PM Modi praises Mani Maran for preserving ancient manuscripts, Tamil pundit calls it 'fulfilling experience'
The library has published as many as 20 books, penned by him.
Addressing the monthly radio address 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, PM Modi said that Maran's initiative reflects how individuals can contribute to protecting India's intellectual and cultural heritage.
Mani Maran, Tamil pundit of Saraswathi Mahal Library, spoke to IANS after PM Modi's appreciation and called it a "fulfilling experience".
"I'm not sure how the Prime Minister came to know about me, but it's fulfilling to be recognised. I've always believed that my hard work would one day be acknowledged. I'm grateful to the Prime Minister for the appreciation," he said.
Sharing his first reaction on being named by PM Modi in his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, the Tamilian scholar said that he was thrilled about the development and also elaborated on his extensive research and training sessions for students on manuscripts.
"I'm thrilled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned me in today's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, which I never expected. For years, I've been working on research in archaeology, history, and manuscriptology, bringing out related information, and training students. Our library has been instrumental in this endeavour. Currently, I'm conducting evening classes where I teach students about Tamil manuscripts.
He further said that the information in manuscripts is a treasure trove of Tamil heritage, containing medical notes, historical facts, and technological information.
"We have over 2.5 million manuscripts, and there's still much to be uncovered. As a single individual, it's impossible for me to study and publish all of it. That's why I'm training students to read manuscripts, so they can contribute to this field," he informed.
He also underlined the need for bringing a level playing field in the sector.
"The number of students interested in learning this is limited due to limited job opportunities. If we offer better pay and job prospects, more students would be interested. Over 30 students trained by me are working in various places, but their pay is not comparable to what's offered in the IT sector. If the remuneration were better, more students would be willing to learn," he stated.
PM Modi, taking note of his sincere endeavour, in the radio address, highlighted how his students have not only become proficient in reading the texts but have also begun research into traditional medicine based on them.
PM Modi underlined the importance of preserving such texts, calling them "chapters of the soul of India" that must be passed on to future generations.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
10 years, 375 Sundays: PM Modi praises Lucknow team's efforts to clean Gomti
Lucknow: Lauding the efforts by the public at the grassroots level to make cities and towns clean, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme on Sunday, acknowledged a team's tireless commitment to cleaning the Gomti river every Sunday for the past 10 years. Without naming individuals, he said, "Every Sunday for the last 10 years, tirelessly, without stopping, the members of this team are engaged in the cleanliness work." The team referred to is led by Ranjit Singh, corporator of Mankameshwar Ward, who, along with dozens of dedicated volunteers, has been conducting the weekly cleanliness drive under the 'Swachh Paryavaran Andolan Sena'. On Sunday, marking the 375th consecutive week of the campaign, around 5 quintals of waste were removed from the riverbed at Jhulelal Ghat. About 60 volunteers participated in the drive, which lasted two hours in the morning. "This is not about publicity. We don't do it for photos. It's about real work, real impact," said a volunteer. Expressing gratitude over the PM's words, the corporator said, "It is an honour that our small but consistent efforts reached the ears of the Prime Minister. This recognition boosted our morale and inspired us to keep serving the river selflessly." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Adam Lambert, 43, Takes off His Makeup and Leaves Us Without Words The Noodle Box Undo Irrespective of the weather conditions, the cleanliness activity is carried out round the year, he highlighted. Mayor Sushma Kharakwal also appreciated the consistent efforts of Singh. She mentioned that the team remained active not only during special occasions like the chief minister's birthday or River Yoga events, but has been working for years without any NGO association. 'A tribute to cleanliness movement' In a post on X in Hindi, CM Yogi Adityanath said, "The mention by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji in today's @mannkibaat about the team dedicated for years to the cleanliness of the Gomti river, the lifeline of Lucknow, is not only a tribute to the people's movement of ' Swachh Bharat ', but also a nationwide inspiration for the spirit of service, hard work and dedication that comes alive every Sunday on the riverbank." "Under the successful guidance of the Prime Minister, the excellent performance of the districts of Uttar Pradesh in the Swachh Survey is strengthening the achievement of 'Swachh Uttar Pradesh'. Heartfelt thanks to the Prime Minister!" the CM said on X.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
CRPF personnel made a mark by their duty, courage, says PM on Raising Day
NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi on Sunday complimented the CRPF for playing a vital role in the national security apparatus, especially in challenging aspects relating to internal security. Wishing CRPF personnel on the force's 87th Raising Day, Prime Minister Modi on X said, "CRPF personnel have made a mark for their duty, courage and steadfast commitment in the most testing of situations." Home minister Amit Shah, in a message to CRPF on X, said, "Your selfless sacrifice has been the backbone of our nation's security and your unwavering courage to end Naxalism is truly commendable". Home secretary Govind Mohan, while addressing CRPF Raising Day celebrations here, assured the force of the ministry of home affairs' commitment to arming it with modern weapons and latest technology to meet the increasing security challenges India faces. The secretary emphasised that the MHA would deploy technology to minimise the risk of injury in risky operations. "In the coming days, we will have drones that can see through thick foliage in the mountains etc, weapons that can be fired from a safe range and technology to remotely detect and defuse IEDs," he said. Personnel who lose a limb in operations would be retained in the force, possibly in an alternative role, and limb replacement facilitated wherever there is scope, he said at the event with CRPF DG G P Singh by his side. Mohan underlined that the MHA was working with CRPF to ensure that personnel, particularly women, have access to all basic facilities in camps set up in operational areas. tnn
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Not just bricks & stones: PM Modi lauds defiance legacy of Bundelkhand forts
Kanpur: In his 124th edition of 'Mann Ki Baat' address on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the historical pride of Bundelkhand forts, saying they are symbols of cultural pride and resistance to foreign invasions. Celebrating Bundelkhand's historical legacy, he said: "These forts are not just bricks and stones, but a symbol of our culture, pride and values." Evoking national pride, Modi made a special mention of the Kalinjar Fort located on the Vindhya mountain range in Banda district, explaining how Mahmud of Ghazni attacked it multiple times, but was unsuccessful in capturing it. "Kalinjar Fort in Banda, Uttar Pradesh — Mahmud Ghaznavi attacked this fort many times and failed every time," he said. The PM named Gwalior, Jhansi, Datia, Ajaygarh, Garhkundar, and Chanderi as symbols of cultural resilience. "These forts are not just bricks and stones; they are symbols of our heritage. Sanskar and self-respect still peep from the high walls of these forts," he added. Urging people to explore these historical forts and connect with India's glorious past, the PM also emphasised the need to draw national attention to these sites to boost tourism in Bundelkhand. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Reacting to the PM's address, Jhansi MP Anurag Sharma posted on X, "It is a matter of immense pride for the entire Bundelkhand that honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the region's historical heritage and forts in his popular programme 'Mann Ki Baat'." Sharma said: "The PM emotionally noted that even today, the towering walls of these forts reflect Bundelkhand's pride, with every corner echoing the tales of bravery... We, the people of Bundelkhand, are deeply grateful for the Prime Minister's message, as it has given a new dimension and recognition to our cultural identity. We extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of all the people of Bundelkhand. " Stating that 'Mann Ki Baat' continues to be a source of inspiration and knowledge for the public, deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said: " This programme provides wonderful inspiration. Whether it's about ancient forts, the environment, or innovation, through the Mann Ki Baat programme, all of us workers gain knowledge about various aspects happening in the country."
