Inspired by Bharathiyar’s vision of empowered women, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Tamil poet and writer Subramania Bharati's work as fearless and said that today’s youth can learn so much from Bharati’s work, “especially being courageous.” On his 138th birth anniversary PM Modi addressed the International Bharati festival on Friday. 

"Bharati can’t be linked to a single profession or dimension. He was a poet, writer, editor, journalist, social reformer, freedom fighter, humanist and much more. One can only marvel at his work, poems, philosophy and his life,” said PM Modi. He also said “Mahakavi Bharathiyar’s definition of progression had a central role for women. One of the most important vision was that of independent and empowered women. He wrote that women should walk with their head held high while looking people in the eye.” Modi said that “We are inspired by Bharathiyar’s vision of independent and empowered women and we are working to ensure women-led empowerment,” 

PM Modi said. “This is an era of Nari Shakti. They’re breaking barriers and making an impact.,” “Today, over 15 crore entrepreneurs are funded by schemes like Mudra Yojana. They’re telling they’re self-reliant. Women are becoming part of our armed forces with permanent commissioning. They are telling us the country is in safe hands,” PM Modi said and added that “this is new India’s tribute to Bharati.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi confers this year’s Bharathi Award to the writer and author Seeni Vishvanathan who has made a voluminous compendium on the national poet Subramaniya Bharati in a chronological order. The festival this year was  held through video-conferencing by the Vanavil Culture Centre, due to the prevailing pandemic situation. Vanavil means rainbow, signifying unity.