Tamil Nadu Minister Arunraj on 31 May 2025 sharply condemned the display of a portrait depicting celebrated Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar in saffron robes at a state function held at Tamil Nadu Lok Bhavan in Guindy, Chennai, calling it an inappropriate attempt to assign a religious identity to a universal thinker. The portrait, which showed Thiruvalluvar dressed in saffron attire with rudraksha beads and sacred ash markings, was displayed during Thiruvalluvar Day celebrations organised by Thiruvalluvar Thirunaal Kazhagam at Bharathiar Mandapam, Lok Bhavan on Saturday, 30 May.

What the Portrait Showed and Why It Drew Criticism

The portrait at the centre of the controversy depicted Thiruvalluvar in saffron robes — a colour widely associated with Hindu religious identity — along with rudraksha beads and sacred ash markings on his forehead. Cultural activists, scholars, and political leaders argued that the depiction sought to align the revered poet with a specific religion, contradicting the secular and universal character of his magnum opus, the Tirukkural.

The criticism was swift and pointed. Critics noted that Thiruvalluvar's work has historically been claimed as a shared heritage across Tamil society, cutting across religious and caste lines, and that any attempt to anchor him within one faith tradition is seen as a form of cultural appropriation.

What Minister Arunraj Said

In a post on social media platform X, Minister Arunraj stated that the author of the Tirukkural represented universal human values and must not be confined within any narrow ideological or religious framework.

'Depicting Thiruvalluvar in saffron robes at Lok Bhavan, or at any government or public institution, is inappropriate,' Arunraj said. 'Thiruvalluvar belongs to all humanity. His Tirukkural speaks of universal moral values and principles that guide human life, not the doctrines of any one religion.'

The Minister further pointed out that even when referencing the divine, Thiruvalluvar deliberately used inclusive expressions — such as 'Aadhi Bhagavan', 'Malarmisai Eginan', and 'Aravazhi Anthanan' — without identifying any particular deity or faith. Arunraj argued this reflected the poet's intent to articulate ethical truths embraceable by people of all backgrounds.

'Attempting to confine Thiruvalluvar to a single colour is like trying to contain the ocean in a pot,' he remarked, accusing certain groups of seeking political mileage by appropriating the poet's image.

Governor Arlekar Presides; Cabinet Ministers Absent

Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Arlekar presided over the Thiruvalluvar Thirunaal Vizha (Vaikasi Anusham Valluvar Thirunaal) at Bharathiar Mandapam and paid tribute to Thiruvalluvar, describing the Tirukkural as a timeless guide to virtue, ethical governance, social harmony, and moral responsibility. The Governor urged citizens to imbibe the values of integrity, compassion, and wisdom embodied in the text.

Notably, no minister from Chief Minister Vijay's Cabinet attended the Lok Bhavan event — a conspicuous absence that has further intensified political discussions surrounding both the function and the portrait controversy.

The Broader Political and Cultural Context

This is not the first time Thiruvalluvar's portrayal has sparked debate in Tamil Nadu. The question of how the poet is depicted — his attire, caste identity, and religious affiliation — has periodically divided scholars and politicians, reflecting deeper tensions over Tamil cultural ownership and the politics of identity. This comes amid a broader national pattern in which classical figures are contested as symbols by competing political movements.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led state government has consistently positioned itself as a guardian of Tamil cultural heritage and secular values, making the saffron-portrait controversy a politically charged flashpoint ahead of ongoing legislative and electoral cycles.

What Happens Next

The controversy is likely to intensify calls from opposition parties and cultural organisations for clearer guidelines on how Thiruvalluvar may be depicted at government-affiliated events. Whether the Tamil Nadu government issues a formal directive on the matter remains to be seen.