Department of Tamil: A Legacy of Excellence and Cultural Enrichment

Established in 1957, the Department of Tamil stands as a cornerstone of the institution, dedicated to the preservation, study, and advancement of the Tamil language and its rich literary heritage. The department offers a range of rigorous academic programs, including:

• M.Phil. (Full-Time and Part-Time): A postgraduate program designed to provide in-depth knowledge and research skills in Tamil studies.
• Ph.D. (Full-Time and Part-Time): A doctoral program for those seeking to contribute original research to the field of Tamil studies.
• Part – I Language: A fundamental course in Tamil language aimed at students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

The department’s faculty is actively engaged in cutting-edge research, as evidenced by their ongoing projects. Currently, there is one nationally funded project underway, with a total grant of ₹1,10,000 received. This project is funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC), demonstrating the department’s commitment to scholarly exploration.

The department’s vision is to cultivate a nationally recognized institution of excellence. This aspiration is rooted in a dedication to:

• Providing quality education of global standards.
• Developing students who are academically superior, socially conscious, and ethically grounded.
• Nurturing spiritually evolved and culturally rich individuals who contribute holistically to both personal growth and societal advancement.

The department’s mission is to empower students to become role models in academia. This is achieved through a multi-faceted approach:

• Strengthening Infrastructure: Continuously improving resources to facilitate learning and research.
• Upgrading Curriculum: Regularly reviewing and updating the syllabus to remain relevant and comprehensive.
• Developing Faculty: Supporting professional development and expertise among teaching staff.
• Augmenting Extension Services: Expanding the department’s reach to the wider community through outreach programs.
• Imparting Quality Education: Ensuring effective knowledge transfer, fostering a research mindset, and instilling strong ethical and cultural values.
• Transforming students into disciplined citizens who can contribute to an improved quality of life.

Key Highlights of the Department:

• Faculty Expertise:
  • Five faculty members hold doctoral degrees, showcasing a commitment to higher learning and research.
  • Four faculty members have qualified the National Eligibility Test (NET), demonstrating their teaching and subject competency.
  • Four faculty members are actively guiding research work, mentoring the next generation of scholars.
• Language and Inclusivity:
  • Part-IV – Basic Tamil is mandatory for non-Tamil speaking students to promote cultural integration and linguistic diversity within the student population.
• Academic Output: A strong track record of producing postgraduate and doctoral scholars:
  • 27 M.Phil. degrees have been awarded
  • 82 Ph.D. degrees have been awarded.
• Research and Scholarly Activities:
  • 8 National and International Seminars organized, showcasing research and knowledge dissemination.
  • 12 National Level Workshops and Symposiums organized, fostering engagement and skill enhancement.
  • 5 Guest Lectures conducted, providing students with broader perspectives and expertise.
• Community Engagement:
  • 3 Extension Programs have been undertaken, demonstrating a commitment to social outreach.
• Student Enrichment:
  • Value-added courses conducted for first and second-year students, enhancing their learning experience and soft skills.
• Funding and Resources:
  • Seed money available for research initiatives, encouraging faculty and students to pursue their ideas.
  • The department library houses nearly 5000 books, offering extensive resources for study and research.
• International Collaboration:
  • Since 2004, the department collaborates with the Malaysian Tamil Literature Research Centre, fostering international scholarly exchange.
• Publication and Research:
  • Research scholars have published a collection of research articles titled ‘Aaivukalanjiyam’.
  • Since 2001, the department has produced approximately 66 Ph.D. and 150 M.Phil. research scholars.
  • Six Ph.D. research scholars received stipends under the Classical Language Research Foundation, supporting their academic endeavors.
  • A peer-reviewed e-journal, “Kalanjiyam,” was launched in 2016, creating a platform for scholarly publications.
  • The faculty has published more than 50 books and 200 research articles, showcasing their scholarly contributions.
  • Faculty members have received doctorate degrees, highlighting their professional development.
  • The department has organized the centenary celebrations of 7 prominent Tamil literary figures, alongside multiple national and international seminars and conferences.

Research Projects and Funding:

The Department of Tamil has secured significant funding for various research projects, further enhancing its research capabilities. The funds received by Faculty members are as follows:

• A.NITHIYA: ₹60,000 from the Department of College Education (Completed).
• P.PRATHAP: ₹2,88,000 from the Central Institute of Classical Tamil Language (Completed).
• B.SURYA PRAKASH: ₹4,68,000 from the Central Institute of Classical Tamil Language (Project in progress).
• B.DINESHKUMAR: ₹60,000 from the Department of College Education (Completed).
• P.VIGNESHKUMAR: ₹4,60,000 from the Adidravidar Welfare (Completed).
• M.SARANYA: ₹3,60,000 from the Adidravidar Welfare (Completed).
• N. TAMILARASI: ₹8,81,320 from the Junior Research Fellowship (Project in progress).

The Department of Tamil has established itself as a leader in Tamil studies, with a rich history, a strong faculty, and a commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Through its dedication to preserving the Tamil language and culture, the department continues to contribute significantly to the institution and the broader academic community. The ongoing research projects and the strong publication record are testament to the department’s continuous efforts to foster intellectual growth and contribute to new knowledge to the field. By nurturing students and providing resources and opportunities for the faculty, the department continues to uphold the values of its founders and aims to meet the increasing demands of the modern world.

Endowments: Fostering Excellence and the Legacy of Tamil Studies

Endowments play a crucial role in supporting academic excellence, research endeavors, and the preservation of cultural heritage within educational institutions. The Tamil Department, in particular, benefits significantly from a number of generous endowments, each carefully structured to promote various aspects of Tamil language, literature, and culture. These endowments not only provide financial assistance but also serve as a testament to the enduring value placed on Tamil studies. Below is a detailed overview of the endowments and their specific aims:

• Kavignar Sirrpi Trust – Rs. 10,000/-
  • Purpose: This endowment focuses on recognizing and rewarding academic excellence in Tamil language acquisition.
  • Specifics: An annual award of Rs. 10,000 is presented to the student who achieves the highest cumulative score in Tamil across all four terms of their second year of the degree course. This encourages consistent effort and exceptional performance in Tamil coursework, shaping future enthusiasts and scholars of the language.
• Mrs. Pulvar Amuthavalli, M.A., B.Ed. Memorial Award – Rs. 10,000/-
  • Purpose: This award honors academic distinction at the postgraduate level in Tamil.
  • Specifics: A sum of Rs. 10,000 is awarded annually to the top performing student in the first semester of the first year of the Master of Arts (M.A.) program in Tamil. The award serves as encouragement for new post graduate students to begin their academic journey with diligence. It motivates students to excel in their initial year of graduate studies and sets a high standard for their future academic performance.
• Mozhiarasi Karpagam Palanisamy Trust – Rs 75,000/-
  • Purpose: The endowment is dedicated to supporting scholarly work and engagement within Tamil studies through lectures and financial grants.
  • Specifics: Rs 75,000 is utilized annually at the discretion of the Principal to either provide financial assistance to a distinguished Tamil researcher or to fund lectures focused on Tamil studies and research. This promotes the dissemination of knowledge and encourages high-quality academic research in the field. The flexibility of this endowment allows the college to respond to current research needs.
• Aadhi Kumanan Memorial Trust – Rs. 1,00,000/-
  • Purpose: This is the most comprehensive endowment, with multi-faceted objectives focused on Tamil literature, research, and student support.
  • Activities supported by the trust include:
    • Organizing seminars on various aspects of Tamil literature, creating platforms for scholarly discussion and debate.
    • Conducting special lectures by renowned scholars, providing students access to expert perspectives and insights.
    • Providing financial assistance for literary research activities undertaken by both professors and students, fueling original and innovative scholarship.
    • Establishing a dedicated library in the name of the endowment, facilitating access to vital resource material for academic work.
    • Financial support for poor students studying Tamil literature, ensuring that financial limitations do not hinder opportunities to excel in Tamil studies.
    • Celebrating the birth and remembrance days of prominent Tamil figures, fostering a sense of cultural pride and historical awareness.
    • Awarding of prizes to toppers in the Part-I Tamil Language courses, thereby promoting language acquisition at the most foundational levels.
    • Conducting literary and creative competitions at the university level in the name of the endowment, promoting skill development and recognising creative merit.
• M.S. Marimuthu Deivanai Ammal Memorial Trust – Rs. 25,000/-.
  • Purpose: This endowment prioritizes the discussion of educational thought and practice related to Tamil studies.
  • Specifics: An annual seminar on the subject of educational thought is organized by the Tamil Department. This focus on pedagogy ensures that the field of Tamil studies continues to engage with best practices in education and promotes innovative teaching strategies. The selection of specific topics for these seminars ensures that this platform stays relevant and updated.
• Aathu Pollachi Dharmarasu Chellammal Trust – Rs. 25,000/-
  • Purpose: This endowment is focused on the traditional practice of public lectures on literature and encourages community engagement with these topics.
  • Specifics: The trust funds the organization of literary lectures by the Tamil Department each year. This program aims to make Tamil literature accessible to a wider audience, thus contributing to the cultural enrichment of the community. The regular conduct of these lectures ensures continuity of public engagement and continuous education.

The endowments detailed above represent a substantial and multifaceted investment in Tamil language and literature. They not only provide crucial financial support for students and researchers but also contribute significantly to the enrichment of the academic experience through seminars, lectures, and library resources. This collective support underscores the importance of preserving and promoting Tamil culture, ensuring that future generations benefit from the vibrant tradition of Tamil language and literature. These endowments serve as a powerful testament to the significance of philanthropy in fostering linguistic and cultural heritage