The Department of Tamil, Faculty of Humanities and Science, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER), in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology, the World Tamil Research Centre, and the Academy of Sciences Chennai, organized an International Conference on April 16, 2025. The conference centered around the theme “An Overview on Multidisciplinary Scientific Thoughts Found in Ancient Tamil Literature” and brought together scholars and researchers from around the globe.
A total of 250 participants, including professors and research scholars, took part in the conference. While in-person presentations were held at the university campus, international participants from Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Hong Kong contributed through live virtual presentations. A comprehensive conference proceedings volume, featuring 188 research articles, was released .
The inaugural session began with a floral tribute to Thiru. A.N. Radhakrishnan, Founder Chairman of MAHER, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the Kuthuvilakku by dignitaries. Dr. P. Sagayaraj, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, delivered the welcome address. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. C. Sridhar, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. C. Krithika, Pro Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. V. Sureka Varalkshmi, Registrar, MAHER.
The conference was officially inaugurated by Padma Bhushan Kalaimamani Dr. C. Nalli Kuppusamy, who commended MAHER’s efforts in promoting Tamil language and scholarship. Dr. S. Vincent, Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology, urged scholars to contribute to the Tamil translation of professional course materials. Mr. M. Sesha Sai, Consulate General of the Republic of Seychelles, released the three-volume conference proceedings and extended his felicitations. A special address was delivered by Dr. A. Manavazhagan, Associate Professor, World Tamil Research Centre, who drew insightful references from ancient Tamil texts.
The academic component of the conference consisted of five sessions where research papers were presented and evaluated by session chairs, with Best Paper recognitions awarded. A traditional Tamil cultural performance by students of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities enriched the proceedings.
The valedictory session featured concluding remarks by Dr. V. Masilamani, representing the Academy of Sciences Chennai, who also presented certificates and Best Paper awards. Dr. G. Krishnan, Professor, Department of Tamil, proposed the vote of thanks.
The event was successfully coordinated by Dr. G. Amala Karthiga, Head, Department of Tamil and Conference Convenor, with support from Mrs.J. Monisha, Assistant Professor , Department of Commerce. The conference stood as a significant milestone in integrating classical Tamil literature with contemporary scientific thought.
