Role of women was central at Subramanya Bharati's definition of progression: PM Modi at International Bharat Festival

Prime Minister Modi on December 11, 2020, virtually addressed the International Bharat Festival, 2020. The event was organized by the Vanavil Culture Centre in Chennai and saw the participation of several international and national poets and artists.

International Bharati Festival was held to honour the national poet, Mahakavi Subramanya Bharati on his 138th birth anniversary. PM Modi also conferred Bharati Award 2020 virtually to writer and author Seeni Vishwanathan who made a voluminous compendium on Subramanya Bharati in chronological order.

The works of Tamil Poet Subramanya Bharati were also earlier quoted by PM Modi. Bharati’s poems had ignited the national spirit among the public during the struggle for independence. The festival is being held for the first time in a virtual mode because of the ongoing pandemic.

Addressing the International Bharati Festival. https://t.co/paQYLDcj7k

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2020

Subramanya Bharati's work is beyond any profession: PM Modi

• Prime Minister Modi in his address highlighted that Subramanya Bharati was connected to his roots while also looking at the future. He further emphasized that we need to develop a scientific temper and not live in the past. 

• While admiring his phenomenal work, Prime Minister stated that he can't be linked to a single profession or dimension. Subramanya Bharati was a poet, journalist, editor, writer, freedom fighter, social reformer, humanist and much more and one can only marvel at his poems, works, philosophy and his life.

He (Subramania Bharati) can't be linked to a single profession or dimension. He was a poet, writer, editor, journalist, social reformer, freedom fighter, humanist & much more. One can only marvel at his work, poems, philosophy & his life: PM Modi at International Bharati Festival pic.twitter.com/zGJAZJUY8Z

— ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2020

Women's role was central at Bharati's definition of progression

While highlighting the works of Subramanya Bharati, Prime Minister Modi noted that in his definition of progression, women had a central role and one of the most important vision was that of empowered and independent women.

Mahakavi Bharathiyar's definition of progression had a central role for women. One of the most important vision was that of independent & empowered women. He wrote that women should walk with their head held high while looking people in the eye: PM Modi (1/2) pic.twitter.com/pSmeeyEDqp

— ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2020

PM Modi in his address ensured that the government is inspired by his vision of women's significant role and has been working to ensure women-led empowerment. He added that in every sphere of government, importance has been given to the dignity of women.

Noting the development of women in the present times, PM Modi highlighted that women are now also joining the armed forces as the officers with permanent commission. 

We are inspired by this vision and we are working to ensure women-led empowerment. In every sphere of our govt's working there has been importance given to dignity of women: PM Modi at International Bharati Festival. (2/2) https://t.co/nufSsIiDXM

— ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2020

Subramanya Bharati: Greatest Tamil literary figure and Social Activist

Subramanya Bharati was born in December 1882 and was a renowned Tamil poet, writer, social reformer, and Indian Independence activist. Also, known as ‘Mahakavi Bharati’, he is considered to be one of the greatest literary figures of Tamil of all time.

Bharati’s remarkable works include the fiery songs filled with patriotism during India’s Independence Movement. His influence specifically on Tamil literature is phenomenal even though he was fluent in 14, including 3 non-Indian foreign languages.

Subramanya’s Bharati’s favourite language was Tamil and his work included social, political, and spiritual themes. His songs and poems are often used in Tamil Cinema and his work also paved the way for modern blank verse.

Subramanya Bharati is also known for his work against the caste system in Hindu society. Even though he was born in an orthodox Brahmin family, Bharati always considered all living beings equal. He also performed Upanayanam for a young man from the Dalit community and made him a Brahmin.