Canberra’s multicultural spirit came alive on 2 November as hundreds gathered to honour Saint Ramalinga Vallalar, the 19th-century Tamil philosopher who preached that compassion for all living beings is the truest form of worship. Vallalar 202, marking his 202nd birth anniversary, became a celebration of unity, spirituality, and kindness that cut across faiths and cultures.
Vallalar, known for his devotion to universal love, left behind verses known as the Holy Songs of Grace (ThiruArutpa), which continue to inspire followers worldwide. His message—that feeding the hungry and caring for others is the highest form of service—resonated strongly through the evening’s programme, blending devotion with reflection.
The event opened with a recital of Arutperumjothi Agaval, Vallalar’s spiritual poem of 1,596 mantras described as “deathless education.” Children dressed in white performed choral hymns in his honour, filling the hall with soft harmony. A highlight of the evening was the launch of The Philosophy of Ramalinga Vallalar (Volumes 1 & 2) by Thiru Salem R. Kuppusamy Ayya.
Federal Member for Bean David Smith MP, who attended as Chief Guest, described Vallalar as “one of India’s most remarkable spiritual leaders” whose teachings “remain deeply relevant today.” Mr Smith reflected on Vallalar’s philosophy of Jeevakarunyam—compassion for all living beings—and spoke about how such wisdom can guide society toward “a more just and united world.” His words drew warm applause from the audience, who saw his presence as a gesture of respect for Canberra’s Tamil community.
Author Thiru Salem R. Kuppusamy Ayya offered an illuminating keynote, describing Vallalar’s redefinition of God as “not a person but a power like electricity—light, not physical, but the light of absolute compassion.” He linked Vallalar’s insights to modern philosophical and scientific questions, suggesting that compassion itself hold the key to overcoming humanity’s future challenges.
A cultural showcase titled Love All Life followed, featuring exhibits and performances by local musicians inspired by Vallalar’s verses. The atmosphere of quiet reflection was balanced by moments of joy as Mr Smith personally congratulated each young performer and presented the ‘Compassionate Music Teacher Award’ to Ms Ragini Santhanam of Mandir School of Music. Children including Takshika Raaj, Joshitha Parasuraman, Sanna Kumaran, and others were recognised with Compassionate Super Star Awards.
The evening ended with a cruelty-free community feast, where guests and volunteers dined together in a gesture that reflected Vallalar’s enduring dictum that “feeding another being with love is the truest act of worship.” The aroma of vegetarian food mingled with laughter and conversation as people of all backgrounds shared the meal.
The final Arutperumjothi prayer filled the hall, closing a day that reaffirmed Canberra’s place as a city where diversity flourishes through shared compassion. For a few hours, the boundaries that often divide people seemed to soften—reminding everyone present that kindness remains humanity’s most powerful light.
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