: A society governed by spirituality can alone bring about communal harmony and patriotism, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan said in Coimbatore on Tuesday.
Society will be spoiled without the discipline fostered by spiritualism, which also keeps atheism rooted in honesty. However, use of atheism as a cover for evil deeds was deplorable, the Vice-President said, taking part in the centenary anniversary celebration of the 24th Adheenam of Perur Mutt Thavathiru Santhalinga Ramasamy Adigalar.
The service rendered by the pontiff symptomised spirituality, in the era where the piety of religious gurus has (unfortunately) come to be judged on the basis of the plush vehicles they travelled in. When the way of life is governed by sustained hard work, success could be delayed but would be a certainty, he said.
The Adheenam with more than 500 years of history, the Vice-President emphasised, was on the frontlines in propagating research in Tamil. Recalling his association with the pontiff and adoration for the latter’s principles, Mr. Radhakrishnan cited instances of the the Adigalar’s emphasis on equality among people by way of lighting lamps in the houses of the oppressed community members.
Also, all languages are equal. Growth of Tamil warrants initiatives to foster the language and it cannot happen just by criticising Sanskrit. Likewise, Sanskrit cannot grow by subjugation of Tamil, the Vice-President said, in what was perceived to be a subtle comment on State Government’s language policy.
Presiding over the event, the 25th Adheenam of Perur Mutt Thavathiru Santhalinga Marudachala Adigalar thanked the Vice-President for his support for fructification of the last wish of the 24th Adheenam for construction of a charity hospital.
A hospital with 50 beds has come into existence at Mudalipalayam, near Ganeshapuram, in Annur, the 25th pontiff said, expressing gratitude to the trustees: S.V. Balasubramaniam, Chairman, Bannari Amman group of companies; M. Manickam, Chairman, Sakthi group of companies; Nalla G Palaniswami, Chairman, Kovai Medical Center and Hospital; G. Shanmuganathan, Chairman of Ganga Hospital; O. Arumugasamy, Chairman, Senthil group of companies; K. Ramasamy, Chairman, Roots group of companies; and S. Malarvizhi, Chairperson and Managing Trustee, Sri Krishna Institutions. Efforts are underway to realise the dream of the 24th pontiff to establish Adigalar University, Thavathiru Santhalinga Marudachala Adigalar said.
Published – October 28, 2025 08:05 pm IST
