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