TAMIL DEVELOPMENT-CULTURE AND RELIGIOUS

ENDOWMENTS DEPARTMENT
TAMIL DEVELOPMENT-CULTURE

POLICY NOTE 2003 - 2004

“ahk¿ªj bkhêfëny jäœ bkhênghš
Ï å jhtJ v§F«fhnzh«
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- ghu ah®

Tamil, amongst all ancient languages of the World, is the only language that possesses
multifarious characteristics such as antiquity, ancientness, simplicity, splendour, youthfulness,
richness, motherliness, greatness, beauty, nobility and vastness says Mozhi Gnayiru
Devaneyappavanar. This Government evinces enormous interest in the growth and development
of such a great language.

Language is the resultant evolution and development of art form by the people and for
the people. The power of Language, attained by mankind only lifts the human beings from
others. Language is the vehicle of thought as well as an instrument that carrysout our deeds.
Language is the cradle that nurtures human beings, historical thinking, it is the acumen of intellect
enriched with thinking; a dynamic force that leads us along the path of wisdom, the growth and
blossoming attained through vigour. Thus, the life and progress of mankind solely depend upon
the growth and development of language.

Tamil is a well developed, unique and classic language that possesses multifarious
characteristics such as richness, antiquity, generality, classicism, equity, stability and
acceptability. The development of the language is identified with its social utility, development of
arts, literature, civilization, culture and its give and take policy. With an objective of facilitating
Tamil attaining full utility and giving impetus to art, literature, civilization and culture which develop
through Tamil language, the department of Tamil Development - Culture was established
exclusively for Tamil in the year 1984.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister in her address delivered at the Eighth World Tamil
Conference held in 1995 said that “A language should develop, enrich itself and identify itself
with the changes that take place at global level” and declared as follows:

“If any language fails to assimilate and accommodate new changes, then that language
will become handicapped. To continue to be a modern linguistic currency without loosing its
ancient moorings, a language should develop into a multi vehicular medium, capable of
functioning in all registers ancient and modern”.

“At the end of the Fifth World Tamil Conference held in 1981, the then Hon’ble Chief
Minister Puratchithalaivar M.G.R. emphatically declared ‘Tamil everywhere and Tamil in every
sphere’. I have great pleasure and feel proud in introducing a new slogan viz., ‘Tamil Today and
Tamil For ever’ with a view to stabilizing the new dimension and impetus this Eighth World Tamil
conference has given to Tamil development and to make it known that ‘Tamil in Science too and
Tamil in all”.

Thus Tamil language is developing and adapting itself to the advancing times. It is a
dynamic and peerless language adopting constructive changes and now being used in all walks
of life starting from household activities to internet.

By way of giving effect to the great thoughts of our Hon’ble Chief Minister, the
department of Tamil Development -culture is continuing its voyage with special attention to the
development of Scientific Tamil and having in its mind the theory that the development of Tamil
and Culture involves the development of Tamil people. The institutions and organisations under
the control of this department are in three broad based categories, viz., (a) those meant for the
development of Tamil Language, (b) for preservation and study of Traditional heritage and (c) for
promotion of performing Arts and Culture.

DEVELOPMENT OF TAMIL LANGUAGE

1. Directorate of Tamil Development

2. Translation Wing
3. International Institute of Tamil Studies
4. Tamil University, Thanjavur
5. Directorate of Tamil Etymological Dictionary Project

PRESERVATION AND STUDY OF TRADITIONAL HERITAGE

6. Archaeology
7. Museums

PROMOTION OF PERFORMING ARTS AND CULTURE

8. Directorate of Art and Culture

9. Regional Cultural Centres
10. Government Music Colleges and Music Schools
11. Government College of Fine Arts
12. Government College of Architecture and Sculpture
13. Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu
14. Jawahar Siruvar Manram
15. Eyal Isai Nataka Manram
 BUDGET ESTIMATE FOR 2003 - 2004
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Head of Account Plan Non Plan Total
(1) (2) (3) (4)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
(Rupees in Thousands)
REVENUE SECTION
2059 PUBLIC WORKS
01 Office Buildings -- -- --
053 Maintenance and Repairs -- 33,60 33,60
2202 GENERAL EDUCATION
03 University and Higher Education -- -- --
102 Assistance to Universities -- 4,28,91 4,28,91
05 LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
001 Direction and Administration 14,70 2,66,82 2,81,52
102 Promotion of Modern Indian
Languages and Literature 1 53,00 53,01
800 Other Expenditure 10,12 9,01,50 9,11,62
2205. 00ART AND CULTURE
001 Direction and Administration 2,00 63,84 65,84
101 Fine Arts Education 2,00,69 4,11,38 6,12,07
102 Promotion of Arts and Culture 57,85 2,65,35 3,23,20
103 Archaeology 3,33,03 3,08,65 6,41,68
105 Public Libraries -- 37,00 37,00
107 Museums 50,00 4,76,41 5,26,41
800 Other Expenditure -- -- --

2251. 00 SECRETARIAT - SOCIAL SERVICES

090 Secretariat -- 2,32,56 2,32,56

TOTAL NET DEMAND

Add: Recoveries -- -- --
----------------------------------------------------
DEMAND NO. 44 6,68,40 34,79,02 41,47,42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 New Schemes for the year 2003-2004
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serial Description of Schemes Ultimate Cost
No. ------------------------------------------
Recurring Non recurring
Expenditure Expenditure Total
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Rupees in Lakhs)
Tamil Development, Culture and
Religious Endowments Department
1. Purchase of Computers with Accessories for
Administrative Department. 0.00 3.52 3.52

Directorate of Tamil Development

2. Computerisation of Directorate of
Tamil Development. 0.00 2.40 2.40
3. Official Language/Special Inspection. 0.20 0.00 0.20
4. Verbose in Tamil Literature from
Sangam age to Bharathidasan period. 3.50 0.00 3.50
5. Encyclopaedia on technical terms. 4.00 0.00 4.00
Department of Archaeology
6. Excavation of historical sites at Marakkanam. 0.00 3.50 3.50
7. Digitisation of photographs and
other records of archaeological
excavations and monuments. 0.00 4.00 4.00

Directorate of Art and Culture

8. Purchase of Computers and Accessories for
Government College of Architecture and
Sculpture, Mamallapuram. 0.75 2.25 3.00
9. Purchase of musical instruments, audio-video
visual equipments, projectors, photo equipments
to music schools and colleges. 0.00 5.00 5.00
10. Purchase of furniture / floorspreads / aqua guard
for Fine Arts Colleges and Music Colleges. 0.00 5.00 5.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serial Description of Schemes Ultimate Cost
No. ------------------------------------------
Recurring Non recurring
Expenditure Expenditure Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Rupees in Lakhs)
11. Purchase of drawing materials for students of
Government College of Fine Arts, Kumbakonam. 2.65 0.00 2.65
12. Purchase of Xerox machine. 0.50 1.50 2.00
13. Conduct of refresher courses/summer camps/
training of youths. 0.00 10.00 10.00
14. Conduct of festivals/functions,sending of
cultural troupes to other States, staging of
dramas/conduct of art competition/conduct
of social awareness camps. 10.00 0.00 10.00
15. Printing of books relating to syllabus
of Music Colleges/Schools. 1.00 0.00 1.00

Govt. Museums
16. Modernisation of Geology Gallery. 0.00 10.00 10.00
Directorate of Etymological
Dictionary Project
17. Publication of 6 parts of the Etymological
Dictionary. 0.00 12.00 12.00
18. Conduct of 57 days workshop for compilation
and DTP of 6 parts of the Etymological
dictionary. 0.00 2.00 2.00
19. Purchase of furniture. 0.00 0.30 0.30
20. Provision of internet facility in the
computer room. 0.00 0.20 0.20
21. Purchase of reference books for project use. 0.00 0.20 0.20

-------------------------------------------
Total 22.60 61.87 84.47
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 DIRECTORATE OF TAMIL DEVELOPMENT
The Government are very keen to improve the usage of Tamil language in all spheres.
The Official Language Committee was constituted in the year 1957 which was later formed as
the Directorate of Tamil Development whose primary function is the implementation of official
language scheme and to perform various types of functions pertaining to the development of
Tamil language.

IMPLEMENTATION OF OF FICIAL LANGUAGE SCHE ME

INSPECTION

The Tamil Development Department has taken various effective steps to increase the
usage of Tamil in Government Offices. Inspections are being made in Government Offices
regarding the implementation of official language scheme. The departments of Secre tariat are
being inspected by the Secretary to Government, Tamil Development Culture and Religious
Endowments Department. The Offices of Heads of Departments, the Collectorates, the
Government undertakings are being inspected by the Director of Tamil Devel opment. The
Regional and Subordinate Offices at Districts are being inspected by the Regional Deputy
Directors / Assistant Directors of the concerned districts.

SEMINARS ON OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

In order to create awareness about the aim and implementation of the official language
scheme to Government Officers / staff and to encourage the implementation of official language
scheme, seminars are being conducted at district level. Seminars have been conducted in 8
districts during the year 2002 -2003.

ADMINISTR ATIVE GLOSSARY, SUPPLEMENTARY GLOSSARIES OF SPECIAL

TERMS

Administrative glossaries are greatly useful to the implementation of official language

scheme. Hence, so far, six editions of administrative glossaries have been published and
distributed to Gove rnment offices. Revision work of administrative glossary and consolidation of
special terms glossaries are now undertaken.

TRANSLATION WORKS

Translation of skeleton forms, registers, rules, codes, manuals etc., are generally
undertaken to facilitate usag e of the Tamil language in Government offices very effectively.
TAMIL DEVELOPMENT SC HEMES

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE PUBLICATION OF BOOKS

Publication of books in a language is significant for the development of the language.

Therefore, financial assis tance is given to encourage publication of Tamil books. A maximum
amount of Rs.25,000/ - or 60% of the printing cost whichever is less is given as financial
assistance for each and every selected book.

PRIZES FOR THE BEST TAMIL BOOKS

With a view to encour aging the publication of best Tamil books, every year prizes are
awarded for 30 books in 30 headings at the rate of Rs.10,000/ - per book. The publishers of
award-winning books are also awarded with a cash award of Rs.2000/ -. The Government have
also issu ed orders offering cash awards to twenty seven best publications and the corresponding
publishers for the year 2001.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR AGED TAMIL SCHOLARS

Under this scheme, the aged Tamil Scholars are getting financial assistance. The Tamil
Scholars who are above 58 years of age and whose monthly income is not exceeding Rs.400/ -
are eligible for getting financial assistance and those who are selected for the financial assistance
are sanctioned a sum of Rs.500/ - per month throughout their life. Th e Government have issued
orders for financial assistance to nine scholars for the year 2002 -2003.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR TAMIL STALWARTS

A sum of Rs.3000/ - plus medical allowance of Rs.15/ - per month (totally Rs.3015/ - p.m.)
is given as financial assist ance to the persons who have rendered meritorious service for the
preservation and promotion of Tamil language upto their life time and the legal heirs of such
persons are sanctioned a sum of Rs.1500/ -plus medical allowance of Rs.15/ - (totally Rs.1515/ -
p.m.) as financial assistance. Free bus pass is also given under this scheme to Tamil stalwarts
upto their life time. Further, some stalwarts were granted a lump sum amount of Rs.10000/ - for
their meritorious service to the Tamil language and some of the ir legal heirs were also granted
with a lump sum amount of Rs. 5000/ -.

KURAL PRIZE

An amount of Rs.1000/ - per month has been awarded as ‘Kural Prize’for 23 students
throughout their life. Selvi Sivaraji and Selvi R. Aruljothi were also granted a lump su m amount of
Rs.5000/- each for their efficiency in ‘Thirukkural mutrothal’ by the Hon’ble Chief Minister on
11.6.2001 and 4.7.2002 respectively.
AWARDS

THIRUVALLUVAR AWARD

Every year on Thiruvalluvar day, Thiruvalluvar award is being given to a person who
propagates the ideals of Thiruvalluvar. This award carries a cash award of Rs.1,00,000/ - and one
sovereign gold medal.

PAVENTHAR BHARATHI DASAN AWARD

Paventhar Bharathidasan Award is given to a reputed Tamil poet. This award carries a
cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/ - and one sovereign gold medal.

THIRU. VI. KA. AWARD

An award in the name of great Tamil savant, Tamil Thendral Thiru.Vi.Ka. is given to the
best Tamil literary writer. This award carries a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/ - and one sovereign
gold medal.

BHARATHIAR AWARD

This award is being given to a person who propagates the ideals of Bharathiar. It consists
of a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/ - and one sovereign gold medal.

KI.AA.PE. VISWANATHAM AWARD

This award is given to a Tamil scholar who has rendered a great service to Tamil. This
award carries a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/ - and one sovereign gold medal.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE / GRANTS FOR UNIVERSITIES, INSTITUTIONS, TAMIL

ORGANISATIONS

This scheme is operated to propagate and promote Tami l Development. Under this
scheme, financial assistance/grants are being given as follows:

1) GRANTS/FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO INSTITUTE TAMIL CHAIRS / TO CONDUCT

TAMIL DIPLOMA COURSES IN THE UNIVERSITIES OF OTHER STATES AND TO
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Wit h a view to providing opportunity to learn and to spread Tamil language, literature and
culture in other states, financial assistance / grants are extended to the universities of other
states for instituting Tamil Chairs and conducting Tamil Diploma Cou rses.

2) GRANT TO THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TAMIL STUDIES

The main objective of this institution is to promote and patronise Tamil research
programmes with the co -ordination of Tamil departments, also with the universal Tamil Scholars.
The financial need is being fulfilled by the Government of Tamil Nadu by providing annual grant
through Tamil Development Department.
3) GRANT TO THE TAMIL UNIVERSITY

Grant to the Tamil University, Thanjavur is being provided through the Directorate of
Tamil Development to meet out the annual expenditure and for specific schemes.

CELEBRATIONS AND CEN TENARY CELEBRATIONS

To perpetuate the memories of Tamil scholars, celebrations like Thiruvalluvar day and
the birthday of U.Ve.Swaminatha Iyer are celebrated by this Depar tment every year. The
centenary celebrations of ‘Mozhi Gnayiru’ Devaneyappavanar was celebrated by the
Government of Tamil Nadu at his birth place Sankarankoil in Tirunelveli district and at
Gomathimuthupuram and at Chennai. Centenary celebrations of wri ter Ku.Pa.Rajagopalan was
celebrated by the Government of Tamil Nadu at Chennai on 4.12.2002.

PUBLICATION OF BOOKS
HISTORY OF TAMIL NADU

It was decided to publish an authentic History of Tamil Nadu in seven volumes. So far,
five volumes have been publish ed. Steps are being taken to publish the remaining volumes and
also to publish the History of Tamil Nadu as a whole in one volume.

SOURCE BOOKS IN TAMIL FOR I.A.S. EXAMINATION

Under this scheme, in order to help those who are appearing for I.A.S. Examin ations, the
book entitled ‘History of Tamil Language’ has been published. The preparation of other source
books on History and Geography is under progress.

TAMIL SHORTHAND BOOK

Realising the need for Tamil Shorthand book, this department has been publish ing
shorthand book all along. Action is being taken to publish the fifth edition of the book.

NEW HISTORY OF TAMIL LITERATURE

Most of the books so far published on History of Tamil Literature are based on the literary
works of Tamil Nadu alone. Therefo re, it is proposed to compile and to bring out a
comprehensive book on history of Tamil Literature comprising the literary Tamil works of Sri
Lanka, Singapore and Malaysia etc. Now the preparation work is being carried out through the
International In stitute of Tamil Studies.

THE BIBLIOGRAPHIES OF TAMIL PRINTED BOOKS

The prime objective of this scheme is to prepare Bibliographies of all the books
published in Tamil which have been preserved in Government archives.

These bibliographies have been published for the books upto the year 1935. The details
relating to the books published during the years 1936 to 1945 have been prepared and
computerisation is under progress. The compilation of details of the books from the year 1946 is
under progress. Moreo ver, steps have been taken to feed these details through internet so as to
enable the world wide Tamils to have an easy access to the details.

WORD BANK

To coin new Tamil equivalents to words of other languages to modify the old Tamil words
in accordance with the present day needs, to make use of the words which are in usage by the
public, a scheme entitled ‘Word Bank’has been formulated in the year 2001 -2002. The experts
in various fields meet every month and coin new Tamil words and proper action is b eing taken for
usage of these words by the public.

TEXT BOOKS TO MUMBAI SCHOOL STUDENTS

On 3.10.2002, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu donated 2700 Tamil text books
worth of Rs.43,025/ - to the students of Mumbai Corporation Schools.

NATIONALISATIO N OF BOOKS

The literary works of reputed Tamil Scholars are nationalised by the Government, so that,
public can have access to these works. The literary works of writers Pudumaipithan and
Tmt.Ku.Pa.Sethu Ammal were nationalised and a sum of Rs.5.00 lakhs each was paid to their
families as compensation by the Hon’ble Chief Minister on 3.10.2002.

DISPLAY OF THIRUKKURAL IN GOVERNMENT NOTICE BOARDS

As per the orders of Government, an English word from the administrative glossary with
Tamil meaning is being written every day along with one Thirukkural couplet with its meaning in
the notice board provided in the Departments of Secretariat, in the offices of Heads of
Departments and in the offices of Autonomous Bodies, Boards/Corporations, Federations etc.

TAMIL MANRAM

To inculcate an interest and to develop the skill of students in Tamil language, ‘Tamil
Manrams’ have been constituted in all districts for the purpose of conducting competitions in
poetry, essay and eloquence among the students studying in S tandard XI and XII in Higher
Secondary Schools. A sum of Rs.2,10,250/ - had been allotted for this purpose during the year
2002-2003. Accordingly competitions were conducted and prizes were awarded to 175 students
covering 29 districts.

WORLD TAMIL SANGAM

In the Fifth World Tamil Conference held at Madurai in the year 1981, the then Hon’ble
Chief Minister had announced that the World Tamil Sangam should be formed at Madurai. The
World Tamil Sangam was inaugurated by him on 14.4.86. A Special Officer was appointed for
this purpose. A land measuring 14.15 acres was allotted to the World Tamil Sangam in the year
1982. In the Eighth World Tamil Conference held at Thanjavur in the year 1995, the Hon'ble
Chief Minister had announced that the World Tamil Sangam would be revived at Madurai. Then
in October 2001, Tirunelveli Regional Deputy Director of Tamil Development was appointed as In-
Charge Officer. Now, the Government had issued orders entrusting the works of the Tamil
Sangam to Tamil University, Thanjavur , in order to expedite the work with special attention. The
works like construction of compound wall around the allotted land to World Tamil Sangam,
registration of Tamil Sangam as per Societies Act, prescribing the activities of Tamil Sangam,
acquisition of lands etc., will be executed by the Tamil University, Thanjavur.

NEW SCHEMES

During the year 2003 -2004, it is proposed to implement the new schemes such as
computerisation of the works of the Directorate of Tamil Development, Inspection / Special
Ins pection and items such as those on implementation of official language scheme, preparation of
verbose in Tamil Literature from Sangam age to Bharathidasan period and preparation of an
Encyclopaedia on technical terms.

TRANSLATION WING
Translation Wing of the Tamil Development Culture and Religious Endowments
Department renders translation for Notifications, Policy Notes, Reports of Public Accounts
Committee, Public Undertaking Committee, State Administration Reports, Police Medal and
Prison Service Medal citation, Confidential files of Public Department, Enquiry Commission
Reports, Vigilance Commission Reports on Government Officials, Election Commission Reports,
Handbooks of Election Department, Finance Commission Reports, Detention Orders issued
under COFEPOSA Act, Government Orders, Cabinet Notes, Ministers’ Speeches, Messages,
Circulation Notes including certain important files.

Further, this wing is also catering to the needs of Hindi translation of Secretariat
departments. Last year, two volumes o f Census Report 2001 were translated into Tamil.

One Assistant Section Officer from this wing is deputed to the Tamil Nadu Legislative
Assembly Secretariat for attending the translation work during the Assembly Session. One team
is deputed to Public Dep artment to attend the translation works connected with the Collectors and
Police Officials Conference. Likewise, a team consisting of One Assistant Director, One Section
Officer and three Assistant Section Officers is deputed to Finance Department to trans late the
Governor’s Address, Budget Estimates, Budget Speech, Supplementary Estimates etc., into
Tamil. A team is also deputed to State Finance Commission for rendering translation of the
report of the Commission.
 INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TAMIL STUDIE S
The International Institute of Tamil Studies was established in the year 1970 by the
Government of Tamil Nadu for pursuing higher research in Tamilology at the International level.
The Institute is functioning with the financial aid from the Government of Tamil Nadu. At present,
the Institute has four faculties viz., Faculty of Tamil Literature and Manuscriptology, Faculty of
Overseas Tamil, Faculty of Sociology, Art and Culture and Faculty of Tamil Language and
Linguistics. The Institute is associat ed with projects relating to Tamilology, publishing books;
conducting courses on Tamil language, manuscriptology and translation; conducting seminars
and workshops, teaching Tamil to Foreign Students and bringing out News Letters and a journal
entitled Jou rnal of Tamil Studies.

Academic staff of the Institute are involved in several projects in Tamilology. These
projects relate to literature, linguistics, language teaching, history, sociology, culture, folklore and
translation. The project “Documentation in Tamilology” which catalogues with brief explanatory
notes of all the books, articles, research papers etc. on Tamilology published till date will be fed
into computer and connected to the Internet. This will help the people around the world to get
information relating to Tamilology and it will pave the way for the International Institute of Tamil
Studies functioning as an Information Centre for Tamil Studies. To learn Tamil through computer
by other linguists / foreigners, the Institute has brought out two Compact Discs entitled
'Tamilulagam' last year. Now, these CDs are on sale. A project on World History of Tamil which
incorporates the History of Tamil Development in the neighbouring countries like Singapore,
Malaysia and Sri Lanka was accompl ished and now, the final pre press printing work is in
progress in respect of four volumes. Further, work on two volumes are in final stages.

The Institute has so far published 445 titles. These publications fall under the categories
of project works of the academic staff of the Institute, endowment lectures, the printing of
unpublished palm leaf manuscripts and books written by Tamil Scholars. In the year 2002, 28
books have been published.

The Institute on its own and also in collaboration with othe r institutions is conducting
several seminars and workshops.This Institute has 26 endowments in the names of erudite
scholars. The responsibilities to organise and conduct lectures under these endowments have
been distributed among the academic staff of this Institute and the endowment lectures are
arranged by them. A detailed time -table for all the endowments slated to be held during 2002 -
2003 has been charted out and so far 15 endowment lectures have been conducted. In the
Institute, the following four new endowments have been created with the donations:

1) THANTHAI PERIYAR E.V.R. ENDOWMENT

2) E.V.R.NAGAMMAI ENDOWMENT

3) E.V.R. MANIAMMAI ENDOWMENT

4) Dr. S.V.SUBRAMANIAN ENDOWMENT

 This Institute has a library which houses at present 71,000 books. The Institute in
collaboration with DELNET, Delhi has completed computer cataloguing of 25,000 titles. In
continuation of the same, the Science City of Tamil Nadu has contributed a grant of
Rs.2,50,000/ - for cataloguing another 25,000 titles and the wor k is nearing completion.

The Institute is publishing the bi -annual journal “Tamizhiyal” since 1971. The issue
No.62 was the latest journal of the Institute. During the period, two issues have been published.
The Institute is publishing a Quarterly “S eithi kadir” since 1987. Such issues elucidate the
activities of the Institute.

TAMIL UNIVERSITY, THANJAVUR

The Tamil University was established under the Tamil Nadu Act 9 of 1982. The main
purpose of this unitary and residential University is to functi on as a high level academic centre for
furthering the advancement of Tamil studies through various programmes and projects involving
multi disciplinary investigation. The Tamil University is doing research works in various fields
which are the various di mentional units of Tamil culture and civilization i.e. arts, culture, dance,
sculpture, architecture, literature, grammar, linguistics, history, philosophy, siddha medicine etc.

There are five faculties comprising of 22 departments; besides a rich librar y, press,
museum and centres for encyclopaedia and lexicon compilation schemes.

This University has a modern sophisticated off -set printing press with DTP facility and it
has published 25 new books during the year 2002 -2003 and books worth Rs.29,35,097/ - were
sold out in that year. It is proposed to bring out 25 new books during the year 2003 -2004.

The Tamil University library is one of the most advanced libraries which has many
modern systems in documentation and retrieval of information. The libra ry has facilities for
reprographing, xeroxing and internet. Under the IXth five year plan scheme, the University
Grants Commission has allotted and released Rs.20.00 lakhs for University library out of which a
total number of 10,657 books were purchased.

During the IXth five year plan, a building grant of Rs.53.00 lakhs was received from the
University Grants Commission along with the Tamil Nadu State Government’s share of Rs.17.66
lakhs for the construction of buildings for ladies hostel, science facult y and art faculty. The
construction of first floor of women’s hostel and science block has since been completed and the
buildings are being brought to beneficial use.

The Tamil Virtual University has been made a part of the Distant Education Programme
of this University.
 The UGC and other funding agencies have sanctioned various research projects with
complete financial assistance. 22 research projects were sanctioned to the tune of Rs.51,33,100/ -
and all works are in progress.

During the year 2002 -2003, refresher courses for the benefit of College and University
teachers were conducted by four departments. Further, two courses are proposed to be
conducted during this year.

An international seminar on the subject of globalisation was conducted by the

Department of Industries and Earth Sciences in collaboration with Indian Geographical Society
from 23.8.2002 to 25.8.2002.

The department of Siddha Medicine has also conducted a seminar on Siddha Medicine
on 9.12.2002 and 10.12.2002 with the financial ass istance of Department of Science and
Technology, Government of India.

There are 45 endowments worth of Rs.93.41 lakhs. During this year, 3 new endowments
for Rs.3.20 lakhs were created. Conferences and lectures are being conducted regularly from
the in terest accrued out of the endowments. Likewise, M.Phil. and Ph.D. students were
sanctioned financial assistance from the interest accrued out of Bharathiar and A.T.
Panneerselvam endowments.

In respect of M.Phil. courses, multi disciplinary approach has been implemented to

integrate with other departments. 113 students were admitted in the M.Phil. courses. This
number will increase in the ensuing year. There are full time and part time students in Ph.D.
courses.

M.A. courses in the following five disc iplines were started from the academic year 2002 -
2003.

1. Literature
2. Philosophy
3. Sculpture
4. Linguistics
5. Manuscriptology

126 students have joined in M.A. courses on the above five disciplines. During the convocation
conducted on 22.1.2003, 36 Ph.D. scholars and 63 M.Phil. scholars have received their degrees.

The Department of Indian Languages of the University is conducting Tamil Training

courses. During this year, one course for I.A.S.officers and another for world wide Tamil
teachers were conducted.
 DIRECTORATE OF TAMIL ETYMOLOGICAL DICTIONARY
PROJECT
Preparation and publication of the Etymological Dictionary of the Tamil language is a
significant work in the development and enrichment of the language. The aim and objective of
this department is to bring out a comprehensive Etymological Dictionary in multi volumes. The
unique feature of this bilingual Dictionary is that, apart from general purpose dictionary, it is
immensely useful to the researchers in Tamilology and Dravidian stud ies as each entry gives a
vivid account of its origin and derivation of words and grammatical points. With a view to
highlighting the richness of the language and at the same time to cater to the needs of the Tamil
interest group, both alien and Tamil w ords are exhibited separately in this Dictionary. Besides
extensive quotations as evidences, in support of the entries from various sources such as
Archaeology, Numismatics, Epigraphy, Grammar and Literature, the Dictionary is embellished
with figurative illustrations, wherever necessary.

The Etymological Dictionary consisting of 31 parts being brought out by this department
is the most comprehensive and conspicuous of all the Etymological Dictionaries of the Indian
Languages. Under this project, 3 parts each in the vowel and consonant series have been
brought out. With a view to expediting the work of compilation and publication of the remaining
25 parts in 4 years, necessary steps have been taken to bring out 6 parts at a stretch for which
necessary co mpilation of material is over and scrutiny by experts is in progress now.

NEW SCHEMES

During the year 2003 -2004, it is proposed to complete 6 more parts in the consonant series, to
conduct 57 days workshop for compilation and DTP of 6 parts of the diction ary, to purchase furniture and
reference books for project use and to provide internet facility.

ARCHAEOLOGY
The Department of Archaeology was started in the year 1961 with the objectives of
conservation and preservation of ancient monuments in Tamil Nad u and conducting of excavation
at historical sites. Subsequently, its activities were expanded to include copying of stone
inscriptions, printing and publishing them in book form, setting up of site museums, chemical
preservation of art objects, registrati on of antiquities etc.

Nearly 86 monuments including secular monuments were identified and declared as

protected monuments. Under the 11 th Finance Commission allocation, a sum of Rs.5.00 crores
has been earmarked for heritage protection. During the year 2001-2002, a sum of Rs.15.58 lakhs
and during the year 2002 -2003, a sum of Rs.170.00 lakhs have been allotted by the Government
for heritage protection. Works are in progress. This department has carried out excavation at 25
historical sites.
 About 8000 stone inscriptions have been copied so far by the Epigraphical section, out of
which more than 2000 inscriptions have been printed and published in 19 volumes. An Institute of
Epigraphy which is functioning in the Commissionerate, conducts a one year post graduate
Diploma Course in Epigraphy and Archaeology. Every year, 8 post graduate students are being
enrolled. A sum of Rs.500/ - each per month is being paid as stipend.

More than one thousand Tamil words beginning with vowels found in the inscriptions from
South Indian Inscriptions Volumes, Travancore State and Pudukkottai State Inscriptions Volumes
were transliterated and suitable meanings were given both in Tamil and English. The work is in
progress.

Two chemical laboratories one at Chennai and the o ther at Madurai are under the control
of this department. The antiquities collected during excavation and those in the site museums
are being chemically cleaned in these laboratories.

The Government Oriental Manuscripts Library and Research Centre which is functioning
under the control of this department is located in the Madras University Campus. More than
72,300 palm leaves and paper manuscripts dealing with medicine, mathematics, astrology,
astronomy and literatures are being preserved in the Library.

Two registering offices - one at Chennai and another at Tiruchirappalli are functioning in
the department under the centrally sponsored scheme for registration of antiquities as per the
‘Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972’. They register artefacts and antiquities, which are in
existence for more than hundred years and issue certificates to prevent the illegal export of idols
and antiquities.

NEW SCHEMES

During the year 2003 -2004, it has been decided to digitise the photographs and other
records of archaelogical excavation and monuments to store them in computer and to bring them
in C.D. form at a cost of Rs.4.00 lakhs. This department has proposed to conduct an excavation
at historically important site at Marakkanam at a cost Rs.3.50 lakhs.
 MU SEUMS
The Government Museum, Chennai is the oldest and the largest museum among all the
State museums in the country. This Museum is famous for its unique collections of various
artefacts in various fields like art, archaeology, anthropology, natural sci ence, geology and
children’s museum etc. Being a treasure house of our national heritage, this Museum preserves
rare archaeological specimens. It has completed its 150th year in 2001. As part of the
celebrations, an International Seminar on “Conservatio n of Stone Objects especially Limestone
Objects” was conducted from 18th to 20th December, 2001. This is the first International Seminar
conducted by the Museum in the 150 years of its existence.

DISTRICT MUSEUMS

At present, there are 20 District Museum s in the cities of Pudukkottai, Salem,

Thiruchirappalli, Vellore, Erode, Coimbatore, Madurai, Uthagamandalam, Cuddalore,
Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Krishnagiri, Sivagangai, Tiruvarur, Palani, Nagappattinam,
Kancheepuram, Ramanathapuram, Karur and Virudhunag ar. All these Museums are multi
purpose in nature.

Under the 11th Finance Commission allocation, a sum of Rs.4.60 crores has been
sanctioned for heritage protection. Necessary schemes have been evolved to upgrade the
display standard of the museum ex hibits, conserve heritage buildings by modern techniques of
International standard and landscape the campus.

The following schemes are being implemented in full swing for the celebration of 151st
year of Government Museum, Chennai.

1) An exposition on th e progress of Industries and Handicrafts in

Tamil Nadu.
2) Renovation of Bronze Gallery, Numismatic Gallery and Chemical
Conservation Gallery and establishing a new Holography Gallery.
3) Landscaping the museum campus.
4) Renovation of compound wall in front of the museum adopting
archaeological principles.
5) Installation of Electronic Surveillance System.

During the year 2002 -2003, monthly lectures and International Women’s Association
Endowment lecture, capsule courses and Internat ional Seminar on Conservation of metal objects
were conducted.

NEW SCHEMES

This department has proposed to take up the renovation work of the Geology Gallery at
Chennai Museum at a cost of Rs.10.00 lakhs during the year 2003 -2004.
 DIRECTORATE OF ART A ND CULTURE
By bringing the art institutions and organisations under one umbrella, a separate
directorate namely, the Directorate of Art and Culture was created in December, 1991 by the
Government. Its aim is to implement the schemes for development o f arts. The formation of this
directorate may be divided into three categories namely, administrative offices, art educational
institutions and art development institutions. The administrative offices namely, the Directorate of
Art and Culture is function ing at Chennai and the Regional Cultural Centres are functioning at six
places namely, Kancheepuram, Salem, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai and Tirunelveli.
These offices co -ordinate, guide and inspect the cultural activities at district level and a ssist in
carrying out the policies of the Government. Four Government Music Colleges, four Evening
College Centres at Chennai and one at Madurai, 17 District Music Schools, Government College
of Fine Arts at Chennai and Kumbakonam, Government College of Architecture and Sculpture at
Mamallapuram are engaged in imparting instructions in music, dance, instrumental music, folk
arts, sculpture and other fine arts. Cultural development organisations such as the TamilNadu
Eyal Isai Nataka Manram and the Tamil Nadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu at Chennai, the Tamil Nadu
Jawahar Siruvar Manrams in 35 places throughout the State and the District Art Societies headed
by the District Collectors are functioning in the districts.

REGIONAL CULTURAL CENTRES

Six Regional Cultu ral Centres are functioning at Kancheepuram, Thanjavur,

Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Salem in this state. The Regional Cultural Centres are
functioning to carry out the policies of the Government by co -ordinating, guiding and inspecting
the cultural activities of the District Art Societies, the District Music Schools and the Jawahar
Siruvar Manrams. The Regional Cultural Centres headed by the Assistant Directors act
independently on behalf of Art and Culture Department and in co -ordination with the District Art
Societies, the TamilNadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram, TamilNadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu, the
TamilNadu Jawahar Siruvar Manrams and the South Zone Cultural Centre which is functioning
under the Chairmanship of His Excellency, the Governor of T amil Nadu, organise cultural
functions and impart training in arts. Regional cultural centres are functioning for creating an
awareness and appreciation of the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu and re -vitalisation of cultural
traditions including the st reet theatre with the co -operation of the District Art Societies and other
cultural organisations. For implementing this scheme, the Government have sanctioned a
sum of Rs.66.00 lakhs during the year 2002 -2003.

The Government have sanctioned a sum of Rs.3.625 lakhs in t he year 2002 -2003 for
identifying and giving district level awards to five eminent artistes in each district.
 The Government have implemented the scheme for issuing identification cards to the
artistes in the year 2002 -2003. This s cheme is being implemented in each district through the
District Art Societies headed by the District Collectors concerned.

ART EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

MUSIC COLLEGES

Government Music Colleges are functioning in four places at Chennai, Madurai,

Coimbatore and Thiruvaiyaru. The Evening Music College Centres are functioning at Chennai
in four centres namely, Tiruvallikkeni, Mylapore, Thiyagarayanagar, Purasaivakkam and another
at Madurai. Three year Diploma courses are offered at the Government Mus ic Colleges. In
Thiruvaiyaru Government Music College alone, in addition to Diploma courses, a three year
Graduate course in Music is also conducted. A one year Music Teacher Training Diploma course
is available in the Government Music Colleges at Che nnai, Madurai and Coimbatore.
Certificates are given to the students who complete two years of studies in the evening music
college centres.

MUSIC SCHOOLS

Government District Music Schools are functioning at 17 places namely, Tirunelveli,

Thiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai, Salem, Thiruvarur, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Karur, Perambalur,
Thoothukkudi, Kancheepuram, Thiruvannamalai, Sivagangai, Krishnagiri, Sirkazhi, Erode and
Ramanathapuram. In these District Music Schools, three year Certificate courses in V ocal
Music, Bharathanatyam, Nathaswaram, Thavil and Devaram are offered.

FINE ARTS COLLEGES

Government Colleges of Fine Arts are functioning at Chennai and Kumbakonam. In the
College at Chennai, four year graduate courses in the following disciplines viz ., Industrial design
in ceramic, industrial design in textile design, visual communication design, painting, sculpture,
print making and two year post graduate courses in the following disciplines viz., painting, visual
communication design, ceramic design and textile design are conducted. A pass in +2
examination is the minimum educational qualification for admission to degree courses in this
College. This College holds the pride by having been started 152 years ago. All the syllabus of
this college are approved by the Madras University. In the College at Kumbakonam, five year
graduate courses in the following disciplines namely, painting, visual communication design and
sculpture and two years post graduate courses in the disciplines namely, paintin g and sculpture
are offered. A pass in Tenth Standard Examination is the minimum educational qualification
prescribed for admission to the graduate course in this college. The syllabus of this college are
approved by the Thiruchirappalli Bharathidasan U niversity.
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECT URE AND SCULPTURE

The Government College of Architecture and Sculpture is functioning at Mamallapuram

since the year 1957. From the year 2000 -2001 onwards, a four year degree course is offered in
this college. B.Tech in traditional temple Architecture, B.F.A. in traditional sculpture and B.F.A. in
traditional drawing and painting are offered.

THIRUCHIRAPPALLI KAL AI KAVERI FINE ARTS COLLEGE

Kalai Kaveri Fine Arts College in Thiruchirappalli is a grant in aid college und er the
administrative control of the Department of Art and Culture. Grant to this College is being given
by the Department of Collegiate Education. The College is offering the following three year
Degree course.

1. Bharathanatyam

2. Vocal

3. Violin

4. Veena

5. Mridhangam.

TAMILNADU OVIA NUNKALAI KUZHU

The Tamil Nadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu was established by the Government in the year
1975 for preserving, promoting, and propagating fine Arts such as painting, sculpture and
graphics and for encouraging t he artists and to work in co -ordination with the Lalit Kala
Akademi,New Delhi. The schemes of the Kuzhu are implemented with the grant -in-aid sanctioned
by the Government.

“KALAICHEMMAL” awards are conferred on the eminent artists of Tamil Nadu in

recognition of their meritorious services in the fields of Traditional and Contemporary Arts with a
cash award of Rs.20.000/ - each and a citation plaque. So far, eminent artists numbering 5 in
traditional field and 36 in contemporary field have been conferr ed with this title.

State level traditional exhibition of art and contemporary exhibition of art are held by the
Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu to encourage the artists. For the excellent creations in the traditional art
field, a sum of Rs.5.000/ -is given to the p articipating artists as exhibition award. In the
contemporary exhibitons of art, the participating senior artists of thirty years of age and above, a
sum of Rs.15,000/ - is given as award and the participating junior artists below thirty years of age
is given a sum of Rs.5,000/ - as award. So far, the exhibition awards were given to 43 artists in
traditional exhibitions of art and 234 artists in the contemporary exhibitions of art.

Financial assistance of Rs.5,000/ - per exhibition is given t o the artists in Tamil Nadu to
conduct their exhibitions either individually or collectively as a group. So far, financial
assistance was given to 111 artists to conduct ONE MAN SHOWS and to 10 groups of artists to
conduct GROUP SHOWS. In the year 2002-2003, 16 more artists have been selected for this
assistance for conduct of ONE MAN SHOWS.

For encouraging the students of Fine Arts, scholarship of Rs.3,000/ - is given to the final
degree students and Rs.5,000/ - to the final year post graduate s tudents. So far, scholarship was
given to 378 students in degree courses and 28 students in post graduate courses.

Two Art Galleries of Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu, one at Udhagamandalam and another at the
Office of the Assistant Director of Regional Cultural Centre at Madurai are functioning where art
works of eminent artists of Tamil Nadu are displayed for the view of public and tourists.

“NUNKALAI”, a bi -lingual art magazine which contains articles highlighting the special
features of Fine Arts o f Tamil Nadu is being published. So far, twenty two Nunkalai issues have
been brought out.

In order to encourage artists in the districts, a sum of Rs.10,000/ - each is given to the
Six Regional Cultural Centres of department of Arts and Culture for c onducting exhibition of arts
jointly with Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu.

Training classes in fine arts are conducted on Sundays to those who are interested in
learning fine arts, at the campus of Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai. Aspirants of all
ages can join the classes by paying a monthly fee of Rs.100/ -. In the year 2002 -2003, 154
aspirants have joined in the training classes.

TAMILNADU JAWAHAR SIRUVAR MANRAM

The Tamil Nadu Jawahar Siruvar Manram was established in the year 1979 at Chennai.
The aim of this institution is to give cultural training and develop the art talents of the children in
the age group of five to sixteen years.

In Tamil Nadu, Jawahar Siruvar Manrams are functioning in 35 places. At 23 places, it is

functioning as District Jawahar Siruvar Manrams, in 10 places, it is functioning as District
Jawahar Siruvar Manram Extension Centres and in two places it is functining as Rural Jawahar
Siruvar Manrams. These centres are implementing the schemes with the grant in aid of the
Government.

In these centres, part time training is given in twenty disciplines such as Bharathanatyam,
Folk Dance, Craft, Vocal Music, Drama, Gymnastics, Mirudhangam, Tabla, Karathe, Computer,
Harmonium-Keyboard, Veena, Drums, Bands, Tailoring, Drawing, Sc reen Printing, Flute, Yoga
and Silambam as detailed below. At Chennai, training is given for six days in a week in 16
disciplines, at District Jawahar Siruvar Manrams and the Extension Centres, training is given for
three days in a week in four kinds of disciplines and in Rural Centres training is given for three
days in a week in two disciplines in the evenings. Totally 8000 children are getting training in all
the Jawahar Siruvar Manrams in TamilNadu. Children’s libraries are functioning in all other 3 3
Jawahar Siruvar Manrams except in two Rural Jawahar Siruvar Manrams.

During the year 2002 -2003, free summer camps were conducted in Chennai Siruvar
Manram and 1412 children were benefitted. A state level summer special camp was organised
for eight days in the month of May, 2002 at Udagamandalam and 100 children were given
training.

In the month of May, 2002, dance arangetram was performed for three economically
backward children of Thanjavur Siruvar Manram free of cost. In the month of June, 2002, s ix
children from Tamil Nadu participated in the exchange of cultural programmes held at Hyderabad
and in November, 2002, 48 children participated in the National Childrens Assembly held at New
Delhi. In the month of August, 2002, 16 children from Chennai Siruvar Manram participated in the
State level Gymnastics competition held at Coimbatore and won two shields. In the month of
November, 2002, 12 children participated in the National level Gymnastics competition held at
Hyderabad and Gurdaspur.In th e month of October, 2002, 56 children from Tamil Nadu
participated in the South Zonal level President’s Bal Shree award selection held at
Thiruvananthapuram and 6 children selected among them participated in the National level
selection held at New Delhi in the month of December, 2002. In the month of December, 2002,
14 children from all the Siruvar Manrams in Tamil Nadu participated and exhibited their talents in
the National Young Environmentalist Conference held at New Delhi. In the month of December ,
2002, 16 children from Chennai Siruvar Manram participated in the District Level Silambam
competition held at Avadi and won 15 prizes. In the month of January, 2003, 8 children from
Chennai Siruvar Manram participated in the State Level Silambam compet ition held at
Rajapalayam.

TAMILNADU EYAL ISAI NATAKA MANRAM

To carryout the objectives of the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi at State level and also
for the development and fostering of traditional Tamil Arts, Tamil Nadu Sangeet Nataka Sangam
was establi shed by the Government of Tamil Nadu in the year 1955 and was renamed as Tamil
Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram in the year 1973. This organisation is executing several
schemes from the grants sanctioned by the State Government.

The main activities of the Manram consists of exchange of cultural troupes between the
States of Indian subcontinent, sanctioning of monthly financial assistance to the indigent artistes,
sanctioning of family maintenance grant to the families of deceased famous artistes, encouragi ng
talented budding artistes by means of providing opportunities for their performances through the
various cultural organisations of Tamil Nadu, conferring the State Award of “Kalaimamani” on the
artistes for their yeomen service for the enrichment of p erforming arts, extending grants to
professional drama troupes for the production and staging of Tamil dramas depicting our ancient
culture and heritage, sanctioning grants for the publication of rare books in the field of art and
culture, releasing of gra nts to voluntary cultural institutions towards the commemorative festival of
savants, documentation of extinguishing rare forms of traditional arts to enable the future
generation to know about them, recording and preserving the music programmes of the se nior
famous artistes, and encouraging research on our folk arts and traditional classical arts.

With a view to felicitating the famous artistes who are serving in a commendable manner
in the field of performing arts, the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram is conferring
“Kalaimamani”, the State Award on them. So far, 1170 artistes have been honoured with the
prestigious State Award. In the function organised for conferring Kalaimamani award, portraits of
256 eminent deceased artistes in various art disciplines have been unveiled. At the
Kalaimamani Award investiture ceremonies, 181 artistes who were already conferred
Kalaimamani and artistes in indigent circumstances have been awarded Porkizhi (Cash Award).
In this way, Porkizhis were given durin g the year, 1974 -75 to 1986-87 to 147 artistes at the rate of
Rs.1000/- and in the year 1990 -91 to 1993-94 to 17 artistes at the rate of Rs.5000/ - and in the
year 1994-95 to 1998-99 to 13 artistes at the rate of Rs.10.000/ - and in the year 1999 -2000 to 4
artistes at the rate of Rs.15000/ -.

To create opportunities for the people in different parts of India, to know about the arts
and cultural heritage and also to promote the sense of national integration, the scheme known as
Inter -State Cultural Exchange P rogramme is being implemented by the Manram on behalf of the
Government of Tamil Nadu, with the co -ordination of Central Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi
on behalf of the Government of India. Under this scheme, so far 79 cultural troupes from other
States have visited Tamil Nadu and 81 cultural troupes of Tamil Nadu have visited other States.
During the year 2002 -2003, the cultural troupes from Tamil Nadu visited Lakshadweep. Assam
cultural troupe visited Tamil Nadu and performed cultural programmes.

Under the scheme of financial assistance to famous artistes and men of letters who are
now in indigent circumstances, a sum of Rs.500/ - per month is being given as financial
assistance. In this regard, so far orders have been issued for sanction of financi al assistance to
6063 indigent artistes including the sanction of financial assistance to 498 indigent artistes during
the year 2002 -2003.

The bereaved families of the deceased artistes are given family maintenance grant.
Under this scheme, during the ye ar 1986 to 1991, 88 families at the rate of Rs.2000/ - and in the
year 1992 to 1997, 77 families at the rate of Rs.3000/ - and from the year 1998 to till date 75
families at the rate of Rs.5000/ - have benefitted. So far, 240 bereaved families of the decease d
artistes have benefitted.

With a view to providing an introduction the budding artistes who have been trained in the
Art field of Bharathanatyam, Classical vocal and Instrumental music, etc., the Manram is
extending sufficient grant to the successfully running Voluntary Cultural Organisations of Tamil
Nadu for arranging the performances of the young artistes. Under this scheme, during the year
2002-2003, the Manram has provided opportunities to 34 artistes selected by an expert
committee to exhibit thei r calibre through 14 selected voluntary cultural organisations. So far,
1631 young artistes have benefitted under this scheme.

Financial assistance has been sanctioned to bring out the books on art. Under this
scheme, 103 books have been published with t he grant in aid of the Manram.

Under the scheme of giving grants to drama troupes for the production and staging of
new Tamil dramas based on Tamil art and culture, so far 42 Tamil dramas have been produced
and staged.

The Manram is extending grants to folk artistes and troupes for the purchase of costumes
and musical instruments. Under this scheme, a sum of Rs.750/ - is given to each folk artiste and
Rs.2500/- to each troupe. So far, 1425 folk artistes / troupes have been benefitted.

In order to creat e an awareness on our extinguishing traditional folk art forms among our
younger generation and also to provide sufficient programme opportunities to folk artistes, the
Manram is organising folk art festivals. The folk art festival has been organised at Salem on
21.12.2002 in a grand manner. In this programme, 100 folk artistes were given chances to exhibit
their folk performances. Festival in commemoration of deceased famous drama artistes was
conducted at Pudukkottai on 8 -2-2003. Mupperum Kalaivizha fro m 17.2.2003 to 21.2.2003 and
Salangaivizha from 26.3.2003 to 28.3.2003 were conducted in Chennai.

As a measure to develop Nattuvangam art, 6 Bharathanatyam artistes have been

selected and given training through an expert in the premises of Manram. A mont hly stipend of
Rs.250/- per student and a monthly honorarium of Rs.3000/ - to the master have been paid.

Under the scheme of imparting advanced training to Nadhasuram and Thavil artistes, 10
Nadhasuram young artistes and 4 Thavil young artistes have bee n selected and given advance
training by the experts in their respective disciplines in the premises of the Manram. A monthly
stipend of Rs.350/ - per student and a monthly honorarium of Rs.3000/ - to the gurus of
Nadhasuram and Thavil respectively have bee n paid.

With a view to encouraging the aspiring young children in the age group of 5 to 15 years
to learn the art of Bharathanatyam and Carnatic Music, 22 young artistes for vocal and
instrumental and 20 young artistes for Bharathanatyam have been selec ted and given training. A
stipend of Rs.1600/ - per annum to each vocal and instrtumental music artiste and Rs.2400/ - per
annum to each Bharathanatyam artiste have been awarded to enable them to have training in
their respective art disciplines. The Manra m is extending grants to Voluntary Cultural
Organisations for various art projects.

The Manram is organising functions in commemoration of deceased famous artistes, folk

arts festival, drama festival, dance festival,etc., and saaral vizha at Courtrallam with the co -
ordination of various Government departments.
RAGA RESEARCH CENTRE

Raga Research Centre was formed by the Government in the year 1992. The objective
of the Centre is to continue the research aspects in Music and its development. So far, th e
Government have given a sum of Rs.12.00 lakhs as grant to the Centre. The Government have
also given a sum of Rs.5.00 lakhs as grant during the year 2002 -2003 to promote the Raga
Research Centre.

As announced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister in the 15 Po int programme, the Directorate
of Art and Culture is taking effective steps to generate awareness and appreciation of the cultural
heritage and traditions of Tamil Nadu.

NEW SCHEMES

During the year 2003 -2004, action will be taken to implement the new sc hemes for
purchase of computers, musical instruments, furnitures and xerox machines for various
institutions, drawing materials to the students, conducting training to youth in various art forms
and refresher course to the teachers of Music Schools and C olleges, conducting of art festivals
and cultural functions, conducting of cultural exchange programmes between States, creating
awareness of staging dramas and street theatres and printing and publication of text books
relating to the syllabus of the Musi c Schools and Colleges.

With a view to preserving the civilization and culture and to developing Tamil language
without flagging, the above mentioned constructive schemes will be carried out with a sense of
dedication under the able and dynamic leadershi p of the Hon’ble Chief Minister.

S.SEMMALAI
Minister for Health and Education