Knowledge is power. Without language, knowledge cannot transform itself into power. To exercise power, freedom is required. Those in thraldom cannot exercise power. When we refer to a country's freedom, it does not merely mean freedom of a geographical space. It means the freedom for the people in that geographical space.
Freedom for people involves that those who exercise power over them should be elected by them. Those who exercise power should issue directives in the language of the people. So, for the spirit of freedom to take root in people, their language should enjoy freedom. Power would blossom only in a free language.
After India achieved Independence, steps were taken for the Indian languages to imbibe a spirit of freedom. Among those who spearheaded the struggles to inculcate the spirit of freedom in Tamil language,the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi, has a significant place.
Struggles and demands made for according Tamil language its due place are now pages in history. While Tamil has been getting its well-deserved status in the realms of culture, patterns of living, modes of worship, and education, the contribution of ‘Kalaignar' in securing political power to Tamil is noteworthy.
If we look at Kalaignar's life encompassing the fields of politics, art and literature — from organising processions in the streets of Thiruvarur during his student days to obtaining the classical language status for Tamil from the Union government — one can discern a running thread of championing the rights of Tamil language.
For Tamil language to be energised by the spirit of freedom, Tamils should be aware of the antiquity and glory of Tamil. ‘Kalaignar' has played a vital role in highlighting the greatness of Tamil among the handful of world languages of antiquity and continuity.
He has generated awareness among the people about the glory of Tamil by offering selections from Tholkappiam, Sangam literature, Thirukkural and Silappatikaram in a language that is comprehensible to the lay person.
After assuming office as Chief Minister in 1967, Arignar Anna conducted the second World Tamil Conference in 1968. Taking into account the emerging needs of today and tomorrow, ‘Kalaignar' has come forward to organise the World Classical Tamil Conference.
In this era of globalisation, different aspects of language, race, culture and life patterns transcend political, social, economic, caste and religious boundaries. They are entering a domain where it has become necessary to protect the roots of Tamil literature.
There is a compelling need today to generate an environment that is conducive to harmony among people who have different languages, cultures and faiths. Here, the noble thoughts embodied in Tamil literature nearly 2000 years ago are very relevant: “All are equal, all the world my village, humanity my kin” and “good and evil, do not come at the behest of others.” This approach provides space for different ideologies, life patterns and faiths to coexist in harmony. It is to underline its relevance in the present-day context that the World Classical Tamil Conference is being held.
The conference takes place in continuation of the various steps already put in place to promote the Tamil language and showcase Tamil art and culture. The seminar sessions at the Conference will be the celebration of the spirit of freedom achieved by Tamil and will focus on developing Tamil further as a vibrant language, bearing in mind the present and future requirements.
(The author is Vice-Chancellor of Tamil University, Thanjavur, and coordinator of the research forum committee for the World Classical Tamil Conference.)
