Wed Jan 15 15:26:54 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Governor’s Thiruvalluvar Day Tribute Sparks Controversy
**Chennai, January 15, 2025** – Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi’s Thiruvalluvar Day celebrations have ignited a political firestorm. Governor Ravi paid floral tributes to a portrait of the celebrated Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar depicted in saffron robes, complete with religious markings like Rudraksha beads and sacred ash. This portrayal has drawn sharp criticism from the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC).
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Governor Ravi lauded Thiruvalluvar and the *Tirukkural*, praising its timeless wisdom and guidance. He also attributed the work’s global recognition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the governor’s choice of portrait has been deemed unacceptable by TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai.
Selvaperunthagai condemned the depiction of Thiruvalluvar in saffron attire, arguing it is against the law to use a non-government-approved portrait with religious undertones. He accused the Governor of disrespecting not only the Tamil Nadu government but also the Tamil people and Thiruvalluvar himself, calling for the Union government to recall him.
The controversy centers on the religious symbolism added to the portrait of a figure widely revered across the political spectrum in Tamil Nadu. While Governor Ravi presented his tribute as an act of reverence, the opposition sees it as a politically charged act undermining the secular image of Thiruvalluvar. The incident is likely to further escalate tensions between the state government and the Governor’s office.
First Piper 