NE EDUCATION BUREAU
CHENNAI, DEC 24
Pondicherry University has launched a ten-day “Tamil Karkalaam” (Let’s Learn Tamil) workshop under Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0, reaffirming the vision of spreading Tamil language and culture across India as a bridge of national unity. The programme is being conducted at the Subramaniya Bharathiyar School of Tamil Language and Literature in collaboration with the Central Institute of Classical Tamil, Chennai, as part of a national initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Prof. P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor, inaugurated the "Let us Learn Tamil" programme & delivered the inaugural address. Part of @KTSangamam 4.0 by @EduMinOfIndia to promote Tamil heritage. Organized by Pondicherry University with @CICTOfficial Chennai. pic.twitter.com/rzG6xzv75H
— Pondicherry University (@PU_PondyUni) December 21, 2025
The workshop has brought together 30 students and faculty coordinators from educational institutions in Uttar Pradesh, offering them an immersive experience in Tamil language, literature and cultural traditions. Prof. M. Karunanidhi, Head of the Department, welcomed the participants, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the kuthuvilakku by dignitaries along with the programme coordinator from Banaras Hindu University. The keynote address was delivered by Dean Prof. Dr. Sudlai Muthu.
- ‘Tamil Karkalaam’ workshop opens doors to cultural integration and national unity
- Students from Uttar Pradesh immerse themselves in Tamil language and heritage
- Ancient Kashi–Tamil Nadu spiritual bonds highlighted as a living tradition
- Vice-Chancellor calls for heartfelt learning to strengthen India’s unity in diversity
Inaugurating the workshop, Vice-Chancellor Prof. P. Prakash Babu underscored the importance of multilingualism in higher education and urged students to embrace Tamil beyond academic learning. He called upon them to learn Tamil “with heart rather than tongue and intellect”, both inside and outside the classroom. Highlighting the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, he said such North–South bonds have historically strengthened India’s national integrity and continue to do so today.
Adding a spiritual dimension to the occasion, His Holiness Sri Sivagnana Balaya Swamigal, 20th Pontiff of Mailam Pommapuram Adheenam, encouraged the participants by drawing connections between Kashi and Thirupananthal Madam. He praised the simplicity and elegance of Tamil alphabets, describing the language as both profound and accessible.
As part of the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor and His Holiness honoured the participants with shawls and mementoes. Dr. A. Lakshmi Duttai, Assistant Professor and coordinator of the programme, proposed the vote of thanks, marking the beginning of a ten-day journey aimed at learning Tamil as a living language of culture, emotion and unity.
