Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi recently asserted that the socio-spiritual movement, originally founded by the revered Tamil saint Vallalar, has unfortunately been “hijacked” by the political landscape of the state. He made these remarks on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
Speaking at the inaugural ‘Samarasa Suththa Sanmarga Youth Conference’ held at Bharathiar Mandapam in Chennai’s Raj Bhavan, Governor Ravi highlighted Vallalar’s vision. “Swami Vallalar initiated a profound socio-spiritual movement aimed at societal reform, restoring balance, and fostering harmony among people,” he explained.
The Governor lamented that “after Independence, this vital socio-spiritual movement became usurped by politics.” He elaborated on his view, stating, “Politics, by its very nature, is centered around power and inherently lacks the capacity to unite.” This statement was delivered to an audience comprising Vallalar devotees and young students.
Governor Ravi underscored that Vallalar’s ultimate goal was a “win-win for all,” a state of universal well-being. However, he argued that such an ideal cannot be realized through political means. “Regrettably,” he reiterated, “politics in our State has unfortunately diverted the socio-spiritual movement championed by Vallalar from its original path.”
He further elaborated on the philosophical clash, noting Vallalar’s teaching that “every being is divine; even a blade of grass is divine.” In stark contrast, Governor Ravi observed, “in politics, there is minimal space for divinity. Indeed, our state’s politics often dismisses divinity as irrational and unscientific.”
Drawing a comparison, he mentioned neighboring Kerala, acknowledging existing societal issues there. Yet, he pointed out that when Sree Narayana Guru launched his own socio-spiritual movement in Kerala, it was not similarly overtaken by political forces. “Today, in Kerala, instances of social discrimination or untouchability are rarely reported,” Governor Ravi stated, implying a successful trajectory for that movement.
“Conversely, in our state, daily newspaper reports frequently detail atrocities,” Governor Ravi asserted, attributing this to the political hijacking of the socio-spiritual movement. He critically added, “In the realm of politics, there is no genuine interest in eradicating social discrimination. While politicians may speak of it, their true agenda benefits from its persistence. Therefore, a renewed and authentic socio-spiritual movement is desperately needed here.”
As Chancellor of universities, Mr. Ravi also noted a significant lack of research dedicated to Vallalar’s extensive work. He proposed a solution: “If governmental institutions are not undertaking this crucial research, then let us initiate it within private autonomous institutions.”
Governor Ravi concluded by emphasizing that Vallalar’s profound teachings offer solutions to contemporary global challenges such as poverty, conflict, and environmental degradation. He called for a collective effort, stating, “We require dedicated individuals from every sector of society to propagate Vallalar’s wisdom and insights.”