New Delhi, Sept. 11 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Russian President Vladimir Putin a Russian translation of the Thirukkural during their bilateral talks here on Friday, as the Russian leader arrived in the national capital ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit.

The Thirukkural, also known as Tirukkural, is a classical Tamil work attributed to the revered poet-saint Thiruvalluvar. Comprising 1,330 two-line couplets, the text offers guidance on ethical and righteous living without being tied to any particular god, caste or creed. Its teachings centre on three universal themes: aram (virtue), porul (wealth and statecraft), and inbam (love).

Held in high regard by Tamils and often referred to as the "Tamil Veda," the Thirukkural is also w...