In a poignant tribute to India’s pioneering female freedom fighter, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan paid homage to Rani Velu Nachiyar at her memorial in Viramangai, Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu on Sunday. Speaking on the occasion, the Vice President emphasized that the life and legacy of the 18th-century queen would inspire the nation in its journey towards a developed India.
Rani Velu Nachiyar, ruler of Sivaganga, holds a special place in history as the first Indian queen to wage war against British colonial forces. Her daring resistance in the late 1700s set a precedent for future struggles against imperialism. Radhakrishnan also met with descendants of the legendary queen, underscoring the enduring relevance of her story.
The Vice President’s visit extended to the historic Sivaganga Palace, where he offered floral tributes to King Muthu Vijaya Raghunatha Sasivarna Periya Udaya Thevar. Later, he visited the Soumyanarayan Perumal Temple in Thirukostiyur, praying for peace, prosperity, and well-being of all.
This tribute came a day after the Vice President marked International Mother Language Day by releasing updated Tamil and Gujarati versions of the Indian Constitution, along with the eighth edition of Legal Glossary (English-Hindi). Hailing Tamil as one of the world’s oldest classical languages with a rich literary heritage and Gujarati for its profound cultural and philosophical depth, he noted that these editions would enhance democratic participation by making the Constitution accessible in native tongues.
Praising the Ministry of Law and Justice for their efforts, Radhakrishnan highlighted how multilingual Constitutions celebrate India’s linguistic diversity—from Tamil to Kashmiri, Gujarati to Assamese. ‘No other country offers its Constitution in so many languages,’ he remarked, reinforcing multilingualism as a national strength.