Tamil scholar Professor Selvaraj, Head of the Tamil Department at Manapparai Government Arts and Science College in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, on Sunday, 27 September 2026, expressed deep satisfaction after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotlighted his discovery of a Veerakkal (hero stone) on the monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat. The public recognition, broadcast to millions of listeners nationwide, has brought fresh attention to grassroots heritage conservation efforts in Tamil Nadu.

The Discovery That Caught the PM's Attention

Professor Selvaraj's journey into historical research began close to home. He had earlier unearthed a Chola inscription in the Thalikaipatharpet area near Trichy, his native region. In the course of that research, he also identified a Jain rock inscription, the findings of which he published in academic journals.

His interest in historical inscriptions then drew him to the Manapparai region, where a student's tip led to his most recent discovery — the Veerakkal, a traditional hero stone commemorating warriors. 'Based on information given by a student, I discovered a Veerakkal. I took students to the site and explained its significance to them. The Hon'ble Prime Minister has appreciated this work. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi,' Selvaraj said.

What the PM Said on Mann Ki Baat

Prime Minister Modi's mention of Selvaraj's work during Mann Ki Baat is consistent with the programme's recurring theme of amplifying ordinary citizens doing extraordinary work. The radio broadcast, which airs monthly, has previously been used to highlight stories of community-level innovation, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation across India. Selvaraj described the recognition as particularly meaningful because it brought national visibility to efforts undertaken at the grassroots level.

A Call to Take Heritage into Classrooms

For Selvaraj, the Prime Minister's appreciation is both an honour and a responsibility. He stressed that cultural heritage sites are embedded in the everyday landscapes where people live, yet remain largely invisible to younger generations. 'We need to take this information to students. Only then will they understand its true significance,' he said, underlining his belief that academic discovery must translate into public education.

His approach — involving students directly in field visits to heritage sites — reflects a pedagogical philosophy that links classroom learning to lived history. Notably, it was a student who first pointed him toward the Veerakkal site in Manapparai, illustrating that community participation can itself be a discovery mechanism.

Family Shares in the Recognition

Professor Selvaraj's wife, Professor Sharmila, also shared her reaction to Prime Minister Modi's mention of her husband's work. 'It is surprising to hear Prime Minister Modi speak about this. I am very happy. The Prime Minister has been continuously speaking through this programme. Despite his heavy workload, he gives importance to and speaks about the small things done by ordinary people. I once again express my heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,' she said.

The recognition is likely to encourage more teachers and researchers in Tamil Nadu to document and share heritage findings, bringing sustained focus to the state's layered archaeological and cultural legacy.