Culture unites, politics divides, says Governor
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi on Sunday said Thanjavur has historically been the cultural capital of southern India but lamented that its prominence had diminished because of the dominance of political narratives from Madras (now Chennai).
Speaking at the valedictory function of the Salangai Nadham cultural festival organised by the South Zone Cultural Centre in Thanjavur, he criticised the influence of Western political ideologies post-Independence, claiming they had led to divisions among people based on religion, language, caste, culture, and food.
Padma Shri award-winners, including Swamimalai sculptor Radhakrishna Sthapathi and traditional theatre artiste Kannappa Sammandham from Tiruvannamalai, were honoured at the event.
He said prior to Independence, people from Tamil Nadu responded emotionally to events such as the Partition of Bengal and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. 'Today, however, unity is only visible during times of war or terror threats as seen during Pakistan's aggression.'
Mr. Ravi alleged that governments talked about protecting culture but did little to promote Tamil culture and failed to honour stalwarts such as the Alwars, Nayanmars, U. Ve. Swaminatha Iyer, and Subramania Bharati. 'There isn't even a single research centre in Bharati's name,' he pointed out.
Emphasising that culture is the true unifying force of the country, he said its promotion could not be relied on by the government but must be supported by society and benevolent individuals. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the Centre's administrative officer, Srinivasan.
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