Chennai, Feb 15 (NationPress) Chief Minister M. K. Stalin issued a warning on Sunday regarding attempts to "repaint" Tamil Nadu's cultural identity and undermine the egalitarian principles championed by saint-reformer Ramalinga Vallalar. He emphasized that the State would not permit "divisive" forces to misinterpret his philosophy centered on compassion and equality.

During the inauguration of the International Vallalar Conference, organized by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, Stalin remarked that there were ongoing efforts to depict Tamil Nadu's cultural identity in "different colours".

He called upon the community to protect Vallalar's teachings from misrepresentation and advocated for the development of a society founded on love, virtue, culture, and compassion.

Referencing Vallalar's philosophy of 'Thaniperum Karunai' (infinite compassion), the Chief Minister highlighted the saint's perspective on hunger as a disease, insisting that aiding the poor is the utmost form of service.

Linking this to the Dravidian governance model, Stalin affirmed that the State's welfare programs are inspired by the same ethical framework.

Initiatives like the Chief Minister's breakfast program for schoolchildren and support measures for the elderly are aimed at relieving suffering stemming from poverty and hunger, he noted.

Stalin also discussed various advancements in the HR and CE sector, mentioning that renovation efforts have been completed in 4,192 temples where consecration ceremonies had not occurred for many years.

Currently, restoration projects are underway in over 12,900 temples at an estimated cost of Rs 8,100 crore, with thousands of projects already finalized.

The Chief Minister announced seven new initiatives honoring Vallalar, including the installation of a memorial pillar at the conference site; the creation of a Sanmarga training school including Thiruvarutpa music classes and a herbal garden in Vadalur; the publication of a book titled Spiritual Alchemy; a three-day annual celebration of Vallalar’s birth anniversary; the opening of ‘Vallalar Annadhana Centres’ in Mettukuppam, Marudur, and Karunguzhi; naming a park near the Cuddalore Collectorate after him; and establishing a Vallalar Research Centre in Chennai.

Stalin concluded with a powerful message: "Equality and social justice are not mere slogans for us; they are commitments." He urged followers to carry Vallalar's message of compassion into future generations.