CHENNAI: Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday unveiled a series of initiatives to honour spiritual-social reformer Ramalinga Adigal, fondly known as Vallalar, including the establishment of a research centre on the works of Vallalar in Chennai, a Sanmarga training school at Vadalur, and dedicated Annadhanam centres in three locations linked to Vallalar at Mettukuppam, Marudhur, and Karunkuzhi.
Announcing the measures at the International Vallalar Conference organised by Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department here on Sunday, the CM said a memorial pillar will be erected to mark the international conference, a herbal garden will be created in Vallalar’s name, and an annual three-day celebration will be held on his birth anniversary. The department will also publish a book titled ‘Spiritual Alchemy’ on Vallalar, while a park near the Cuddalore Collectorate will be named after him (Vallalar Park).
The CM said Vallalar was a revolutionary reformer who propagated compassion, equality and rational thought. Vallalar criticised rigid orthodoxy and caste divisions and envisioned a society free from discrimination, and his ideals profoundly influenced the Dravidian movement. Periyar republished Vallalar’s works in 1940 and questioned why Tamil society should revere northern saints while neglecting Vallalar of Vadalur.
“Our government’s guiding principle – ‘Everything for Everyone’ – reflects Vallalar’s vision of universal compassion and equality,” the CM said. Stalin recalled that under the leadership of Kalaignar, the locality in Chennai where Vallalar lived was named “Vallalar Nagar”. The CM said, “We have renovated the Vallalar Nagar bus terminus at a cost of `10 crore. We declared Vallalar’s birth anniversary as ‘Thaniperum Karunai Day’ and celebrated his 200th birth anniversary with year-long commemorative events. His residence in Marudur has been restored; Annadhanam has been organised at Vadalur; and roads and public spaces have been named in his honour.”
The CM also gave details about the achievements of the HR and CE department: consecration of 4,192 temples; renovation of 352 ancient temples across 12,931 temples; ongoing 29,479 renovation works valued at `8,100 crore in 12,931 temples; retrieval of temple properties measuring 8,106 acres, valued at `8,423 crore, etc.