CHENNAI: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan’s visit to Tamil Nadu resonated with historical reverence as he honored Rani Velu Nachiyar, the fearless 18th-century queen of Sivaganga, at her shrine in Viramangai on Sunday. ‘Her legacy will guide India’s path to progress,’ he declared, engaging in heartfelt conversations with her descendants.
Known as India’s first queen to challenge British might, Velu Nachiyar’s strategic brilliance and unyielding spirit continue to captivate historians. The event at Sivaganga Palace saw the Vice President lay wreaths at the samadhi of King Muthu Vijaya Raghunatha Sasivarna Periya Udaya Thevar, a key figure in the region’s royal lineage.
Radhakrishnan’s itinerary included a spiritual stop at Thirukostiyur’s Soumyanarayan Perumal Temple, where prayers invoked national harmony and growth. Reflecting on the previous day’s International Mother Language Day celebrations, he had unveiled refreshed Tamil and Gujarati translations of the Constitution and the updated Legal Glossary.
‘Tamil boasts an ancient classical legacy, while Gujarati embodies deep philosophical insights,’ the Vice President stated. This initiative, he added, bridges the Constitution to the masses, fostering greater civic awareness and inclusion. Commending the Law Ministry’s diligence, he celebrated India’s multilingual tapestry as a unique global asset, unmatched in constitutional accessibility.