The grand celebration of “Thirukkural Maritime Day” organized by the Ulaga Thirukkural Samudhaya Maiyam was successfully conducted at Kanyakumari with enthusiastic participation from children, scholars, social leaders, and Thirukkural enthusiasts from different places.
Originally, the organizers had planned to conduct part of the program near the iconic Thiruvalluvar Statue. However, due to a sudden and unexpected drop in the sea water level, boat movement became impossible. Following safety concerns, the Government authorities officially suspended all boat services to the Thiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Rock Memorial for the day.
As a result, the entire event was shifted and successfully conducted inside the historic Vivekanandar Kendra Campus, the very place that served as an important operational and developmental center during the construction period of both the Vivekananda Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue.
Participants appreciated the facilities and serene atmosphere of the campus, which includes:
- Residential accommodation facilities
- Conference halls
- Exhibition and museum sections
- Internal transportation services
- Cultural and educational activity spaces
The event witnessed a warm and respectful reception for Dr. Ravi Govindaraj, International Legend Coach and Founder of several global educational and cultural initiatives. He was ceremoniously welcomed at the entrance of the campus by:
- Mr. Ilamchezhian – President, Thirukkural Samudhaya Maiyam
- Mr. Chakravarthi – Vice President
- Dr. Vengadesan – Founder, SE VE Foundation
- Dr. Shyamala – Unity Universe World Records
The organizing team conducted several remarkable educational and cultural activities centered around the 1330 Thirukkural couplets. The children showcased extraordinary talents and dedication in preserving Tamil literature and values.
Highlights of the Children’s Programs:
- Recitation of all 1330 Thirukkural couplets from memory without referring to books
- Explanation of meanings and moral values of each Kural
- Research activities on individual words and concepts found in the Kurals
- Preparation and publication of books related to Thirukkural studies
- Essay and article writing competitions
- A special “Andhadhi” Thirukkural Anthakshari, where participants connected Kurals creatively and continuously — which became one of the major highlights of the entire event
All participating children were given a grand traditional welcome with:
- Sandal garlands
- Books
- Participation certificates
- Encouragement gifts
Dr. Shyamala and Dr. Vengadesan were invited as special observers and dignitaries to distribute World Record certificates and appreciate the children’s achievements.
Dr. Ravi Govindaraj was invited to monitor the overall educational activities, motivate the students, felicitate the participants, and distribute certificates.
During his motivational interaction with the children, Dr. Ravi Govindaraj asked how many students wished to travel abroad and fly internationally without spending money personally. Almost every child enthusiastically raised their hands.
He then asked whether anyone believed such opportunities could happen without collecting money from participants. Most children responded that it would not be possible.
Dr. Ravi Govindaraj then shared real-life examples from the activities of Aambal Tamilsangam, explaining how the organization had successfully arranged several completely sponsored educational and cultural international trips.
He highlighted how Aambal Tamilsangam had previously organized a fully sponsored Sri Lanka trip for Pondicherry President Dr. Vengadesan, where expenses exceeding approximately five lakh rupees per person were borne entirely by the organization without collecting even a single rupee from participants.
He also mentioned that Dr. Shyamala, Dr. Sandeep, and Dr. Dhakshayini had similarly been offered a free Sri Lanka trip, but were unable to participate due to the unfortunate demise of Dr. Shyamala’s grandfather shortly before the journey.
Even after that, Dr. Ravi Govindaraj arranged another international five-country educational tour opportunity for them. However, due to unavoidable circumstances, they were again unable to participate.
Further motivating the students, he shared that he had also organized a free Shirdi flight pilgrimage trip for 44 people, fully sponsored and coordinated without financial burden on the participants.
Addressing the students, Dr. Ravi Govindaraj emphasized that sincere reading, understanding, and practicing the teachings of all 1330 Thirukkural couplets would transform them into great human beings, responsible citizens, and inspiring future leaders. He added that capable and value-based leaders naturally attract opportunities, recognition, international exposure, and global travel.
As part of the concluding ceremony, Dr. Ravi Govindaraj honored:
- The entire Thirukkural Samudhaya Maiyam team
- President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and office bearers
- SE VE Foundation representatives
- Unity Universe World Records representatives
- Volunteers and educational coordinators
All dignitaries were honored on behalf of Aambal Tamilsangam Qatar with:
- Shawls
- Garlands
- Books and mementos
The program concluded successfully with a fellowship lunch served to all participants, guests, volunteers, and children, leaving behind unforgettable memories of Tamil culture, literature, unity, and inspiration.
