‘Eternal Wisdom Across Borders’: PM Modi Gifts Vladimir Putin Russian Translation of Tamil Classic ‘Thirukkural’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a Russian translation of the ancient Tamil text Thirukkural during bilateral discussions ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The gift highlights India's rich literary heritage and ongoing efforts to expand cultural and soft-power diplomacy alongside traditional strategic ties.

Sharing the gesture on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi noted that the text conveys "the eternal wisdom of the great Thiruvalluvar across languages and borders". The edition presented to the Russian leader—published by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil—includes the original Tamil couplets, transliterations, and Russian renderings by translator Naira Mkrtchyan. What Book Did PM Modi Gift Vladimir Putin? Know Why It Is So Special.

Strengthening Cultural and Bilateral Ties

The exchange took place as the two leaders convened in New Delhi to review key sectors of the India-Russia strategic partnership, including trade expansion, energy security, industrial cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

Diplomatic gifts centered on traditional literature have become a recurring feature of India’s foreign engagements. By presenting a Russian-language edition of the Tamil classic, India aims to broaden its diplomatic engagement beyond economic and defense partnerships to foster deeper civilizational connections between the two nations.

What is Thirukkural? The 2,500-Year-Old Tamil Masterpiece

Thirukkural (often simply called the Kural) is a 2,500-year-old ancient Tamil treatise authored by the celebrated poet-saint Thiruvalluvar. Considered one of the most important works of aphoristic literature in world history, it consists of 1,330 short two-line couplets structured into 133 chapters. BRICS Summit 2026: From Vladimir Putin to Xi Jinping, Who’s Coming to Delhi for PM Modi’s Big Summit?.

PM Modi Gifts Russian Translation of Thirukkural to Putin

Presented President Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, which carries the eternal wisdom of the great Thiruvalluvar across languages and borders. pic.twitter.com/rvk3rRDnvg

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 11, 2026

The text is divided into three core sections that address fundamental human pursuits:

• Aram (Virtue and Ethics): Moral standards, personal integrity, and duty.

• Porul (Wealth and Governance): Political wisdom, statecraft, administration, and economic management.

• Inbam (Love): Domestic life, affection, and emotional relationships.

What distinguishes the Thirukkural globally is its non-denominational and universal appeal. It avoids affiliation with any specific religion, deity, or social hierarchy, offering practical guidance on human conduct, righteousness, and good governance that remains relevant across eras and borders.

A Global Legacy Across Languages

The gift underscores the global trajectory of Tamil literature. The Thirukkural is one of the most translated non-religious works worldwide, available in over 40 languages. Russian interest in the text dates back generations, with multiple scholars translating sections of Thiruvalluvar’s work into Russian since the 19th and 20th centuries.

The latest presentation reinforces India's policy of promoting its diverse linguistic identity and ancient wisdom on the global stage.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2026 05:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).