Knowing more languages is an asset to students with which they can face the competitive world. Language mirrors our culture and tradition. Knowledge gained in the college should make students “total persons” besides helping them succeed in career, according to Professor G. Gnanasambandan.
Addressing the annual day function at MVM Government Arts College for Women here on Thursday, he said students should leave an indelible mark in the college by exposing their talents and creativity besides proving their academic excellence. Proficiency in languages would make them powerful orators, great poets and excellent writers to change society, he said.
Reading Tamil literature would enhance their language skills and help them understand the tradition, the culture of places and the people of different times.
Learning more languages would be advantageous for students in their careers. Continuous learning was essential to survive in the competitive world, he advised.
Quoting Thirukkural and Thiruppavai, he said Thiruvalluvar and Andal had given valuable information and scientific thoughts. Andal had described rain scientifically in Thiruppavai and Thiruvalluvar had given guidelines to all sections of people and their duties, he noted.
Tamil in US
While mothers in Tamil Nadu were trying to make their kids speak in English, Tamil mothers in the US had been striving to make their children speak in Tamil, teaching them Tamil poems and imparting Tamil culture, music and dance to them. They had been conducting weekend classes to their wards to promote Tamil culture, he added.
