirukkural in the right perspective.
He was reacting to the Governor’s remarks that Thirukkural captures the essence of Bharatiya spirituality. “In my view the Governor is finding it difficult to understand what spirituality means. Spirituality is beyond religion,” Mr. Alagiri said in a statement. “Religion represents a specific group, specific form of worship whereas spirituality is about belief that there is a supreme power and not attributing a shape or form to it. This is what Thirukkural reflects,” Mr. Alagiri said.
He said other than G.U. Pope, many others had translated Thirukkural. The Governor can read such works and consult with people such as lyricist Vairamuthu for understanding it better, he said.
