Rich tributes were paid by Tamil scholars to Thaninayaga Adigal for his contribution to the growth and development of Tamil language and literature at his birth centenary celebration held here on Sunday.
Speakers referred to his multisided capability, his role in establishing several institutions to promote Tamil literature, and his acumen in promoting research and integrating Tamil scholars scattered across the globe.
Krishnasamy Nachimuthu, professor and coordinator, Tamil Department of Central University of Tamil Nadu, Tiruvarur, said Thaninayaga Adigal laid the foundation for Tamil research works in foreign countries too. The university would organise an international Tamil seminar, Mr. Nachimutu said. V. Arasu, head of the department of Tamil, Madras University, said that Adigal’s works coincided with the post-colonial era, when many nations experienced deliverance from the clutches of colonial rule.
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In a way, this aided Adigal to reach out to scholars in different parts of the world and motivate them to contribute to Tamil literature. It enabled him to establish various Tamil institutions and organisations across the world.
K. Tirumaran, president, centenary celebration committee, spoke on the achievements of Adigal particularly in establishing Tamil Ilakkiya Kazhagam . P. Madhivanan, Magizhendhi, C. Sethupathy, and Dayana Christi, faculty members from various universities and colleges, spoke on Adigal’s unflinching effort in promoting Tamil literature. Amudhan Adigal, R. Ilavarasu, Francis Jayaseelan, Nandalala, poets and writers, delivered lectures on the achievements of Adigal.