The Tamil Nadu Government has officially announced the renaming of the iconic Thiruvalluvar statue in Kanyakumari as ‘The Statue of Wisdom’ during the state budget presentation for the financial year 2025-26 at the Tamil Nadu Assembly today, March 14, 2025. This historic declaration was made by Mr. Thangam Thenarasu, Minister for Finance, emphasizing the monument’s timeless significance as a beacon of inspiration that will endure as long as the seas and mountains stand.
The statue, originally inaugurated on January 1, 2000, by Dr. M. Karunanidhi, the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has been a symbol of peace and Tamil heritage. Its unveiling was a grand event attended by Indian political leaders, celebrities, and foreign dignitaries from Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
According to Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu, Tamil Nadu has once again etched its name in history by honoring Saint Thiruvalluvar, the revered poet-philosopher, as an embodiment of wisdom and universal brotherhood. The global Tamil community recently celebrated the silver jubilee of this towering monument, which has stood amidst the roaring waves as a guiding force for Tamils across generations.
New Developments at the Thiruvalluvar Statue
Recently, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated a glass bridge connecting Vivekananda Rock to the Thiruvalluvar statue. This 77-meter-long and 10-meter-wide bridge, constructed at a cost of ₹37 crore, enhances accessibility and adds to the grandeur of the site.
Marking the occasion, the Chief Minister officially declared that the statue, originally erected by Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar, will now be known as ‘The Statue of Wisdom’. Reaffirming its significance, he emphasized its eternal presence as a symbol of Tamil culture, wisdom, and pride.
Further, Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu announced that additional passenger boats will be operated from Chinna Muttam Port, serving as a second terminal to the Thiruvalluvar statue, in response to the increasing number of tourists visiting the newly inaugurated glass-fiber bridge.
A Historic Milestone in Tamil Nadu’s Legacy
Speaking at the Assembly, Finance Minister Mr. Thangam Thenarasu reiterated that Tamil Nadu has once again etched its name in history by honoring Saint Thiruvalluvar as an embodiment of wisdom and universal brotherhood. The Tamil community worldwide recently celebrated the silver jubilee of the towering Thiruvalluvar statue, which stands tall amid the roaring waves of Kanyakumari, serving as an eternal guide for Tamils across generations.
Adding to this momentous occasion, Chief Minister Mr. M.K. Stalin recently inaugurated a glass bridge connecting Vivekananda Rock Memorial to the Thiruvalluvar statue. Spanning 77 meters in length and 10 meters in breadth, this architectural marvel was constructed at a cost of approximately ₹37 crore.
During the silver jubilee celebrations, the Chief Minister officially announced that the monument, originally erected by Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar, will now be known as ‘The Statue of Wisdom.’ Emphasizing its cultural and philosophical significance, he reaffirmed that the statue will continue to inspire future generations, representing Tamil Nadu’s rich intellectual and literary legacy.
A Tribute to Thiruvalluvar’s Timeless Wisdom and Tamil Legacy
The Tirukkural, the timeless literary masterpiece of Thiruvalluvar, has long been revered for its universal wisdom on ethics, human relations, and governance. The decision by Kalaignar Karunanidhi to inaugurate the Thiruvalluvar statue on January 1, 2000, was a powerful statement—Tamil Nadu, with its rich intellectual history, proudly claims its rightful place on the global stage.
Now, as the Thiruvalluvar statue marks 25 years, its renaming as ‘The Statue of Wisdom’ by the Government of Tamil Nadu, under the leadership of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, further elevates its significance. This recognition serves as a symbolic tribute to Saint Thiruvalluvar’s teachings, ensuring that Tamil Nadu’s intellectual heritage continues to inspire generations worldwide. The renaming also reinforces the statue’s global stature, ensuring that this towering monument remains a beacon of Tamil culture and wisdom.
Saint Thiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural—a revered literary masterpiece on ethics, human relations, and governance—has long served as a guiding philosophy for Tamil society. The decision to rename the statue as ‘The Statue of Wisdom’ is a symbolic tribute to his teachings, ensuring that Tamil Nadu’s intellectual heritage continues to inspire generations worldwide.
Mr. Thangam Thenarasu further stated, “It is our solemn responsibility to share the profound wisdom of the Tirukkural—hailed as a universal scripture—with the world. Through the relentless efforts of scholars and various educational institutions, the Tirukkural has already been translated into 28 Indian languages and 35 international languages. At the recently concluded Chennai International Book Fair, several international publishers expressed interest in translating this timeless literary work into 28 more Asian, African, and European languages. Once these translations are completed, an additional 45 global languages will be covered, bringing the Tirukkural closer to the remarkable milestone of being translated into all official languages of the 193 United Nations member nations.”
To realize this ambitious vision and ensure that Valluvam’s legacy reaches every corner of the globe, the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation, in collaboration with leading educational institutions, has committed to completing this translation project within the next three years. A dedicated fund of ₹133 lakh has been allocated to support this initiative, reaffirming Tamil Nadu’s commitment to preserving and promoting its literary and cultural heritage on a global scale.
Boosting Tourism & Connectivity
To accommodate the increasing number of visitors to the newly inaugurated glass bridge, Finance Minister Mr. Thangam Thenarasu also announced the introduction of additional passenger boats from Chinna Muttam Port, which will serve as a second terminal for ferrying tourists to the Thiruvalluvar statue. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and strengthen Kanyakumari’s position as a major cultural and spiritual tourism destination.
Guided by his steadfast principle—“We shall do what we say and say what we do”—Chief Minister Mr. M.K. Stalin reaffirmed his commitment to Tamil Nadu’s progress. This historic announcement underscores the state’s unwavering dedication to preserving and celebrating its heritage while reinforcing its global cultural stature.
