Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book 'Agatthiyar - The Unifier' at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on June 15, 2026.
He emphasized that India's unity is an ancient civilizational reality shaped by sages like Agatthiyar, who bridged North and South Indian cultures.
The Vice President highlighted Agatthiyar's contributions to Tamil grammar and the Tamil Sangam tradition, describing him as a symbol of India's cultural and spiritual unity.
He noted that Agatthiyar is revered across India, with temples dedicated to him in both Tamil Nadu and Kashi, underscoring the nation's shared heritage. Shri Radhakrishnan also expressed concern that individuals who have worked tirelessly for Tamil, such as U. Ve.
Swaminatha Iyer, have not received adequate recognition. He praised Iyer for preserving Tamil literary treasures and called for greater awareness of his contributions.
The Vice President rejected the notion that India's unity was a result of colonial rule, asserting that the country's culture and civilization have always bound its people together. He urged discussions that promote understanding of India's rich heritage among the youth.
The event was attended by notable figures, including the book's authors, Shri O. Shama Bhat and Dr. M. N. Sudha, and Professor Kalyani, who translated the book into Tamil.
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