CHENNAI – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin delivered a powerful message at the International Vallalar Conference, firmly rejecting any attempts to dilute or distort the state’s cherished cultural heritage. Speaking at the event organized by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Stalin emphasized that the principles of compassion and equality championed by Saint Ramalinga Adigal Vallalar – love, ethics, culture, and boundless mercy – form the bedrock of Tamil Nadu’s identity and will not be allowed to be twisted into divisive narratives.
In his inaugural address, Stalin urged the gathering to safeguard the true essence of Vallalar’s teachings. ‘A society rooted in love, morality, culture, and compassion is the only truly progressive one,’ he declared. Highlighting Vallalar’s doctrine of ‘Thanipenum Karunai’ or infinite compassion, the Chief Minister recalled how the saint viewed hunger as a disease and feeding the poor as the highest form of service.
Stalin linked these ideals directly to his government’s welfare initiatives. He spotlighted the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme for schoolchildren and support programs for the elderly, both designed to eradicate hunger and poverty. ‘Our policies are inspired by Vallalar’s vision of a hunger-free society,’ he affirmed.
Turning to temple restorations, Stalin announced remarkable progress: 4,192 temples, long overdue for reconsecration, have been fully rebuilt. Additionally, repair and conservation work is underway in over 12,900 temples at a cost of nearly ₹8,100 crore, with thousands of projects already completed.
The Chief Minister unveiled seven new initiatives in Vallalar’s memory, including a commemorative pillar at the conference site, a Sanmarga Training School in Vadalur, Thiruvarutpa music classes, and a herbal garden. Other announcements encompassed the publication of ‘Spiritual Alchemy,’ a three-day annual Vallalar Jayanti celebration, annadanam centers in Metukuppam, Marudur, and Karunguzi, a park named after Vallalar near Cuddalore Collectorate, and a Vallalar Research Center in Chennai.
‘Equality and social justice are not mere slogans but our government’s solemn commitment,’ Stalin asserted. He called upon the people to pass on Vallalar’s message of compassion and humanity to future generations, ensuring Tamil Nadu’s cultural legacy endures undiluted.