New Delhi, Dec 11 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi taught everyone to remain united and committed to the empowerment of every single individual, especially the poor and marginalised.

Addressing the International Bharathi Festival 2020 through video-conferencing, Mr Modi paid tributes to the great poet on his 138th birth anniversary.

The Prime Minister congratulated Scholar Seeni Viswanathan, for receiving the Bharathi Award for this year, who was presented the award during the event, organised by Vanavil Cultural Centre.

The Prime Minister said describing Subramanya Bharathi is very difficult. He cannot be linked to any single profession or dimension. He was a poet, writer, editor, journalist, social reformer, freedom fighter, humanist and much more, added Mr Modi.

He remarked that one can only marvel at the body of work of the great poet, his poems, his philosophy and his life. The Prime Minister recalled the Mahakavi's close link with Varanasi.

Praising Bharathi, the Prime Minister said in a short life of 39 years, he wrote so much, did so much and excelled in so much. His writings are a guiding light to us towards a glorious future.

The Prime Minister remarked that there was much that the youth can learn from Subramania Bharathi.

He said, 'Bharathi taught us to be courageous. Fear was unknown to him. In Bharathi's words, 'Fear I have not, fear I have not, Even if all the world opposes me.'

'I see this spirit in Young India today, when they are at the forefront of innovation and excellence. India's start-up space is filled with fearless youth, who are giving something new to humanity. Such a 'can do' spirit will bring wonder for our nation and our planet,' he added.

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