Global delegates gather in Canada to celebrate the timeless wisdom of the Thirukkural
Dr Rajendran Govender, second from left, a commissioner on the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission of South Africa, with delegates at the 6th International Thirukkural Conference in Canada
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Delegates from around the world gathered in Canada to discuss the classical Tamil literature, the Thirukkural.
Dr Rajendran Govender, a commissioner on the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission of South Africa, was among the 200 delegates who reaffirmed the universal relevance of the Thirukkural, the timeless masterpiece authored over two millennia ago by the sage Tiruvalluvar.
The 6th International Thirukkural Conference took place last weekend at the University of Toronto, Scarborough. It was hosted by the Institute of Asian Studies in collaboration with the Toronto Tamil Sungum, Tamil scholars, cultural leaders, and the Tamil chair at the University of Toronto.
The Thirukkural, a collection of 1 330 couplets, is regarded as one of the most profound works of classical Tamil literature.
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Govender said it was an enriching experience to be part of the gathering.
"The conference was more than an academic symposium; it was a global dialogue on ethics, leadership, and cultural identity. It provided an ideal platform for networking, collaboration, and inspiration.
"Tiruvalluvar’s vision, articulated more than 2 000 years ago, offers insights into governance, ethics, love, family, and human values. Despite its ancient origins, the text remains relevant to contemporary society, guiding discussions on leadership, morality, and social cohesion," he said.
He said distinguished academics and practitioners from India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, the UK, USA, Canada, and South Africa delivered scholarly presentations that examined the enduring wisdom of the Thirukkural and its role in addressing global challenges ranging from corruption to climate crises.
Govender in his address likened the Thirukkural to a “powerbank for humanity”—a renewable source of ethical energy that recharges societies in times of moral depletion.
"In today’s digital world, our phones and laptops die without charge. And what do we do when the battery runs low? We search desperately for a power source, and if there is none nearby, we pull out a powerbank — that little device that restores life.
"So too, societies, nations, and leaders experience 'low battery.' Ethics run dry, compassion fades, and justice seems drained. What then do we do? We reach for the Thirukkural. It is compact, yet carrying the wisdom of the ages. It is portable, from villages to parliaments, from classrooms to corporations, it fits everywhere, and its charge never diminishes, no matter how often we draw from it," said Govender in his speech.
Govender also used the example of the African concept of Ubuntu, which Nelson Mandela embodied in his leadership.
"His unselfishness and humility in handing over power after one term provided a living example of ethical governance rooted in both African and Tamil wisdom traditions."
Govender added that the Thirukkural was not just Tamil literature, but a moral powerbank of civilisation.
He said the main theme of the conference was Thirukkural and governance.
"Many speakers reflected on the serious issues of governance both at government and corporate levels. They highlighted how Tiruvalluvar’s timeless insights can provide practical solutions for ethical leadership today.
"There were also wide-ranging discussions on how the Thirukkural continues to address challenges such as corruption, inequality, and climate change, making it a text for all times," said Govender.
He said one of the key outcomes of the conference was a call for UNESCO to recognise the Thirukkural as a classical global text.
"This recognition would highlight its universal value to humanity. There was also great interest expressed in hosting a future International Thirukkural Conference in South Africa, which I believe would be a wonderful opportunity," he said.
Govender believes the Thirukkural should be made accessible to a wider global audience.
"Since we are now in the age of Artificial Intelligence, AI must be used to make the Thirukkural more widely available — through translations, apps, and digital tools.
"It should also be promoted in schools, workplaces, parliaments, and even in corporate boardrooms, so that it becomes a living text guiding daily life and leadership," said Govender.
He said the academic conference was beautifully balanced by evening cultural performances where couplets of the Thirukkural were brought to life through dance, music and theatre.