Chennai: After reversing Tamil New Year Day
to Chithirai, the Jayalalithaa government today announced
grand celebrations on April 13 when Tamil scholars would be
honoured for their contributions to the development of Tamil
language and culture.
This year the government would honour Professor A A
Manavalan with Kabilar Award, Poet S Rasu with `Thamizh
Thatha` Award and Y G Parthasarathy with Avvaiyar Award. The
awardees will receive a cash prize of Rs one lakh, an eight
gram gold medal and a citation.
The prestigious `Thamizh Thai` (Goddess Tamil) Award
would be given to Madurai Tamil Sangam, which would receive a
cash prize of Rs five lakh, a trophy and a citation, a state
government press release said.
The awards would be distributed by Chief Minister
Jayalalithaa at a function on April 13, when Tamil New Year
Day falls this year.
Besides, authors and publishers of significant works in
the language would be given a cash prize of Rs 30,000 and Rs
10,000 respectively. A total of 27 books published in 2010
have been selected for the purpose.
The day would also witness `Kaviarangam` (Poetry session),
`Patti Mandram` (Debate) and `Karutharangam` (Seminar)
involving well known Tamil scholars.
Soon after coming to power last year, Jayalalithaa had
reversed the previous DMK government`s decision to celebrate
Tamil New Year on the first day of `Thai` in January instead
of `Chithirai` in April.
DMK chief Karunanidhi has been critical of the AIADMK
government`s move.
PTI
