Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi’s comment that Ramalinga Vallalar was the the “brightest sun of sanathana dharma” has evoked strong reactions from Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu and Madurai MP Su. Venkatesan, who said Mr. Ravi’s views.
The Governor made the remarks on June 21, 2023, while speaking during an event held at Vadalur in Cuddalore district, marking the 200th birth anniversary of Vallalar.
“The Governor does not know the basic difference between samarasa suddha sanmarkka neri espoused by Vallalar and sanathana dharma,” said Mr. Thennarasu in a tweet on Thursday, June 22, 2023.He added that Mr. Ravi was distorting the path shown by Vallalar.
“Just because he has the special blessings (thanipperum karunai) of the Union Government, the Governor seeks to convert the Raj Bhavan into a tent of sanathana dharma. His views should be rejected,” Mr. Thennarasu said.
Mr. Venkatesan, who represents the CPI(M), said the Governor had called Vallalar the “supreme star of sanathana dharma” though the latter opposed religious practices and varnashrama dharma.
“The practices of religion that enjoyed respect have died; the false liking for varnashrama has also fallen by the wayside,” said Mr. Venkatesan recalling the verses of Vallalar.
“Mr. Governor, both Thiruvalluvar and Vallalar were voices of revolt. They were the voices that chased away sanathana dharma,” he said.
