Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan says Agatthiyar symbolises Bharat’s cultural unity
Hyderabad: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan said sages and rishis were the real architects of Bharat’s unity. He described Agatthiyar as a lasting symbol of the country’s cultural and spiritual connection.
He made the remarks after releasing the book “Agatthiyar – The Unifier” at the Uprashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. According to him, Bharat’s unity existed for thousands of years through shared traditions, values and knowledge systems.
The Vice President said the message of Agatthiyar – The Unifier highlights Bharat’s ancient cultural unity and the role of sages in connecting different regions and traditions.
Agatthiyar holds a respected place in both northern and southern traditions. The Vice President said his legacy connected the Himalayas with the Indian Ocean. He also highlighted Agatthiyar’s contribution to Tamil grammar and the Tamil Sangam tradition.
India’s languages, he said, developed through mutual respect and cultural exchange. They should be viewed as sister languages rather than rivals.
Agatthiyar cultural unity highlights shared heritage
Expressing concern, the Vice President said society had not adequately recognised several individuals who dedicated their lives to Tamil. He praised Tamil Thatha U. Ve. Swaminatha Iyer for preserving valuable literary works.
He cautioned against attempts to create divisions through unnecessary language debates. Moreover, he said every language carried its own unique strength and identity.
The Vice President noted that more than 100 Agatheeswarar temples in Tamil Nadu and similar temples in Kashi reflected India’s ancient cultural links.
Rejecting the belief that British rule kept India united, he said the country’s civilisation had always connected its people across generations and regions.
The Vice President appreciated the authors for documenting references to Agatthiyar from different parts of Bharat. Furthermore, he said the book would carry the message of cultural unity to the global community.
He also praised Kalaimagal magazine for serving Tamil literature and culture for more than 95 years. The publication, he added, gained strength through contributions from scholars, historians, scientists and national leaders.
India’s cultural unity is not a modern construct but an ancient civilizational reality, said Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan while releasing the book “Agatthiyar – The Unifier” at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi today.
The book brings out the enduring legacy of Sage… pic.twitter.com/wacCoiWntI
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) June 15, 2026
