The Hindu : Kalam calls for research on Tiruvalluvar era milieu

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 20, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Kalam calls for research on Tiruvalluvar era milieu

By Our Special Correspondent

Photo: V. Ganesan

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, President, releasing a souvenir brought out to mark the completion of 151 years of the Government Museum, Chennai, on Thursday. Looking on are the Governor, P. S. Ramamohan Rao, and the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa.

CHENNAI JUNE 19. The President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, today appealed to experts to unearth 2,000-year-old original palm manuscripts containing `Tirukkural', and conduct research into the social milieu in which the author, Tiruvalluvar, lived.

Participating in a function held here to mark the completion of 151 years of the Chennai Government Museum, Dr. Kalam, expressing concern over several conflicts which were occurring in the country in the name of castes and sects, said "Tiruvalluvar did not associate himself with any caste, creed, language or religion. One would like to know more about him. What was the state of the social structure in the then Tamil land? The Chennai Museum and others should conduct research in these areas".

The President, who began his address in Tamil departing from the prepared English speech, noted that he considered `Tirukkural' unique for its universally-relevant and secular thoughts.

Referring to Tamil Nadu's grand and historic monuments, he said many would like to know how the Thanjavur Big Temple was built, who were the architects, and how Raja Raja Chola conceived the idea and built the temple with the technologies available then. Similarly, what was the original configuration of the Grand Anaicut and how was it possible, the President pondered.

"The (Chennai) Museum can play an active role, capturing the present monuments in their original form with historical evidence in a digital media and convert them into a digital library. This digital library can provide the vital answer to our posterity."

`Let Museum be cultural window'

On the Rs.4.4-crore Museum renovation project, the President appreciated the State Government, particularly the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, and the Commissioner of Museums, R. Kannan, for implementing it. He wanted the Museum authorities to conduct art and painting competitions and periodic seminars, apart from facilitating international art agencies and business experts to tap the potential of the artists.

"Today's Museum should act as a cultural window to our country. It should graduate from being the custodian of ancient culture into a platform for disseminating cultural values across the world and take a lead role in transforming India into a developed country by 2020," the President said, unveiling a commemorative plaque and releasing a souvenir. Later, he visited the renovated Bronze Gallery.

The Governor, P.S. Ramamohan Rao, who received from the Chief Minister first copies of various publications and VCDs brought out by the Museum, described the occasion as the beginning of a new epoch. He said the Museum should become a "compelling centre of tourist attraction and serious researchers".

Ms. Jayalalithaa said the Museum had a pride of place as an institution of eminence and renown in the Government's ambitious plans for developing Chennai as the `City premiere' of south India.

Detailing the Museum renovation project, she said use of fibre optics and dichroic lighting in display of bronze icons `transformed' the Bronze Gallery and produced an "atmosphere of cosmic surrealism". On the suggestion of the President, an exposition on the history of industry and handicrafts in Tamil Nadu had been created. A Science Park had come up behind the Children's Museum to kindle interest in the subject among the younger generation.

Referring to the need for renovation of the building housing the National Art Gallery, the Chief Minister said a detailed proposal for the work, estimated to cost Rs. 6 crores, would be sent to the Union Government for approval.

Dr. Kannan said the computer-aided design (CAD), three dimensional modelling and the `single platform' technique were deployed to shape the design of new and reorganised galleries. The German and British styles of showcases with the latest technology had been adapted.

Among those present were the Education Minister, S. Semmalai, and the Tamil Development-Culture Secretary, P.A. Ramaiah.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States