The retiree reserving Tamil’s greatest treasure

July 14, 2026 Unknown Wizards Valli Sarvani

Communities grow stronger when individuals choose to invest their time in shaping the next generation.

For many, retirement offers rest. However, for 72-year-old KG Palani, it opened the door to meaningful public service.

After retiring as an electrical supervisor from the Kalpakkam nuclear power plant, he chose to dedicate his life to preserving Tamil literature through the timeless teachings of the Tirukkural.

His goal remains simple yet powerful. He wants children to develop strong values, confidence, and a lasting connection with their language.

Palani’s love for Tamil began during his school days in Sathuvachari, Vellore. Inspiring teachers introduced him to celebrated Tamil poets and their works. Later, despite spending decades in engineering, his interest returned through regular discussions with a colleague.

Together, they admired how Thiruvalluvar conveyed profound life lessons in just seven words. Consequently, that admiration inspired a new purpose after retirement.

After settling in Thaiyur near Kelambakkam in 2018, Palani began meeting local parents. He encouraged them to introduce their children to the Tirukkural. Although convincing families was not always easy, he remained committed.

Therefore, he established the Thiruvalluvar Kalvi Mandram to provide structured training for students.

Initially, only two children joined his classes, yet both secured prizes in the state’s Tirukkural Recitation and Memorisation Competition. Since then, the initiative has expanded steadily.

Over the past seven years, 44 of his students have earned state-level awards, including 19 during the previous year alone.

Even when children hesitate, Palani continues motivating them patiently. Moreover, he personally funds prizes to encourage participation. He believes the Tirukkural builds memory, improves speaking skills, and strengthens character alongside academic growth.

Every year, Palani celebrates his students through a one-kilometre neighbourhood procession involving parents, teachers, and residents.

Meanwhile, his contribution has grown beyond his hometown. As the chief instructor of the World Thirukkural Mutrothal Iyakkam, he trains educators across Tamil Nadu, who then prepare students for competitions.

His outstanding commitment earned recognition from the Tamil Nadu government during the silver jubilee Thiruvalluvar competition in Kanniyakumari in 2024.

Besides promoting literature, Palani supports local government schools through their management committees. He also contributes from his pension toward repairs and fundraising efforts.

Looking ahead, he hopes preschool children will also benefit from the Tirukkural.

Therefore, he plans to recommend including its teachings in primary education through child-friendly lessons, ensuring this literary treasure reaches future generations.

Image Credit: Sugavanesh B, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons