Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday released a comprehensive 23-volume collection of Tamil poet and freedom fighter Subramania Bharati’s works, describing him as a person who comes once in a century and whose brilliance continues to inspire.
The compendium, launched at PM Modi’s official residence in New Delhi, has been compiled and edited by Seeni Viswanathan and published by Alliance Publishers. It includes Bharati’s writings alongside explanations, background information, and philosophical insights.
PM Modi also hailed Bharati as a “visionary poet, writer, thinker, freedom fighter, and social reformer.” He praised Bharati’s influence on patriotism, his progressive ideals on equality, and his advocacy for women’s empowerment, calling his works a “treasure of the Tamil language.”
Speaking at the event, the prime minister emphasised the importance of words in Indian culture. “In our country, words are not considered mere expressions. We are part of a culture that talks about ‘Shabda Brahma’, talks about the infinite power of words,” he said.
Reflecting on Bharati’s legacy, PM Modi said, “Subramania Bharati Ji was a profound thinker dedicated to serving Maa Bharati. A personality like Subramania Bharti comes once in centuries. Subramania Bharati Ji’s thoughts and intellectual brilliance continue to inspire us even today.”
PM Modi also highlighted a personal connection with Bharati, noting that the poet had lived in Kashi, or Varanasi, to gain knowledge. “He came to attain knowledge in Kashi and stayed back,” PM Modi said. The city holds special significance for the prime minister, as he represents Varanasi in Parliament.
Paying tribute to Bharati on his 143rd birth anniversary, PM Modi expressed his admiration for the poet in a post on X. “I am honoured to release a compendium of Mahakavi Subramania Bharati’s works. His vision for a prosperous India and the empowerment of every individual continues to inspire generations,” he said.
The prime minister also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to bringing Bharati’s contributions to the forefront, describing it as an act of duty or ‘kartavya’.
