• National Conference on “Role of Vaishnavism in Growth of Tamil” • “Tamil Language is intertwined with spirituality”

 

                The great, ancient language of Tamil was not only a repository of knowledge, but it has always been intertwined with spirituality, devotion and bhakti literature, speakers said at the National Conference on Role of Vaishnavism in growth of Tamil at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur.

 Thamizh Peraayam’s National Conference:

                 The National Conference was organised by Thamizh Peraayam, established by Dr.T.R.Paarivendhar, MP, Founder and Chancellor, SRM Group of Institutions and SRM Institute of Science and Technology. Thamizh Peraayam, established in 2010, is an initiative of Dr. Paarivendhar to popularise and develop Tamil globally and to create awareness among people all over the world about the richness, uniqueness, and greatness of Tamil – the world’s classical and most ancient language.

As a part of this endeavour, the National Conference on Role of Vaishnavism in Tamil was organised, which brought together seers, academicians, Tamil language scholars, educationists, and students together in a single platform.

 Bringing heritage, legacy to the fore:

                 Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Paarivendhar said SRM IST was synonymous with world-class and quality higher education in engineering, technology, medicine, management, and science. As they wanted their students to be equipped with the knowledge of other important aspects like culture, history, and heritage, they started Thamizh Peraayam in 2010, and in the past 13 years, they have been honouring people who had made rich contribution to the Tamil language. As there was a suggestion that Thamizh Peraayam should also touch upon spirituality, they had been organising events and activities as part of their service to religion and the growth of spiritual literature.

                 Dr. Paarivendhar recalled that recently, during the inauguration of the New Parliament Building, the Honourable Prime Minister had installed the ‘Sengol.’ He said the Sengol, or the Sceptre, was an integral part of the history and heritage of Tamil Nadu and Tamil people for centuries. Unfortunately, the Sengol was relegated to the background for decades, and it has now been brought to the forefront so that the present generation can learn about it.

 A laudable initiative:

 Mr. K.Lakshminarayanan, Public Works and Tourism Minister, Puducherry, said lauded the efforts of SRM IST, particularly its Chancellor for contributing to the cause of growth of Tamil. He recalled that last year, a similar event to throw light on the contribution of Shaivism to growth of Tamil was organised by the institution. He said that many young people needed help to read, speak, and write in their mother tongue Tamil and such events would pave the way for rectifying it.

 Temples safeguard our heritage:

                 Prof. Gnaanajothi Saravanan, General Secretary, Kamban Kazhagam Trust, Tindivanam, said Vaishnavism was an integral part of Tamil language and recalled that Bhakti Movement resulting in Bhakti Literature had enriched Tamil language. Stating that Temples were not merely places for worship, devotion, and festivals, she said they were the primary source of all our history, heritage, and literature. Temples were the treasure trove where all our heritage and historical legacy are protected and safe-guarded.

 Sri Sri Sri Raama Aprameya Ramanuja Jeeyar Swami of Sri Kulasekara Ramanuja Mutt, Veeravananallur, Sri Sri Sri Sadagopa Ramanuja Jeeyar, the 24th Pontiff Sri Manavala Maamunigal Mutt, Srivilliputhur, and Sendalangaara Shenbaga Mannar Ramanuga Jeeyar Swami of Mannargudi Mutt, offered their benedictions. Koil Periyanambi U.Ve Sri Thiruvarangam and Kabisthalam Aachaariyaar also addressed the National Conference.

                 Earlier, Dr. Paarivendhar felicitated the Seers on the occasion. Karu Nagarajan, President, Thamizh Peraayam, welcomed the gathering and outlined the objectives of the National Conference.