Documentary

Department of Tamil

Center of excellence in Tamil and Tamilology studies

Preamble

When the Jaffna Campus was established in 1974, it was announced that this institution of higher learning would be the centre of excellence for Tamil and Hindu Studies. The pioneers strived hard to make this goal a reality. Thus, from the inception of the Jaffna Campus, the Department of Tamil functioned as a fully – fledged Department. Now it is being a center of excellence in mastering Tamil and Tamilology studies.

Tamil is a classical language that has a continuous history. It holds a significant position among the world’s languages and has been recognized by UNESCO as a classical language. The language has a rich tradition of literature, with literary works dating back over two thousand years. These works encompass various aspects of life, including moral teachings, ethics, governance, and human values, contributing to the enrichment of Tamil culture and civilization.

Perspective
The Department of Tamil, as a leading center for the studies of Tamil and Tamilology, guides aims to educate and empower students to become informed, effective and responsible citizens who promote diversity in their communities, countries and the world-wide.

Mission
By providing inventive instruction and efficient preparation for self-directed learning to enhance the knowledge, skills and learning to master themselves in the Tamil language, literature and the political, social and cultural milieu in which they originated and develop critical and creative thinking to preserve and develop them.

The aims of the Department are to analyze and interpret Tamil literary texts with critical insight, conduct independent research in Tamil studies, engage with contemporary issues in Tamil studies, communicate effectively in both written and oral forms, contribute to the preservation and promotion of Tamil language and literature, engage with the Tamil-speaking community in meaningful and impactful ways, develop a deep understanding of the cultural and historical contexts in which Tamil literature has been produced, demonstrate creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability in the study of  Tamil literature and language, cultivate robust linguistic skills that affirm Tamil literature, gain proficient in communication, analysis, execution, and operations and competent in advancing the process.

Subjects Covered and Their Orientation

B.A General Degree (03 Years) and B.A Honours Degree  (04  years) are offered by the Department of Tamil. These programmes emphasizes the development of strong communication skills, with students encouraged to engage with Tamil literature and language in a variety of contexts. This includes both written and oral communication, with students given opportunities to present their work in a range of academic and professional settings. Students will also be encouraged to engage with contemporary issues in Tamil studies, and to develop their own perspectives on these challenges. This will help them to become confident and articulate communicators, capable of making meaningful contributions to the field of Tamil studies.

This curriculum is designed to foster an understanding and appreciation of Tamil language and literature, while also encouraging students to engage with the language in both its classical and contemporary forms. It emphasizes the importance of Tamil literature in shaping the ethical and cultural perspectives of the Tamil-speaking community. Orientation of the Tamil studies are follows:

To provide students with a deep understanding of Tamil language and literature.

To develop students’ ability to analyze and interpret Tamil literary texts.

To foster critical thinking and creativity in the study of Tamil literature and language.

To prepare students for careers in teaching, research, and other fields related to Tamil studies.

To encourage students to engage with contemporary issues in Tamil studies, and to develop their own research agendas in response to these challenges.

Commencement of Discipline and the Factors Prompted

Following Dr. K. Kailasapathy, the first President of the Jaffna Campus was appointed as the first Professor of Tamil and the responsibility to lead the Department of Tamil was entrusted to him. He planned the syllabus and the research programmes of the Department of Tamil in the Jaffna Campus. Under his guidance, the Department gained recognition as a center of excellence in Tamil Studies in Sri Lanka. Professor Kailathapathy groomed the Department so efficiently that it gained international reputation in no time.

Growth of the Subject as a Discipline

Following Prof. K. Kaliasapathy. Mrs. Y. Ganeshalingam who was teaching at Jaffna College, Vaddukoddai was one of the first to be appointed to the Department as an assistant lecturer. In August of 1975, Dr. A. Sanmugadas was transferred from Peradeniya Campus as a Lecturer Grade II. In February 1976, he was appointed the lecturer in charge of the Department of Tamil. Later, Mrs. S. Maunaguru and Mr. M. A.Nuhuman were appointed as assistant lecturers. Subsequently, Mrs. Y. Ganeshalingam migrated to the United States of America and Mrs. S. Maunaguru and Mr. M. A. Nuhuman joined the Eastern University of Sri Lanka and University of Peradeniya respectively.

Professor A. Sanmugadas was Lecturer in Charge of the Department of Tamil (1976). When the University of Jaffna was established, Professor K. Sivathamby became the Head of the Department of Tamil. Dr. A. Veluppillai was appointed the Professor of the Tamil from 1984, Dr. E. Balasundaram (who later migrated to Canada) functioned as the Head of the Department from 1990 to 1992 March. Professor A. Sanmugadas succeeded him. When Professor A. Sanmugadas was elected the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor N. Subramaniam (who later migrated to Canada) was appointed the Head of the Department. Subsequently, Professor S. Sivalingarajah and Professor M. Ragunathan served as Head of the Department. Currently, Senior Professor K. Visakaruban functions as the Head of the Department.  Now the department has seven academic staff members, Senior Professor K. Visakaruban, Professor (Miss) S. Sivasubramaniam, Mr. E. Cumaran, Mrs. N. Selva Ambigai, Mr. K. Arundaharan, Mr. T. Ajanthakumar and Mr. S. Seransan, and serves 340 undergraduate and 4 postgraduate students.

The curriculum of the Subject

Since its inception in 1974, the Tamil Department has played a pivotal role in promoting Tamil language and literature. Under the leadership of various dedicated scholars, the department has developed a comprehensive curriculum that includes classical, medieval, and modern Tamil literature. The curriculum also includes the study of Tamil grammar, linguistics, and the history of the Tamil language, thereby providing students with a well-rounded education in Tamil studies.

Professor K. Kailasapathy, who was the former Head of the Department of Tamil and Hindu Studies of the Vidyalankara Campus of the University of Sri Lanka, had ample experience in managing a Department. He had also been involved in drafting the Tamil courses as well as designing the syllabi at the Colombo and Vidyalankara Campuses. Based on that experience, he planned the syllabus and the research programmes of the Department of Tamil in the Jaffna Campus. The curriculum prepared by Professor. K. Kailasapathy has been modified time to time by Professor. S. Viththiyananthan, Prof. A. Sanmugadas, Prof. A. Veluppillai, Prof. M. Ragunathan, Prof. (Miss). S. Sivasubramaniam and Mr. E. Cumaran in the following years 1974, 1983, 1995, 2005, 2010, 2017, 2021.

In 1976, the Department was further strengthened by the appointment of Prof. Arunasalam Sanmugadas as the Head of the Department. Under his leadership, the Department expanded its academic offerings and research activities, establishing itself as a leading center for Tamil studies. Prof. A. Sanmugadas, Senior Professor of Tamil, along with other members of the staff has helped to modify the curriculum in order to meet the present needs of the community. The latest revision was made in the year 2017 following the University Reforms at the national level.

Now our course structures conform to the Arts Faculty’s course unit semester system. Course Units are organized at two levels. The Department of Tamil revised the curriculum again in 2021 in keeping with the Sri Lankan Qualification Frame Work (SLQF).

This curriculum is designed to foster an understanding and appreciation of Tamil language and literature, while also encouraging students to engage with the language in both its classical and contemporary forms. It emphasizes the importance of Tamil literature in shaping the ethical and cultural perspectives of the Tamil-speaking community.

Graduates of this program will be proficient in both classical and modern Tamil literature, with a deep understanding of the cultural and historical contexts in which these works were produced. They will be able to analyze and interpret Tamil literary texts with critical insight, and will have the skills to engage with the language in a variety of professional settings.

Graduates will also be well-prepared to contribute to the preservation and promotion of Tamil language and literature, whether through teaching, research, or other forms of cultural engagement. They will be equipped to take on leadership roles in the Tamil-speaking community and to advocate for the continued relevance and importance of Tamil in a globalized world.

The program aims to cultivate academic excellence in both classical and modern Tamil studies. Students will develop a deep understanding of Tamil literature and language, and will be trained to conduct independent research in these fields. The program also emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, with students encouraged to engage with complex literary and linguistic questions.

Students will be exposed to a wide range of Tamil literary works, from classical epics to modern poetry, and will learn to appreciate the richness and diversity of Tamil literary traditions. The program also includes the study of Tamil grammar, linguistics, and history, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the language and its development over time.

The program emphasizes the development of strong communication skills, with students encouraged to engage with Tamil literature and language in a variety of contexts. This includes both written and oral communication, with students given opportunities to present their work in a range of academic and professional settings.

Students will also be encouraged to engage with contemporary issues in Tamil studies, and to develop their own perspectives on these challenges. This will help them to become confident and articulate communicators, capable of making meaningful contributions to the field of Tamil studies.

Development of the Subject to date

Most of our graduates opt for teaching. Some join administrative jobs is both governmental and non-government institutions. Only a few prefer research and academic career. Therefore our curricula are designed to provide students a thorough understanding of the ancient, middle age and the modern Tamil language and literature.

Our Course structures conform to the Arts Faculty’s course unit semester system. Course Units are organized at two levels:

All permanent academic staff are members of the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Arts. Senior Professors, Professors and the Heads of the Departments are members of the Senate of University of Jaffna

One or two assistant lecturers are appointed on contract basis every year to be involved mainly in academic teaching. The Department has a Grade II Management Assistant who has become secretarial administrative staff and has knowledge in Computer Applications There is no permanent attendant in the Department.

Subsequent Expansion of the Discipline

At the beginning of the Tamil Department of the syllabus include Old Tamil Literature, Modern Tamil Literature, History of Tamil Literature, Sri Lankan Tamil Literature, Linguistics, Tamil Literary Criticism. The Department is also flexible to review and revise their curriculum and syllabi time to time. First revised that curriculum in 1999 to make it relevant to the newly introduced semester course unit system. That was again revised it in 2003. The exiting curriculum was revised in 2005. The Department of Tamil revised Its curriculum and introduced to Old Tamil Literature and literary criticism, History of Tamil literature, An introduction to traditional and modern Tamil Grammar, Ethical Literature in Tamil, History of Tamil Grammar. Tradition on Tamil commentaries, Tamil Media studies. History of Tamil Research. Dravidian Linguistics Tamil Literary criticism. An orientation in linguistics with special reference to Tamil, Apolitical literature in Tamil, Tamil Folklore, Introduction to Indian Language – Malayalam (or any other Dravidian Language)

Currently, the Department teaches Tamil for the General and Special Degree courses and as a subject for the third – year students in the Department of Music and Dance (Ramanathan Academy of Fine Arts). The Department has produced a large number of graduates who have offered Tamil ad a subject. The syllabus of the Department of Tamil has been subjected to changes, accommodating the reforms proposed by the UGC. B.A Honours students in their first year would have spent only fifty per cent of the time in studying Tamil. “The other half is spent on studying another subject in the Faculty of Arts.

Pioneering Individuals and Outstanding Academic Contributions

The Department was guided by renowned Professors such as Professor K. Kailasapathy, Pofessor K. Sivathamby, Professor A. Veluppillai and Professor A. Sanmugadas. Let us briefly spell out their contribution pioneering peoples and outstanding academic work.

1983. Kailasapathy graduated from the University of Ceylon, Preadeniya obtaining his BA Honours in Tamil with a First Class. In 1961, he joint the University of Ceylon – Peradeniya as a probationary lecturer, and obtained his MA in Tamil from the same University. Next, he joined the University of Birmingham for his doctoral studies. He studied Tamil heroic poems under the supervision of Professor George D. Thomson. His was a pioneering study that compared Tamil poetry with similar European classical poetry. In Indian, Malaysian, Singaporean and other foreign Universities where Tamil is taught and researched, his books are used either as textbooks or reference material. With Prof. A. Sanmugadas, he co – authored the book National Language of Sri Lanka – Tamil which was published by the Department of Cultural Affairs in 1976 to mark the Summit Conference of the Non – Aligned Countries held in Colombo that year. It was unfortunate that this first Professor of Tamil of Jaffna University suffered a premature death in 1983.
1984. Vithiyananthan graduated with an Honours Degree in 1944 from the University of Ceylon. He studied for two years under Professor Swamy Vipulananda for his Master’s degree which he completed in 1946 and was appointed as a lecturer in the same year. He joined the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London for his doctoral studies, and in 1950, earned the PhD for his thesis titled Pattupātņu – a Historical, Social and Linguistic Study. Vithiananthan became a Professor of Tamil in 1967. He served as Professor and Head of the Department of Tamil until 1977 at the University of Ceylon – Peradeniya and the University of Sri Lanka, Peradeniya Campus. Professor S. Vithiananthan served as the President of the Jaffna Campus of the University of Sri Lanka between August 1977 and December 1978. When the Jaffna Campus gained University status on 1^st January 1979, Vithiananthan was appointed its first Vice-Chancellor a position he held until July 1988. He has researched on Tamil folklore in Ceylon and has written a book on Tamil folk drama. He has been teaching Tamil to the students of the Tamil Department when he was in the position of Vice Chancellor and he never failed to lecture despite his busy schedule. It shows the Professor’s passion for teaching.

In 1956, K. Sivathamby graduated from the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya, obtaining a BA Degree with History, Economics and Tamil as his subjects. Later, he obtained his MA in Tamil from the same University. He joined the Vidyodaya University in 1965 and proceeded to the University of Birmingham to conduct his doctoral research under the supervision of Professor George D. Thomson. In 1970, he was awarded the PhD for his thesis on Drama in Ancient Tamil Society. In 1978, he was transferred from Vidyodaya University to the University to the University of Jaffna as Senior Lecturer in Tamil and was later appointed Professor of Tamil (on merit). He has authored around 70 books and many research papers. Sivathamby was a Visiting Professor of Tamil at Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Uppsala University (1992), University of Madras (1998) and the Institute of International Tamil Studies, Madras (1999). He was a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Jawaharlal Nehru Univeristy, Delhi (1982), Tamil University Thanjavur (1982) and the University of Cambridge (1983 – 1984). Along with other staff members, Sivathamby strived to uplift the standards of learning, teaching and research of the Department of Tamil. He retired from the University of Jaffna in 1996 but continued to serve as an Emeritus Professor of the University until his death on 06^th July 2011.

Dr. A. Veluppillai was a linguist who continued the work started by Professor K. Kanapathipillai. He earned a PhD’s from the University of Ceylon and the University of Oxford. He studied the Tamil inscriptions of the Chola period and published two volumes on the Tamil inscriptions of Ceylon. He wrote several books and articles on Sri Lankan Tamil literature, history, and social history. He was a Visiting Professor at the University of Kerala’s Department of Linguistics (1973 – 1974), a Visiting International Senior Professor at the International Institute of Tamil Studies in Madras (1980), and a Commonwealth Academic Fellow at the University of Edinburgh’s Department of Linguistics (1982 – 1983). Veluppillai joined the University of Jaffna in 1984 as a Professor of Tamil. He was the Head of the Department of Tamil from 1984 to 1990. He was a guest Professor at Uppsala University’s Department of History of Religions between 1990 and 2000 and received an honorary degree from the same University in 1996.

1969. Sanmugadas graduated from the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya in 1963 with a BA Honours Degree in Tamil. From 1963 to 1965, he worked as a temporary assistant lecturer in Tamil. He re – Joined the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya in 1968 as a probationary assistant lecturer in 1969. He proceeded to the University of Edinburgh for his doctoral studies in Linguistics and earned his Phd in 1971 for his thesis A study of Phonology of the Verbal Forms in the Colloquial of the Tamil of Ceylon. His research was supervised by Professor Asher. On his return to Sri Lanka, he continued to teach at the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya until 1975. After the Jaffna Campus of the University of Sri Lanka was established in 1974, he was transferred there in 1975 and became the Lecturer in Charge of the Department of Tamil (1976 – 1978). He was appointed a Senior Professor in Tamil in 1995. He served as Head of the following departments: Language and Cultural Studies (1982), Tamil (1992 – 1995, 1996 – 1997) and Music (1995 – 1996). He headed the Unit of Siddha Medicine in 1995, was appointed as the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies by the UGC (1999 – 2002). He was also member of the UGC standing committee on Postgraduate Studies and Research (2000 – 2002).

A Senior Research Fellowship was awarded to Professor Sanmugadas by the Japan Foundation to research on the “Tamil – Japanese Relationship”. The research was conducted with Professor Susumu Ohno from Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan (1983 – 1984). It continues to date and has made possible the publication of a number of books and papers in English, Tamil and Japanese. Two of them are: Tamil – Japanese Relationship (2011) which Professor Sanmugadas co – authored with Manonmani Sanmugadas from the Institute of Asian Studies, Chennai and worldview and Rituals among the Japanese and Tamils (1985) which he co – authored with Auaumu Ohno and Manonmani Sanmugadas from the Gakushuin University, Tokyo.

He received the following Awards and Prizes: Tamil Grammar Prize awarded by the Tamil Nadu  Government – World Tamil Sangam (2019), Sahitya Ratna awarded by the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (2008), a grant awarded by the UNESCO, New Delhi to visit Media Studies Institutions in Indian and the Danish School of Journalism in Arhus, Denmark (2005), Abe Fellowship awarded by the Gakushuin University to participate in the research project “Asian Gods” conducted by the Institute of Oriental Culture (1991), and the North Eastern Provincial Award for his book Tamil Metrical Forms (2001). He taught ancient Tamil grammar, Linguistics, ancient literature, modern literature and translation studies. He published many boos and many research articles in Tamil and English. He was a pioneer scholar who wrote on the language and literature. He participated in various workshops and conferences. He retired from the University of Jaffna on 02^nd May 2005. He was awarded the D.Litt. (Honoris Caausa) Degree by the University and he continues to serve the University as an Emeritus Professor in Tamil.

Professor. S. Sivalingarajah graduated from the University of Jaffna. Obtaining a Bachelor Degree in Tamil with first class honours. Master of Arts Degree in Tamil awarded by the University of Jaffna 1986. He earned Ph.D from the University of Jaffna 1995. He was a pioneer scholar who wrote on the culture of the Sri Lankan Tamils and history of Tamil Literature. He is well versed in Sri Lankan literary history and is a prominent writer in Sri Lanka. He taught ancient Tamil Literature and he participated in various workshops and conferences. He published many boos and many research articles.

Professor M. Ragunathan graduated from the University of Jaffna obtaining first class B.A Honours Degree in Tamil. M.A in Tamil in 1990 and Ph.D in Tamil in 2000. His area of interest are Modern Tamil Literature and Criticism and Tamil Culture. He served as the Head of the Department from 2017 to 2023. He has several research papers and many books to the credits. Social problems in Sri Lankan Tamil Novels, Vanni Regional Novels, Comparison of Silappathikaram and Sri Lankan Kannagi, Progressive movement and the Sri Lankan Tamil short story.

Professor. K. Visakaruban graduated from the University of Jaffna obtaining first class B.A Honours degree in Tamil 1992. He was obtained M.Phil in Tamil University of Jaffna 1997. He was awarded the Ph.D Degree by the Tamil University, Thanjavour, Tamil Nadu, India 2002. His area of interest are Tamil Literature, Tamil Culture, Tamil Folklore, Journalism and Mass Communication. He published many books and research articles. His books deal with Folk Culture in Sri Lankan Tamil Novels, Problems faced by Sri Lankan Tamils Diaspora, An Introduction to Folklore, Sangam Literature a view. He served as the Head of the Department. (2010 – 2013, 2013 – 2016, 2023 to todate)

Professor. (Miss). S. Sivasubramaniam graduated from the University of Jaffna obtaining first class B.A Honours degree in Tamil 1989. She was obtained M.Phil in Tamil University of Jaffna 1995. She was awarded the Ph.D Degree by the University of Jaffna 2000. Her area of interest Scientific Tamil, Tamil Grammar, Literature and Paleography. She was published many books and research articles. Her books deal with Scientific Tamil, Characteristics and Use, Traditional and Modern Grammar, Epigraphy, Culture and Language.

President, Vice Chancellor & Dean

Head of the Department’s

Research Interests of the Staff

Staff and Students at Present

Students at Present

Staff at present (Academic)

Prof..K.Visakaruban                                        Senior Professor and Head

Prof. (Ms.) S. Sivasubramaniam                     Professor

Mr. E. Cumaran                                               Senior Lecturer Gr. I

Mrs. S. Nandakumaran                                   Senior Lecturer Gr. I

Mr. K. Arunthakaran                                       Senior Lecturer Gr. II

Mr. T. Ajanthakumar                                       Lecturer

Mr. S. Seransan                                               Lecturer

Non- Academic

Mr. T. Thananjan                                             Management Assistant Gr. II

Dissemination of Knowledge/ Outreach Activities and Community Engagement

Prof. S. Viththiyananthan has external examiner in University of Malaysia, University of Chennai, Madurai Kamarasar University, Kerala University, Tirupati Venkadeswara University etc. The professor has spread the study of Tamil Studies at the International level by going abroad and conducting research and giving lecturers also shows his knowledge. Southem England, Great Britain, Yugoslavia and the united states. He continued his research and lectures by visiting countries such as Japan and Malaysia on invitation. The above universities honored the professor as visiting professor.

In 1974 the Fourth World Tamil Research Conference was held in Jaffna under the leadership of Prof. S. Viththiyananthan despite the opposition of many people. Viththiyananthan accomplished something that no one else could do and the Tamil community was very happy to see his deeds. The conference was held for seven days. Sri Lanka held two national conference under the leadership of Prof. S. Viththiyananthan.

It is worth mentioning that the Tamil Department is conducting Master in Tamil. Prof. S. Viththiyananthan used to publish and stage folk songs and dramas. It is noteworthy that after him. Prof. A. Sanmugadas, Prof. K. Sivaththamby, Prof. E. Balasundaram, Prof. K. Visakaruban and Mr. K. Arundaharan etc. They have publishing songs and sayings and talking the stage. Kaththavarajan Kooththu, Arichandra Nadagam, Kannaki Kooththu many times staged.

Many seminars were held through the Tamil manram during period the many publication books. The student’s magazine Tamilosai was published by this Tamilmanram for many years. Ganesaiyar, Akananuru text by Sivalingarajah was published through Tamil Manram. Also books by writers like Kokila Mahendram, Thalayasingam Chattanathan, S. Pathmanathan, Puthuvi Raththinadurai were published by the Tamil Manram. As the Tamil Manram was not functioning for many years. Prof. M. Ragunathan started the Tamiliyal Kalagam for the benefit of the students. Many creative works of students have been published by this Tamiliyal Kalagam for many years the Department of Tamil has been making guid for the examination of students of general education standard. It is also noted that the Tamil Department is involved as the chief examiner and control examiner.

Prof. A. Veluppillai did research work in the Department of Religion at the University of Arizona USA from 1973 – 1974. He worked as a senior research at the Dravidian school in Thiruvananthapuram. Then he worked as a visiting professor at the University of Kerala from 1973 – 1974. He worked as professor at the World Tamil Research Institute Chennai in 1980. He worked with Prof. Asher at the University of Edinburgh, England from 1981 – 1982. Receiving financial sport from the commonwealth of nations.

Prof. A. Veluppillai was visiting Professor at Upsala University of Sweden during 1990 – 2000. Prof. A. Veluppillai has worked as an external examiner evaluating doctoral theses of several universities. He was participated in various workshops and conference published his research articles.

Prof. A. Sanmugadas was as external examiner and assessor for the Department of Indian Studies, University of Malaya, Malaysia (2000 – 2003). He served as the Director of the Media Studies & Resource Centre, a joint venture of the Danish Development Corporation and the University of Jaffna (2005 – 2007). Additionally, he was a visiting professor of the Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, University of Ibadan, Nigeria (1982).

In 1975, Prof. K. Kailasapathy advice the Tamil Department to organize a seminar on Creative Literature and Science (ஆக்க இலக்கியமும் அறிவியலும்) Mrs, M. Sanmugadas assigned in organizing of Dr. A. Sanmugadas compiled the paper read and published it as a book.

In 1976, Papers read in the “Sri Lankan Tamil National Litigation”(இலங்கைத் தமிழ் நாட்டார் வழக்கியல்) seminar held in honor of Prof. K. Kanapathypillai were compiled and published as a book by Prof. K. Sivathambi. In 1979, on the occasion of the centenary of the Tamil novel, Novel Tamil Centenary Seminar was conducted under the chairmanship of Prof. K.  Kailasapathi. A famous novelist from Tamil Nadu, Ashokamithran, participated in this seminar.

In 1982, when Professor. K. Sivathamby was Head of Tamil Department at the turn of Mahakavi Bharahi Centenary. A seminar on Bharathi was held under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Viththiyananthan, involving various departments. In addition to being the last seminar Prof. K. Kailasapathy attended at University, his speech was innovative and ambitious in Bharathi studies.

Jaffna University and Uppsala University in Sweden joined and a working plan is developed after Prof. A. Veluppillai accepting as the head of the Tamil department. According to this program, Prof. A Velupillai received Banquet Professor offer. Uppsala University later honored the professor with an honorary doctorate. This is the first time that a foreign university has awarded a Sri Lankan scholar with an honorary degree, Since the Professor has brought pride to the Tamil department it should be recorded in history.

The Prof. K. Kailasapathy memorial lecture 1993 was held under the chairmanship of Prof. A. Sanmugadas was held on the theme of Sangam Literature.

The Prof. K. Kailasapathy memorial lecture 1997 was held under the chairmanship of Prof. N. Subramaniam Iyar was held on the theme of Sri Lankan Tamil Literature.

In 2017, Prof. M. Ragunathan was appointed as the Head of Tamil Department. During his time international level conferences on Tamil Studies were held. In this regard, the first conference in 2020 was held on the theme of “Tamilological Studies in the History of the Department if Tamil” (வரலாற்றுப் போக்கில் தமிழியல் ஆய்வுகள்), the second conference in 2021 on the theme of “Sanga literature from multi-dimensional perspectives “(பன்முக நோக்கில் சங்க இலக்கியம்) and the third conference in 2022 on the theme of “Tradition and Change of Eelam Tamil Studies “(ஈழத்துத் தமிழியல் மரபும் மாற்றமும்) were held. The papers read in these conferences were compiled and published as book. Traditional Tamil scholars were honored at these conferences.

As a part of the Jaffna University International Research Centre, the Fourth International Tamil Studies Conference 2023 Prof. K. Visakaruban was the president of the conference. The theme of the Conference was “The Ethical Literature of the Past – Cangam Period in Social Reconstruction.”

Prof. Y . Manikandan delivered the keynote address on the theme ‘Tamil Ethical Literature: History and its Multidimensionality’ (தமிழில் அற இலக்கியம்: வரலாறும் பல்பரிமாணங்களும்).

First the Felicitation of Senior Professors: In this, Emeritus Professor. S. Thillainathan of University of Peradeniya and Emeritus Professor Arunasalam Sanmugadas of University of Jaffna received the above honor from the Vice-Chancellor.

After that, the main event, ‘Eelam’s Traditional Hall: Diversity and Learning'(ஈழத்துப் பாரம்பரிய அரங்கு: பல்வகைமையும் பயில்முறையும்) was to talk place and the hall was handed over to its coordinator Mr. V. Vijayabaskar, Lecturer, Department of Education

A number of students have obtained postgraduate degrees such as M.A, M.Phil and Ph.D.

Also, the one-year Master’s Degree course is being conducted by the Department of Tamil in Faculty of Graduate Studies. Nine batches of students have joined this course up to now.

The Department of Tamil Department is also conducting classes for External students through the CODL unit. It is the need to expand the activities of the Tamil Department in the future.

Conclusion

The Department of Tamil is one the pioneering study programmes in the history of university education in Jaffna. When the Faculty of Humanities was established as one of faculties of the Jaffna Campus of the University of Sri Lanka in 1974, Department of Tamil was included as one of the four Departments. One of the vociferous demands of the ‘Tamil University Movement’ which was started by the Tamil philanthropists and scholars by the early 20^th century was that university education in Tamil is necessary to study Tamil language in the tertiary level in order to preserve its classical and ancient characters. The seminars, conferences and celebrations related to Tamil studies organized by the Department of Tamil from its inception in 1974 has evolved down through the decades and got a new dimension lately as international Tamilology research conferences.

Prepared by:

Prof. (Miss). S. Sivasubramaniam

Department of Tamil,

Faculty of Arts,

University of Jaffna.

Mr. E. Cumaran

Senior Lecturer,

Department of Tamil,

Faculty of Arts,

University of Jaffna.

Mr. T. Ajanthakumar

Lecture, Department of Tamil,

Faculty of Arts,

University of Jaffna.

Checked by:

Prof. A. Sanmugadas

Emeritus Professor,

Department of Tamil,

Faculty of Arts,

University of Jaffna.

Staff Assistant:

Mr. T. Thananjan

Management Assistant,

Department of Tamil,

Faculty of Arts,

University of Jaffna.