Youngsters, especially college students, should develop an aptitude for reading and understanding great literary works of eminent writers and leaders, said ‘Sirpi' Balasubramaniam, noted poet and Sahitya Akademy awardee.
Delivering the valedictory address at the 1000th weekly session of the Senbaga Tamizh Arangu, Srirangam, on Saturday, Mr. ‘Sirpi' Balasubramaniam said that youth should be motivated to learn more about literature, especially modern Tamil literature.
Encourage youth
In this context, he explained the role of colleges and organisations in the order of Senbaga Tamizh Arangu to encourage them to take up an in-depth study of modern literature.
Mr. ‘Sirpi' Balasubramaniam, who delivered a lecture on the life and works of Sri Ramanujar on the occasion, said that the saint propagated and brought about equality above caste or creed based differences. Sri Ramanujar was not only a religious leader but a social reformer.
His appeal to mankind to shun ego and eradicate untouchability is still relevant, he said explaining a few anecdotes in the life of Sri Ramanujar.
Noted writer Prema Nandakumar spoke on the services being rendered by the Arangu.
Souvenir released
Earlier, R. Kalaikkovan, Director, Dr. M. Rajamanickannar Historical Research Centre, Tiruchi, released a souvenir on literary events, seminars and debates organised by the Arangu since its inception and the first copy of which was received by State Commercial Taxes Minister, S. N. M. Ubayadullah.
K. Rasavelu Senbagavalli, founder of the Arangam, said that the youth wing had been promoting literary talents among students and teachers. Lectures on different topics were being delivered every Saturday.
R. Ilankumaranar, Tamil scholar, was among those who spoke.
