Expressnews
The Department of Tamil, Chevalier T. Thomas Elizabeth College for Women, Perambur, Chennai, in collaboration with the World Tamil Epic Research Institute, Malaysia, and Sudarmani Publications, Chennai, recently organised a prestigious International Conference on the theme “Family Structures in Tamil Literature.” The event brought together eminent scholars, researchers, and literary enthusiasts to engage in an in-depth exploration of how family structures have been represented, interpreted, and evolved across various genres and periods of Tamil literature.
The conference commenced with a warm and gracious welcome address by Dr. K. Preetha, Head, Department of Languages, who set the tone for the proceedings by highlighting the significance of the chosen theme in understanding the socio-cultural fabric of Tamil society through literary expressions. She emphasised the role of such academic platforms in fostering critical thinking, scholarly exchange, and preservation of Tamil literary heritage.
The distinguished special guest of the conference, writer and former Indian Administrative Service officer, Mrs. Sivakami (IAS, Retd.), honoured the occasion with her presence and delivered an insightful special address. Drawing from her vast experience as a writer and social commentator, she reflected on the deep interconnections between literature, societal norms, and familial relationships, illustrating how Tamil literary works have both shaped and mirrored the changing dynamics of family life.
Adding to the scholarly spirit of the conference, felicitations were offered by two prominent academics: Dr. M. Prakash, Assistant Professor, Department of Tamil, Vel’s Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, and Founder of Sudarmani Publications, and Dr. S. Venugopal, Assistant Professor, Department of Tamil, Dr. R.A.N.M. Arts and Science College, Erode. Both speakers commended the Department of Tamil for choosing a theme of lasting relevance and for fostering an environment where academic inquiry is enriched through interdisciplinary perspectives.
The conference coordinator, Dr. A. Vimalarani, delivered the introductory remarks, outlining the objectives, scope, and scholarly expectations of the event. She also acknowledged the collaborative effort between the college and its partnering institutions, underscoring the value of such cross-institutional academic engagements in advancing Tamil studies.
Contributing to the international stature of the conference, Dr. Thanesh Balakrishnan, Founder of the World Tamil Epic Research Institute, Malaysia, and Mr. K. Maha Veera Prasad, Honorary Secretary of the same institute, joined the proceedings virtually from Malaysia. Their special addresses offered a global perspective on the study of Tamil literature, emphasising the universality of familial themes and the need for continued research in documenting and interpreting these structures across time and geography. Their participation added both depth and diversity to the scholarly discussions, reinforcing the global relevance of the conference theme.
