What is the Thirukkural? The Tamil Classic PM Modi Gifted to Vladimir Putin
What the Thirukkural is as PM Modi gifts a Russian translation of the ancient Tamil classic to Vladimir Putin at the BRICS Summit. Explore its meaning, 1,330 couplets and Russia connection.
PM Narendra Modi has impressed everyone with so much skill in cultural diplomacy that he has given an old Tamil literary masterpiece, Thirukkural in translation to the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.
This exchange took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit 2026 held in New Delhi. It is a brilliant link between India's timeless literature and modern-day politics. Its significance lies in the idea of sparking a great deal of interest in Indian literature in other parts of the world.
What is Thirukkural?
Written by the famous poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar between 300 BCE and 500 CE. Thirukkural is considered to be one of the oldest writings in Tamil literary history. It contains 1330 couplets, composed in pairs of two lines and divided into 133 chapters.
The Thirukkural is structured on three main pillars of human existence which are:
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Aram: This means virtue, which includes righteousness, moral conduct, conscience and domestic virtues.
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Porul: This means wealth, which includes socio-economic principles of statecraft, governance, public policy, and justice.
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Inbam: This pertains to love, which includes human love, joy and emotional bonds.
Due to its strong emphasis on morality, compassion, truthfulness and duty. It is a timeless guide to leading a noble life.
The Historic Gift of PM Modi to Vladimir Putin
In what could be treated as a historic gift to President Vladimir Putin during their high-level state talks held in New Delhi, PM Modi presented a freshly published Russian-language edition of the book.
The Central Institute of Classical Tamil has published this special edition which features the original Tamil verses along with their transliteration and an eloquent Russian translation done by scholar Naira Mkrtchyan.
PM Modi stated that the gesture was meant to spread Thiruvalluvar’s eternal wisdom across languages and borders and show the rich civilizational heritage of India on a global platform.
Russian Connection to Tamil Literature
Although it may appear unusual to give an ancient Indian literary work to a foreign leader, this demonstrates the historical connection between Russia and Indian philosophy.
The Russian interest in Indian texts dates back centuries. European and Russian Orientalists have studied Tamil literature for centuries due to its ethical teachings.
Historians say that the brilliant Russian writer Leo Tolstoy was largely inspired by ancient Indian moral values. There is evidence that Tolstoy became acquainted with translations of Tamil ethical ideas which greatly impacted his anti-war ideas later reflected in his celebrated letters to Mahatma Gandhi.
When presenting the Thirukkural to President Putin, PM Modi is not only strengthening the multi-layered strategic partnership with Russia aimed at achieving $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 but also reminding the world about the importance of human values, literature and philosophy.
Manisha Waldia is a distinguished content strategist with 5 years of experience crafting premium educational content for UPSC and State PCS, with a focus on deep conceptual analysis across Polity, Geography, History, and Environment. She currently brings this expertise to Jagran Josh, where she covers major national and international events, current affairs, and static general knowledge. Over her career, Manisha's specialized insights have led her to curate high-impact materials and serve as a UPSC Mains answer-evaluator for India’s top institutes—including Drishti IAS, Shubhra Ranjan IAS, Study IQ, GS Score, and PWonlyIAS. She has also worked alongside leading NGOs like Oxfam India and Avani Kumaon.
Contact: manisha.waldia@jagrannewmedia.com
