Thamizh Academy (Thamizh Perayam) Awards, instituted by SRM University, were recently conferred on scholars for their distinguished contribution in the field of Tamil Literature. The award and the recipients are: Parthimar Kalaignar Award — S.V. Shanmugham, former Director, Department of Linguistics, Annamalai University; Pari Vendhar Painthamizh Award — Ira Ilankumaranaar, Tamil laureate.
Pudumaipiththan Creative Literature Award for the best small stories novels and drama: Thoppil Mohammad Meeran for his book ‘Anjuvannam Theru’; G.U. Pope Translation Award for the best translated works: K. Kuppuswami for his translated literary work ‘En Peyar Sivappu’; P.N. Appusami Award for the best science work in Tamil: K. Anbazhagan for his book on medicine: ‘Valiya Elumbe Vazhu Vazhuppaana Mutte’; Anandakumarasami Award for Fine Arts: S. Baluswamy, Professor, Madras Christian College; Muthu Thandavar Award for the best work in Tamil Music: Mammadhu for his work on ‘Tamizhisai Peragarathi, and Valar Thamizh award for best young researcher in Tamil: K. Sundarapandian for his best research work on ‘Tamizh Porul Ilakkanam.
Poet Bharathiar Award for the best collection of poems and Azha Valliappa award for the best children literature were not given this year as the books received did not reach the specifications set for the award.