Port Blair, Jan 19: The Member of Parliament, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma called on the Hon’ble Lt. Governor on 17 January 2024 at Raj Niwas and raised many crucial issues.

One prominent issue among others was the request for installation of the statue of Saint Poet Thiruvalluvar in a prominent place in Port Blair

During the meeting with the Hon’ble Lt. Governor the Member of Parliament mentioned that the Tamil Saint Poet Thiruvalluvar, whose teachings are encapsulated in 1330 couplets known as "Thirukkural," holds universal significance in the messages conveyed.

He said that the influence of Thiruvalluvar extends beyond literature to various aspects of South Indian culture. His legacy is perpetuated through commemorations, celebrations and other references in the highest levels. Thiruvalluvar's enduring impact lies not only in the literary masterpiece he left behind but in the moral and philosophical principles he embedded in the consciousness of those who have embraced his teachings.

He pointed out that the Prime Minister of India had also cited Thirukkural in his address at the United Nations.

The Member of Parliament added that Saint Poet Thiruvalluvar, who penned these universal teachings for the benefit of humanity, deserves commendation.

He mentioned that the members of Andaman Tamizhar Sangam had approached him with the request to install a statue of Saint Poet Thiruvalluvar in a prominent place in Port Blair, which he supports wholeheartedly. Should the allocation of land in a prominent location prove unfeasible, the Andaman Tamizhar Sangam desires the installation of a life-size statue of Saint Poet Thiruvalluvar in the campus of either Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Mohanpura or Government Sr. Sec. School, Bathubasthi (Tamil Medium). The statue of Saint Poet Thiruvalluvar has already been brought to Port Blair by Andaman Tamizhar Sangam.

In this regard the Member of Parliament requested the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to provide permission to install a statue of Saint Poet Thiruvalluvar in a prominent place in Port Blair. In case obtaining land in a prominent area is not possible, he requested the installation of a life-sized statue of Saint Poet Thiruvalluvar on the grounds of either Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Mohanpura, or Government Sr. Sec. School, Bathubasthi (Tamil Medium).

He added that a life-size statue of Saint Poet Thiruvalluvar of a Saint Poet, Thiruvalluvar will stand as a beacon of wisdom, guiding students, individuals and local society towards ethical and harmonious living.