SOAS University’s South Asia Institute is proud to be hosting a day to commemorate the great Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar on Saturday 13th May 2017. An afternoon of lectures, readings and performances which will celebrate his work and influence on Tamil scholarship and culture. SOAS will also be marking the 21st Anniversary of the well-loved statue of Thiruvalluvar which sits just outside the main campus gates.

The event will also be an opportunity to find out more about continuing efforts to ensure that Tamil Studies at SOAS can be offered and that this vibrant and historically-significant language is taught to new generations of students far into the future.

Registration
Entry free but registration essential. Click here to book your place now.
Organiser: SOAS SSAI
Contact email: ssai@soas.ac.uk
Contact Tel: +44 (0)20 7898 4390

The statue of Thiruvalluvar was opened on the 13th May 1996. In 2016 it was restored to its former glory. Thiruvalluvar was a celebrated Tamil poet and philosopher whose signature work was the ethical piece ‘Thirukkural’. The statue is a popular place for students, staff, and the wider community to congregate.

Programme of lectures, readings and performances

From 1.45pm: Reception and Registration (Brunei Gallery Building)

Session 1: 2 – 3.15pm

Garlanding of the Statue of Thiruvalluvar

Welcome and Introduction
● Professor Edward Simpson, Incoming Director, SOAS South Asia Institute
● Mr Ramaswamy Balaji, First Secretary, Indian High Commission

Launch of the SOAS Tamil Studies Campaign
● Screening of SOAS Campaign Video
● SOAS and the study of South Asian languages, societies & cultures – Dr. Navtej Purewal, SOAS South Asia Institute
 
Cultural Studies with Special Reference to Tamil
● Dr Nanda Kumara, Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

The Tamil Presence at SOAS
● History of the Thiruvalluvar statue at SOAS -­‐ Dr. Balasubramanyam Chandramohan, Institute of Advanced Study, University of London
● Historical overview of Tamil language teaching at SOAS -­‐ Dr. John Marr

Thiruvalluvar and Thirukkural: mapping trends in scholarship, teaching and public engagement
● Video produced by Professor Aranga Ramalingam, formerly of University of Madras and Professor Rathnavel Manuvel of Sri Venkateswara University

Recitation of Thirukkural with translations
● Students at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (Tamil Teacher – Ms Rani Srinivasan)

3.15-3.40pm Refreshment break

Session 2: 3.40 – 4.45pm

Vocal Music: Poetry from the Sangam Age
● Students at Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan, led by Mrs Sivasakthi Sivanesan, Carnatic Vocal Music teacher

Thiruvalluvar/Thirukkural in scholarship and in translation
● Mr Madan S Raja

Translation in Welsh and Reflections by the Translator
● Professor Michael Hutt – Readings from a Nepali translation of Thirukkural

Roundtable debating the future of Tamil Studies
● Chaired by Dr Meera Sabaratnam, SOAS

Bharathanatyam Tribute to Thiruvalluvar
● Students from Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan (choreography: Mr Prakash Yadagudde, Bharatanatyam teacher)

Vote of Thanks and Close