Dr.S. Agasthiyalingam, former Vice-Chancellor of Tamil University and a Linguistics professor was the first to introduce transformational grammar to India said S.V. Shanmugham, former Director of Centre for Linguistics Research, Annamalai University here on Thursday.
Speaking at a national seminar organised by the Tamil University in memory of Agasthiyalingam, Shanmugham said that his works on Tholkappiam took the grammar book to the whole world. He has written more than 70 books and has helped more than 50 students to get Ph.Ds under his guidance. As Vice-chancellor of Tamil University for three years, he established the scientific Tamil Department and Folklore Department.
Shanmugham released a souvenir on the occasion. K.P.Aravanan, former Vice-Chancellor of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University received the first copy.
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He also released a book titled “Sevviyam” containing research articles on the works of Agasthiyalingam.
S.P. Saravanan, Registrar of Tamil University received the first copy. He also released another book “Thamizhiyam” on the occasion. Rama Sundaram and K.Arangan, former Professors of Tamil University received the copies.
Arangan said that Agasthiyalingam was a multi faceted personality. He made a mark as a teacher, administrator and researcher. His humanism is well known to those who worked with him. Rama Sundaram said that continuing the research work based on the foundation laid by Agasthiyalingam was the best homage one can pay to him.
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A trust in memory of Agasthiyalingam was established with a fund of Rs. two lakh provided by professors and students of Agasthiyalingam . P.Aruna Devi, Professor, English Department, Chennai University and DVK. Nachimuthu, Professor of Tamil, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, A. Ramanathan, former Pofessor of Tamil University, A.K. Nadarajan, Director, Centre for Linguistics Research, Annamalai University, Shanthi, Professor, Folk lore Department paid tributes to Agasthiyalingam.