NE LITERARY BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MAR 2
In a powerful reaffirmation of India’s civilizational unity and cultural depth, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released 16 landmark publications celebrating Tamil heritage, literature, architecture, and spiritual thought at Uparashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, describing them as timeless beacons illuminating India’s shared cultural soul.
Glimpses from the book release ceremony at Uprashtrapati Bhavan today.
Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released 13 publications on renowned Tamil scholars, heritage, architecture and culture, along with a book on Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.@MIB_India @DPD_India pic.twitter.com/GEJbvYKbY7
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) March 2, 2026
Published by the Publications Division under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the books chronicle Tamil civilization’s intellectual, spiritual, and artistic achievements spanning over two millennia.
Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released 13 publications on renowned Tamil scholars, heritage, architecture, culture and a book on Bankim Chandra Chatterjee by the Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, at Uprashtrapati Bhavan today.
The… pic.twitter.com/qaYqdByhBE
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) March 2, 2026
- 16 landmark publications illuminate Tamil heritage, temple architecture, philosophy and civilizational wisdom
- Vice President declares Bharat’s unity rooted in one Dharma despite linguistic and cultural diversity
- Calls upon youth to dedicate one hour daily to reading, strengthening intellectual and cultural foundations
- Highlights global recognition of Tamil through Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sustained cultural advocacy
- Books spotlight sacred centres, ancient trade routes, Bhakti literature and architectural marvels
- Publications Division’s initiative hailed as guiding force shaping future generations of culturally rooted Indians
Expressing immense pride, the Vice President said the publications reflect the extraordinary depth and diversity of Tamil knowledge systems, encompassing temple traditions, philosophy, music, science, architecture, and social reform.
“Bharat is a land of many languages, but its soul is one”
Emphasising India’s cultural unity, the Vice President said, “Bharat is a land of many languages, but its soul is one.”
He underlined that India has always remained culturally united despite diversity, stating that the nation’s unity is anchored in a shared Dharma transcending linguistic, religious, and political differences.
“India has always been one country, culturally united by a single Dharma, despite differences in languages, religions, and political ideologies,” he said, adding that the ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir reflect the same universal philosophy.
Tamil civilization: A timeless fountain of knowledge and innovation
Describing Tamil as one of the world’s most ancient classical languages, the Vice President noted its unmatched literary and philosophical continuity spanning more than 2,000 years.
The publications cover diverse themes, including the sacred town of Rameswaram symbolising spiritual unity between North and South India, the philosophical legacy of Ramanuja, the historic Nadukal tradition, the ancient port city of Arikamedu, Bhakti literature of the Nayanmars and Alwars, traditional agricultural practices, ancient musical instruments, and the architectural brilliance of the Meenakshi Amman Temple and Brihadeesvara Temple.
He emphasised that Indian temples represent far more than religious spaces.
They stand as centres of art, architecture, astronomy, mathematics, music, and social organization, reflecting the advanced knowledge systems of India’s ancestors.
Bankim Chandra’s “Vande Mataram” ignited India’s freedom consciousness
Releasing a multilingual book on Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the Vice President recalled the profound impact of Vande Mataram, saying, “Those two words carried the fragrance of our soil, the strength of our rivers, and the spirit of our motherland.”
He praised the Publications Division for preserving such intellectual and cultural treasures for future generations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global advocacy strengthens Tamil’s cultural stature
Highlighting India’s cultural resurgence, the Vice President said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently celebrated Tamil heritage on global platforms.
He noted that the Prime Minister’s references to Thirukkural and Subramania Bharati worldwide have elevated Tamil’s global recognition and strengthened India’s civilizational pride.
He also cited initiatives such as the Thiruvalluvar Chair established at a Malaysian university and the Kashi Tamil Sangamam as powerful symbols of national integration.
Youth urged to reconnect with books and cultural roots
Calling the publications guiding lights for future generations, the Vice President urged young Indians to cultivate the habit of reading.
“In a rapidly changing technological world, youth need strong roots along with wings,” he said, adding, “Dedicate at least one hour every day to reading books.”
He stressed that as India moves toward the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, economic growth must be accompanied by cultural preservation and intellectual enrichment.
Publications reflect India’s civilizational continuity and future vision
The books explore key themes such as Tamil literary classics, temple architecture, ancient trade networks, scientific advancements, philosophical traditions, and contributions of Tamil freedom fighters including Pulithevar, Velu Nachiyar, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Thiruppur Kumaran, and the Marudhu Brothers.
The Vice President appreciated the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s efforts under Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Publications Division’s meticulous work in preserving India’s cultural legacy.
He concluded by emphasising that India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation must be anchored in cultural strength as much as economic progress.
