1. சங்க இலக்கியத்தில் சுற்றுச்சூழல் சிந்தனை: நவீன பசுமைச் சிந்தனையுடன் ஒப்பாய்வு

முனைவர் தி. அறக்கலைச்செல்வி

Environmental Thought in Sangam Literature: A Comparative Study with Modern Ecological Thought

Dr. T. Arakalai Selvi

Abstract

Sangam literature represents one of the earliest and most sophisticated intellectual traditions in classical Tamil culture, articulating a holistic ecological worldview that integrates human life with the natural environment. The five ecological landscapes—Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neithal, and Palai—function as systematic biocultural frameworks that synthesize geographical conditions, climatic patterns, flora–fauna dynamics, occupational structures, and emotional expressions. Core Sangam anthologies such as Natrinai, Akananuru, Kuruntokai, and Purananuru encode ecological ethics through recurring themes of water stewardship, tree preservation, land integrity, animal coexistence, and coastal livelihood resilience. Foundational verses, including “The world endures through the water of the river” (Natrinai 19), “Safeguarding the neem tree from being cut” (Akananuru 149), and “The ethical norm is to avoid harming the land” (Purananuru 192), demonstrate the presence of a mature environmental consciousness in the Sangam era. This study systematically examines these ecological philosophies using qualitative interpretative methods, close textual analysis, and conceptual comparison with contemporary environmental theories. The findings reveal that the Sangam worldview positions nature as a sentient, moral, and co-existent entity rather than an inert resource, leading to a distinctive ecological ethic embedded within Tamil cultural memory. By framing Sangam ecological thought within modern discourses such as deep ecology, environmental ethics, and sustainability studies, the research highlights its relevance as an early model for responsible environmental behaviour. The study argues that the ecological insights found in Sangam literature can inform contemporary responses to climate change, environmental degradation, and socio-ecological imbalance.

Keywords: Sangam Literature, Thinai Theory, Green Thought, Ecological Ethics and Sustainable Development, Environmental Awareness, Tamil Environmental Heritage.

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2. நிலைத்தகு வளர்ச்சி இலக்குகளும் நீலகிரி மலைவாழ் இருளர்களின் வாழ்வியலும்

எஃப். இமாக்குலேட் / முனைவர் இராம. பரிமளம்

Sustainable Development Goals and the Lifestyle of the Nilgiri Hill-Dwelling Irulars

F. Immaculate / Dr. R. Parimalam

Abstract

In the present context, where nature is being increasingly damaged and nations are driven toward ecological degradation, the lifestyles of indigenous community’s place nature at the forefront of human existence. Among such indigenous groups, the Irula community residing in the Nilgiris district occupies a significant position. This community continues to live with its own distinct moral codes, cultural elements, and life values. In a world where development is largely perceived only in terms of economic advancement, this study takes as its central focus the traditional livelihoods, economic conditions, educational access, health status, and socio-cultural environment of indigenous communities that live in close harmony with nature. Specifically, this article examines the intrinsic relationship between the life ways of the Nilgiris hill-dwelling Irula community and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular reference to poverty eradication (SDG–1), quality education (SDG–4), and reduced inequalities (SDG–10).

Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals, Irula Community, Poverty Eradication, Quality Education, Inequalities.

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3. இயற்கையும் இறைவனும்

முனைவர் பா. இராஜ்குமார்

Devotional Ecology

Dr. P. Rajkumar

Abstract

The Tamil literary tradition has, from its earliest classical phase, conceived of nature not merely as a physical environment but as a living, ethical, and aesthetic presence deeply intertwined with human life. In Sangam poetry, landscapes are structured through the thinai system, where ecological regions such as mountains, forests, pastoral lands, seashores, and agricultural plains are inseparably linked with human emotions, occupations, and moral values. This ecological imagination did not disappear with the advent of devotional literature but was meaningfully transformed and sustained within the Bhakti movement. Among the Saiva saints, Thirugnanasambandar (7th century CE) holds a significant place due to his lyrical hymns (Tevaram), which are rich in natural imagery and ecological awareness. This study examines three selected hymns of Thirugnanasambandar to explore how natural elements such as landforms, trees, flowers, animals, rivers, and sacred groves are poetically represented and symbolically charged within the thinai framework. These hymns are not merely descriptions of temple surroundings but encode a deep reverence for the natural world as an expression of divine presence. Sambandar repeatedly associates Shiva’s sacredness with fertile fields, forested hills, blooming flowers, flowing waters, and thriving creatures, thereby constructing an ecological spirituality that affirms the intrinsic value of all forms of life. The article further interprets these poetic expressions in the light of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 15, “Life on Land,” which aims to protect terrestrial ecosystems, combat deforestation, halt biodiversity loss, and promote sustainable land use. By placing Sambandar’s devotional ecology in dialogue with contemporary environmental ethics, this study demonstrates that Bhakti literature anticipates many modern sustainability principles. The hymns encourage respect for land, protection of living beings, and harmonious coexistence between humans and nature—values that resonate strongly with the goals of ecological conservation today. The analysis reveals that Tamil Bhakti poetry is not limited to religious devotion but also serves as a cultural archive of ecological consciousness. Sambandar’s hymns reflect a worldview in which nature is sacred, interconnected, and worthy of care rather than exploitation. By linking ancient Tamil devotional poetry with modern sustainability discourse, this article argues that the Bhakti tradition offers valuable indigenous knowledge for contemporary ecological thinking and sustainable development. Re-reading Tevaram through the lens of SDG 15 enables us to recognise Tamil literary heritage as a vital resource for shaping environmentally responsible futures.

Keywords: Thirugnanasambandar, Tevaram, Thinai theory, Sustainable Development Goal 15, Life on Land, Ecological ethics, Tamil Bhakti literature, Devotional Ecology.

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4. திணைப் பாகுபாட்டில் உரிப்பொருளும் சூழலியலும்

முனைவர் க. இரா. இராஜேஸ்வரி

The Ecology of the Primary Theme in the Classification of Land Divisions

Dr. K. R. Rajeswari

Abstract

In the structure of Sangam love poems, the five landscapes (Thinai) hold primary importance. Although these five landscapes have been systematized by Tholkappiyar through the three elements of primary subject matter, secondary subject matter, and thematic content, it is the thematic content that serves as the vital element, enriching the poems. This article explains how ecology forms the basis for these three elements and how it stands as the central theme of Sangam literature. Furthermore, the background environments are the reason for the emergence of the emotions of union, separation, lamentation, sulking, and separation, which constitute the thematic content in these types of literature. Tholkappiyar's analysis of Akathinai (love poetry) by dividing it into three categories—primary subject matter, secondary subject matter, and thematic content—is relevant to ecology. In any country in the world, the lifestyle, customs, thoughts, and actions of the people will fall within these three categories defined by Tholkappiyar. On this basis, Tholkappiyar first describes the conduct of the people (thematic content), then the land and time that form the basis for that conduct, and finally the secondary subject matter associated with it. He categorizes the landscapes based on these three elements. Therefore, "Thinai" can be called "contextual fiction" or "background environment." This contextual framework led to the classification of Thinais. The Tholkappiyar's theory of Thinai states that when the primary, secondary, and tertiary elements appropriate to each Thinai are perfectly aligned, the poem of that particular Thinai is created. Based on this, the five landscapes have been classified.The word "Kurunji," which was used to refer to the situation of living together due to the environmental context of the Thinai, over time came to refer to the mountain and its surrounding areas. Similarly, the actions of women waiting for the arrival of men became the primary theme of the Mullai landscape, known as "Iruppal" (waiting). The conflicts between men and women that arose in a more developed stage of life became the theme of "Oodal" (lovers' quarrel), and compassion became the primary theme for the pitiable life situation of the Neythal landscape. This article examines the manner in which the primary themes were structured based on ecological context and the way in which the primary theme takes precedence in the classification of Thinais.

Keywords: Thinai Classification, Metaphor, Ecology, Morale.

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5. பழந்தமிழர்களின் மருத்துவ மேலாண்மை

முனைவா் கி. கண்மணி

Clinical Management of Ancient Tamils

Dr. K. Kanmani

Abstract

Ancient Tamil medical knowledge constitutes a comprehensive and sophisticated medical system. All aspects, including physicians (vaithiyar), diagnostic and treatment methods, and medicines derived from natural herbs and minerals, are extensively detailed in classical Tamil Siddha medical texts. This system represents an exemplary lifestyle approach focused more on prevention than cure. The foundational principles of this preventive medicine are 'good conduct' (nallozhukkam), 'a disciplined dietary regimen', and 'a life in harmony with nature'. The Tamils believed that balance between the body, mind, and external environment is the hallmark of health. These principles are elucidated in Sangam literary works such as Kurunthogai and Nattrinai; in the Eighteen Minor Works (Pathinen Keezhkanakku) like Naanmanikkadigai and Aasaarakkovai; and in specialised medical treatises such as Thirumoolar's Marunthu Nool, Agathiyar Soothiram, Bogar 300, and Pulippani Maruthuva Nool. These texts categorise food according to the criterion of it being 'medicine'. They emphasise the importance of tailoring food intake—its nature, timing, and method of consumption—along with proper sleeping habits, according to an individual's bodily constitution (Vatham, Pitham, Kapham), the season, and age. Thus, the medicine of the ancient Tamils was not merely an art of curing disease, but a holistic lifestyle philosophy integrated with the flow of nature. This article examines this ancient system of healthcare management.

Keywords: Thirukkural, Siddha Medicine, Traditional Medicine, Sanjeevi.

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6. தமிழரின் புலப்பெயர்வும் தமிழ்க் கல்விச் சூழலும்

ம. கயல்விழி / முனைவர் பா. இராஜ்குமார்

Migration of Tamils and the Tamil Educational Context

M. Kayalvizhi / Dr. P. Rajkumar

Abstract

The antiquity of the Tamil people, their origins, and their migration across the world are evidenced by various literary works, grammatical texts, inscriptions, and historical accounts from scholars, spanning from the Sangam period to contemporary times. Due to the passage of time and various political reasons, Tamils have migrated from their homeland and are now living in different countries. This article examines the need for mother-tongue education to ensure a proper educational environment for their future generations and to preserve their culture in the context of migration. It also explores the efforts they undertake to obtain education, the challenges they face, and the role and importance of education in reclaiming their cultural identity while living as refugees in foreign lands.

Keywords: Migration, Refugees, Culture, Diaspora, Education.

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7. நாட்டுப்புறப் பாடல்களும் மக்கள் வாழ்வியலும்

ம. கஸ்தூரி / முனைவர் அ. கலீல் ரெஹ்மான்

Natupura Padalgalum Makkal Vazhviyalim

M. Kasthuri / Dr. A. Kaleel Rahuman

Abstract

Folk literature is connected to the lives of the people. Folk songs express their ways of life, occupations, arts, and devotion. These songs serve as gateways that reveal the lifestyle of the rural populace. Additionally, folk songs are often regarded as songs of nature and can be classified into various categories. Through lullabies, children’s songs, love songs, and work songs, rural communities have depicted the events of their lives with accuracy. Therefore, folk songs are woven into every stage of human life, from birth to death. They are not merely sequences of words; they represent a valuable record of ancestral ways of life. Preserving these folk songs is essential, as they constitute the oral expression of human emotions and serve as rare documents of unwritten social history. Hence, this study has demonstrated how the way of life of rural communities is rooted within these songs.

Keywords: Folk Literature, Folk Songs, People's Lifestyle.

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8. வற்றும் ஏரியின் மீன்கள் சிறுகதையை முன்னிறுத்தி நிலைத்தகு வளர்ச்சி இலக்குகள்

வே. காந்திமதி / முனைவர் இராம. பரிமளம்

Sustainable Development Goals in the Context of the Short Story Vatrum Eriyin Meengal

V. Gandhimathi / Dr. R. Parimalam

Abstract

Ambai's short story “Vattrum Yeriyin Meengal” vividly portrays the lifestyle of rural people. It highlights how poverty and the unavoidable family circumstances arising from it act as barriers to education and economic progress. The protagonist, Bimla Devi, manages to overcome these challenges through her studies and achieves a respectable position in society. Driven by a desire to give back, she wishes to provide the same education to the children of her village. To assist in this mission, she invites her friend, Kumud, to the village. As Kumud travels there, the harsh realities of the settlement are described: a lack of sanitation facilities, dilapidated roads, and a complete absence of medical infrastructure. This remains the reality for many villages across India today. Furthermore, this is not just an Indian issue but a global challenge. To address such disparities, the United Nations has established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides support to achieve them. The primary objective is to reach significant milestones by the year 2030. While the Indian government has formulated various schemes based on these goals, rural areas have not yet seen growth on par with urban centers. Factors such as socio-cultural mindsets, deep-rooted poverty, and a lack of awareness continue to act as major hurdles in implementing development projects within rural communities.

Keywords: Vatrum Eriyin Meengal, Short Story, Sustainable Development Goals.

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9. சங்க காலப் பெண்பாற் புலவர்களின் வரலாற்றுப் பதிவுகள்

முனைவர் மா. கார்த்திகேயன்

Autobiographical Records of Women Poets of the Sangam Age

Dr. M. Karthikeyan

Abstract

More than forty female poets have contributed to the Tamil literary treasure. Sangam literature and their verses contain significant autobiographical records. Among these, the poems of Aathimanthiyar, who wandered in search of Attanatti, the songs of Velliveethiyar, who searched relentlessly for her husband, and the Kaikkilai (unrequited love) verses of Nakkannaiyar, expressing her love for King Kopperunarkilli, serve as profound autobiographical accounts of their inner lives (Akam). Meanwhile, the personal history of Avvaiyar has been linked with her bond with King Athiyaman; similarly, the poems of Perungoppendu, who defied the austerities of widowhood, and those of Pari’s daughters, who mourned the loss of both their father and their kingdom, stand as poignant autobiographical records of tragedy and grief.

Keywords: Female Poets, Kaikkilai, Pari Magalir, Aathimanthiyar, Perungoppendu.

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10. இலக்கியங்களில் சமுதாய மேலாண்மை

முனைவர் தி. சங்கரநாராயணன்

Social Governance in Literature

Dr. T. Sankaranarayanan

Abstract

For the past 2,000 years, Tamils have excelled in culture and civilisation. Tamils, who developed a grammar for language, also developed a grammar for human life. The fact that Tamils divided their lives into two, internal and external, is considered the pinnacle of culture. Literature expresses social and cultural thoughts. Society is a collective group of people. The individual and society together create culture. This article aims to highlight the culture’s civilisation, customs, and lifestyle. The saying “When the stone came out and the soil came out, the man came out” describes the Tamil language. The language reflects the cultured life and ancient culture of the Tamils. It draws on the grammatical and literary resources of ancient Tamils and their characteristic worldly nature. Among the ancient Tamil literatures, the Sangam literature stands out for its unique literary elements. Man can learn and pass on what he has learned to the next generation. The combination of knowledge and faith that a person can have as a result of these is called culture. Since ancient times, Tamils have lived well and cultivated a high culture. Culture is the basis for the progress of society. Culture supports human beings in living with a sense of purpose and in excelling in life. Culture is a way of expressing culture, civilisation, religion, festivals, etc.

Keywords: Sangam Literature, Culture, Sangam People.

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11. ஜெயகாந்தன் சிறுகதையில் நல்குரவு

சி. சங்கீதா

Poverty in Jayakanthan's Short Stories

S. Sangeetha

Abstract

Whenever society changes, literature changes too. Society’s culture, civilisation, traditions, etc., can be considered a source of creativity for the developing generation. With many critiques in the literary world of such works of social change, Jayakanthan is worth mentioning among the writers presented. In his works, many themes, such as the practical life tragedy in society, problems in human relations, and the condition of marginalised people, will be revealed. One of his works, the short story “Guru Peedam,” is the focus of this article. In this short story, he has recorded the social woes and the human mind very wonderfully. Without naming the leading role in the short story, he first appears as a beggar, then rises to the level of a guru who preaches, and finally completes the story as a disciple who searches for himself. He has clearly shown the society’s ability to treat the man stuck in the grip of poverty as a beggar. Apart from that, he has also recorded this social expression in the mind of the beggar. The central purpose of this article is to explore the social values that emerge through the beggar, whom everyone easily overlooks.

Keywords: Poverty, Avarice, Apostasy, Lasciviousness, Lust, Hypocrisy, Laziness.

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12. திலவதி படைப்புகளில் மரபு ஒத்திசைவும் மாறுபட்ட கட்டமைப்பும்

திருமதி சு. சுதா / முனைவர் சோ. கோதண்டராமன்

Traditional Harmony and Diverse Structure in the Works of Thilagavathi

Mrs. S. Sudha / Dr. S. Godhandaraman

Abstract

With the advent of an era in which women themselves authored literature about the female condition, female creators began infusing their writings with the vibrant essence of human emotion. There existed distinct differences between the manner in which a man wrote about such experiences and the way a woman articulated that same pain. Against this backdrop, a new generation of female creators emerged with great vigour. These creators adopted themes centring on women’s social existence and wrote about them with unreserved candour. When writing about the female body and language—subjects over which male creators often glossed out of a sense of propriety—female writers recorded every detail without concealment. Articulating female emotions exactly as they are became a distinct literary practice among these women creators. Despite advancements in women’s education, a form of patriarchal subjugation—which hinders women’s progress—continues to operate within society in various guises to this very day. The fact that this subjugation remains prevalent across various social rituals, daily routines, and administrative structures serves as a stark reminder that women’s liberation has not yet been fully realised. Female creators, establishing themselves across diverse literary platforms, have never failed—in one form or another—to address the theme of women’s liberation in their work. Among the writers, Thilagavathi stands out as a notable writer in modern Tamil literature. She possesses a remarkable ability to employ simple language to evoke in her readers an experience akin to witnessing life firsthand. She has authored novels centred on the core theme that women must cast off the social shackles of “tradition” and “customs. This article explores the archaic traditions detrimental to women depicted in her works, as well as the alternative perspectives and strategies she employs to challenge them.

Keywords: Thilagavathi, Novels, Feminism, Tamil Tradition.

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13. சங்கம் மருவிய கால பாடல் கூற்றுவழி வெளிப்படும் பாலினப் பண்புகள்

முனைவர் அ. சுபா

Gender Characteristics Revealed Through the Songs of the Sangam Declined Period

Dr. A. Suba

Abstract

Tamil is one of the ancient languages of the world. It possesses the status of being a classical language. In Tamil, the earliest literary works in terms of time are the songs and anthologies known as Sangam literature. In these works, human life is seen intertwined with the natural environment. When human life is portrayed against the backdrop of natural elements like land, seasons, and times of day, it evolves into literature. These are the Eight Anthologies (Eṭṭuttokai) and the Ten Idylls (Pattuppāṭṭu). The Eight Anthologies are capable of expounding the ways of life of the Sangam period people; they are also called "Eṇ Peruntokai" (The Eight Great Anthologies). Comparative scholars have established that the Sangam Akam (inner) poems possess a unique characteristic not found in any other world literatures. Akam generally refers to love poems. It concerns the love that occurs between the hero (thalaivan) and the heroine (thalaivi). Among the characters of Akam, the hero and heroine act as the principal characters. Gender refers to the attributes, mentality, emotions, behaviours, and actions that a society associates with a person's sex, which are defined based on gender identity. Furthermore, the term 'gender' is also a word that demands attention in this century. Gender distinctions were observed based on biological organs. Later, across time, in languages, it came to be articulated that 'hero' implies majesty and 'heroine' implies gentleness. It is on this basis that gender identity is formed. These are found from the Sangam period to the extension in contemporary literature. This article is structured to examine the gender characteristics of these two, the hero and the heroine.

Keywords: Gender, Characteristics, Songs, Sangam, Declined Period.

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14. உயிரினக் கூறுபாட்டியல் வழி சங்கத்தமிழர் சமுதாயப் பண்பாட்டுச் செல்நெறிகள்

திருமதி பெ. செல்லாச்சி / முனைவர் இரா. மஞ்சுளா

Socio-Cultural Trends of Sangam Tamils through Biological Perspectives

Tmt. P. Sellachi / Dr. R. Manjula

Abstract

Literature serves as a record of contemporary events. It leaves behind all the data, creating a historical record of the social, political, economic, and human events of the time in which it was created. Ancient Tamil literature, in turn, did not fail to record events of over two thousand years ago. The fact that they meticulously observed and documented contemporary events is a testament to their intellectual prowess. Works written with the intention of documentation serve as proof of the Tamils’ knowledge. The scientific, artistic, and technological knowledge of the Tamils reflects the intellectual experience of the Tamils of that era. A classification of living organisms can be understood throughout the Sangam Tamil literature. This is an example of their life in harmony with nature. Organisms are classified from single-sense organisms to six-sense organisms. Such classifications convey meaning in the context of social coexistence and the intellectual enrichment they gained through it. This article examines this intellectual richness found in Sangam literature.

Keywords: Socio-Culture, Trends, Sangam Tamil, Biological Perspective.

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15. உடல் நலம்

திருமதி சு. சொப்னா / முனைவர் மு. ஜோதிலட்சுமி

Body Health

Mrs. S. Sopna / Dr. M. Jothilakshmi

Abstract

This article examines the comprehensive concept of personal hygiene and physical health. Health is defined as the holistic well-being encompassing a balance of physical, mental, and emotional dimensions. Bodily cleanliness, grooming, and alignment are considered integral components of personal hygiene. To maintain this well-being and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, practices such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, yoga, and adequate rest are essential. Conversely, factors like improper diet, physical inactivity, stress, and sleep deprivation can lead to various diseases. Drawing from the aphorism of the classic Tamil philosopher Thiruvalluvar, the article emphasizes that maintaining physical health is fundamental to a disease-free life. The principles of a nature-aligned lifestyle, disciplined dietary habits, and virtuous conduct, as recommended in ancient Tamil literature, remain relevant guides for sustainable health today. Ultimately, this analysis illustrates that physical health is not merely a state of absence of disease but an active process towards achieving a complete quality of life.

Keywords: Health, Body, Wellness, Tamil Literature.

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16. வளங்குன்றா வளர்ச்சி நிலைக்குத் திருப்பாவைத் தத்துவங்கள்

முனைவர் இராம. பரிமளம்

Thiruppavai Philosophies towards Sustainable Development

Dr. R. Parimalam

Abstract

Wisdom, known as jnanam, refers to the higher knowledge through which one realizes the Divine. It is not merely intellectual understanding, but an inner realization rooted in true consciousness (meyyunarvu), through which one reflects upon the ultimate purpose and liberation of the world. Perceiving reality through this true knowledge is called semporul—the realization of the eternal truth. Therefore, the spiritual utterances of enlightened souls are revered as semporul kandar vaaichchol, words born from direct realization of truth. Such expressions are not theoretical teachings but lived experiences of divine awareness. Among those naturally endowed with this profound spiritual wisdom is Andal Nachiyar, one of the twelve Alvars. From an early age, Andal embodied divine consciousness and devotion, reflecting a rare fusion of wisdom and bhakti. Her hymns reveal deep metaphysical insight blended with intense love for the Divine, positioning her as a unique spiritual figure whose innate wisdom continues to guide seekers toward inner realization and liberation.

Keywords: Wisdom, Divine Consciousness, Andal Nachiyar, Spiritual Realization.

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17. எடுத்துரைப்பியல் நோக்கில் பட்டுக்கோட்டை பிரபாகரின் குறும்புதினங்கள்ள்

எஸ். பரமேஸ்வரி / முனைவர் இரா. மஞ்சுளா

Narratological Perspective of the Novellas of Pattukkottai Prabakar

S. Parameshwary / Dr. R. Manjula

Abstract

Literature is primarily rooted in the lives of the people. While the narrative elements of literature are drawn from human experience, they distinguish themselves primarily by the way they are narrated. When events are recounted exactly as they occurred—in a strictly factual manner—the story often fails to resonate with the human psyche or provide aesthetic pleasure. It is the diverse narrative techniques employed in storytelling that captivate and engage the reader. Though a multitude of writers populate the realm of narrative literature, only a few attain the status of celebrated literary figures. Only an author attains such acclaim because of the exceptional quality of the narrative technique in their work. In this regard, Pattukkottai Prabhakar stands out as a writer who, by focusing intently on the craft of storytelling, has earned the universal admiration of his audience. Both his literary works and the thematic content they explore are distinctively different from those of his contemporaries. The public hails Pattukkottai Prabhakar as an exceptional writer. He possessed a narrative style characterised by its distinctiveness. This article examines the specific narrative strategies and techniques employed by Pattukkottai Prabhakar, analysing them through the lens of the elements that constitute the art of storytelling.

Keywords: Pattukkottai Prabakar, Narrative Method, Novellas.

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18. பெண் கவிஞர்களின் பெண்மொழி

கா. பாரதி / முனைவர் ப. வளர்மதி

The Feminine Language of Female Poets

K. Bharathi / Dr. B. Valarmathi

Abstract

There is no such thing as a gendered language or a masculine language in language. In the construction of patriarchal thought, language have imposed freedom on men and restrictions on women. Those restrictions have become unwritten social rules for women through language. According to the saying, ‘All words have meaning’, Feminist writing has taken root in Tamil and is identified as a rapidly spreading literary form and feminist political recognition. In particular, feminist literature has also needed to identify itself from the field of restriction. They express the rights, feelings, and sorrows of women with the aim of ‘Women’s language’. Feminist thinkers propose that men and women enter into Bharathiyar’s women emancipating ideology and to gain freedom is the basic principle of women’s language. "Poetry" is a classical language style that is surprisingly concise and understandable to readers in a captivating language. New poetry has been accepted by everyone and is breaking the era when only scholars read and enjoyed it, and making it enjoyable for everyone. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, society has had the idea that if a woman starts speaking, she should not speak for herself before speaking in that way. Women are half of the human society. Today, social liberation is being talked about and written in many stages by the feminist movements. Feminism is being observed by everyone and is emerging as a movement. It is a research object that poets, realizing that women have been oppressed at all levels since the beginning of slavery, have expressed their feelings through women's language.

Keywords: Feminine Language, Female Poets, Tamil Literature.

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19. அணி - தோற்றமும் வளர்ச்சியும்

முனைவர் பா. பிரியா

Ani - Origin and Development

Dr. P. Priya

Abstract

The Tamil language is a unique classical language with classical grammar books. Tamil’s grammar is also a major reason for its status as a classical language. The first grammar book in Tamil was Agathiyam, but it is not available in its entirety. The first complete grammar book to appear after Agathiyam is the Tolkappiyam, which is the first such work we have. This book serves as the basis for the syllabus. Many grammar books appeared, centred on the syllabus. This article explains the syllabus and its importance. Whatever beautifies the poem is given as a rhyme. The word rhyme means beauty, and the reason for the appearance of rhyme is the technique of expressing the emotion that arises in the poet’s heart. The rhyme, which is an essential element of poetry, is poetry itself. Since it beautifies the poem and also brings joy to the learner, it is very appropriate to call it an element of poetry.

Keywords: Ani, Classical Language, Agathiyam, Tamil.

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20. தொய்யிற்கலை மரபும் மாற்றமும்

முனைவர் ம. பெட்ரிக் ஜெபராஜ்

Changes in Toyyirkalai Culture

Dr. M. Petric Jabaraj

Abstract

In today's modern age, in cities, Tattoo is an art form that has become a topic of conversation among the youth on social media. Today's generation spends a lot of time and money on beautifying themselves, moving towards something to differentiate themselves from others. Today you can find street tattoo centers and mehndi shops. An art form that existed from the Sangam period to the Bhakti period, then its demand decreased and became a tattoo. Nowadays, tattoo writing or tattooing is the most popular form of tattooing among young people. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 11.4) accentuates the protection of culture and heritage. Thoyyil is perceived as a way to discuss contemporary cultural traditions and change. Studies on this topic are scattered here and there on a small scale. By combining them and matching today's new trends with old traditions, the results found through them are considered to be beneficial for the future and are studied in this topic.

Keywords: Tattoos, Water Spinach, Farmland, Colour Powder, Sandal Paste.

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21. தமிழ் அறஇலக்கியங்களில் நிலைத்தகு வளர்ச்சி இலக்குகளில் ஒன்றான வறுமை ஒழிப்புச் சிந்தனைகள்

மு. முவின் / முனைவர் இராம. பரிமளம்

Concepts of Poverty Eradication in Classical Tamil Literature Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

M. Muvin / Dr. R. Parimalam

Abstract

Poverty is one of the most severe challenges in the contemporary world. According to reports by the World Bank and the United Nations, nearly 700 million people continue to live in extreme poverty. Due to poverty, many of them are deprived of basic necessities such as education, healthcare, and sanitation. Poverty significantly affects the growth and stability of a family. When numerous families are affected in this manner, it eventually becomes a serious social concern. Such poverty has existed in one form or another from the Sangam period to the present day. Poets who composed Tamil ethical literature during the post-Sangam period recognized poverty as a social problem even in ancient times and addressed it thoughtfully in their works. Humaneness flourishes through the ability to understand the suffering of others. When one reflects from another person’s perspective, it becomes easier to perceive and empathize with their pain. Scholars emphasize that even an ordinary individual safeguarding human values through whatever charitable acts are within their capacity is commendable. From this perspective, it is evident that the authors of ethical literature advocated virtues such as charity and generosity with the objective of creating a prosperous society free from poverty. Texts such as Thirukkural, Naladiyar, Pazhamozhi Naanooru, Inna Narpathu, and Iniyavai Narpathu offer ethical solutions aimed at alleviating poverty. This study comparatively examines the concepts of humaneness, social responsibility, charity, and generosity presented in Tamil ethical literature in relation to poverty eradication, one of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Keywords: Poverty, Ethics, Charity, Generosity, Hospitality, Society.

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22. பேசும் பொம்மைகள் உணர்த்தும் அறிவியலும் மனித மனமும்

திருமதி பா. மோகனப்பிரியா / முனைவர் வி. அன்னபாக்கியம்

Science and Human Mind Seen in Pesum Bommaigal

Mrs. P. Mohanapriya / Dr. V. Annapackiam

Abstract

In the novel Pesum Bommaigal, Sujatha Rangarajan portrayed the human mind as examined by scientific applications due to the growth of modern science. It describes how the employees working in a research institute are pushed into the research conducted there, and the problems within that environment. It presents a situation in which experiments are carried out on all the employees for the sake of research, yet no one reveals this to others. It reflects the kind of society in which the people live. Even when the same problem that affects a person happens to others before their eyes, no one comes forward to share it. Since the common people cannot question the effects caused by the research, the researchers conduct their experiments successfully by making the children’s voices speak through a computer, assuring that they are safe, using the voice of the parent. The main research involves inserting a chip into the brain and copying all thoughts. They also conduct experiments to check whether all knowledge can function by transferring the thoughts of many people. As a result, the woman is unable to distinguish between what happens in the external world and what happens in the internal world. In such a state, she cannot understand whether these people exist in the mind or outside; her mind expresses what is within. The anger that arose because no one helped her, along with the effects of the research and her physical health issues, has turned into a stronger sense of anger towards society. Thus, the novel Pesum Bommaigal explains how scientific research can alter the human mind. This study article is based on the ideas found in the novel.

Keywords: Sujatha, Novels, Pesum Bommaigal, Science, Psyche.

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23. சுஜாதாவின் பெண் இயந்திரம் நாவலில் பாலின சமத்துவம்

ஆ. யுவப்பிரியா / முனைவர் ப. கு. சுதா

Female Slavery in Sujatha's Novel Pen Iyanthiram

A. Yuvapriya / Dr. P. K. Sudha

Abstract

Human society has progressed through several stages of development, from a barbaric state to a civilized one. In barbaric societies, people lived by fulfilling only their basic needs. Therefore, there were no divisions or inequalities. Women were treated as equals to men. In the subsequent stages of societal development, when needs exceeded the basic requirements, men became the primary providers. From the moment possessions began to be considered the rights of men, women were subjugated. Even today, women are subjected to many societal struggles to maintain their freedom and place in the economy and society. A major theme in contemporary literary works is the subjugation and liberation of women. In this context, this article examines Sujatha's novel "Pen Yanthiram" (The Woman Machine), which explores the daily life challenges faced by working women and their potential solutions.

Keywords: Patriarchal Society, Female Slavery, Feminism, Gender Discrimination, Life Struggles.

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24. நற்றிணை பெண்பாற் புலவர்களின் குறிஞ்சித்திணைப் பாடல்களில் உளவியல்

அ. ரஞ்சிதா / முனைவர் ப. கிருஷ்ணன்

Psychological Study of Women Poets in Natrinai with Reference to Kurinji Thinai

A. Ranjitha / Dr. P. Krishna

Abstract

Love and heroism represent the core subject of Sangam literature. The poetic works of this collection were compiled and classified into two major divisions. They are Ettuttokai (The Eight Anthologies) and Pattuppattu (The Ten Idylls). It is enriched with different literary and cultural features and these works have existed and preserved for over two millennia by retaining its distinct identity. The period in which the poems were written has been regarded as a golden age in the record of Tamil literature. Sangam literature is divided into Agam and Puram poems. The themes that deal with love and inner emotions are classified as Agam, poetry and those addressing the themes such as war, business are categorized as Puram poetry. These works function as a representation of the social, cultural and historical realities of that time. The literary evidences reveal that women in the Sangam age were well educated and are seen in the poems composed by female poets. A unique style and emotional sensibility has been observed in their works. It set them apart from those of the male poets in the mode of expression and psychological insights. Sangam literature also demonstrates the classification of land into five ecological regions. They are Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neithal, and Palai. The poets employed such land based themes frameworks known familiarly as the five Tinais. This article undertakes a psychological analysis of the poems composed by women poets in Natrinai by focusing on the Kurinji Tinai.

Keywords: Sangam Literature, Hero, Heroine, Women Poets, Kurinji Land, Natrinai.

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25. மயிலாடுதுறை வட்டாரத் தாலாட்டுப் பாடல்களில் மண்சார் விழுமியக் கூறுபாடுகளின் வளர்ச்சியும் வீழ்ச்சியும்

சி. ராஜ்குமார் / முனைவர் சு. இரமேஷ்

The Rise and Decline of Indigenous Values in the Lullabies of the Mayiladuthurai Region

C. Rajkumar / Dr. S. Ramesh

Abstract

Literature records people's lives. Literature takes all aspects of people's lives—the proverbs they use, the objects they utilize, their relationship with nature, the songs they sing, the dances they perform, and the various artistic expressions they practice—and transforms them into refined art forms. The lullaby, a structural form found in people's natural life practices, has endured as an oral tradition and evolved into excellent literary works that continue to thrive today. The fact that it continues to function among the people is evidenced by all the elements it utilizes in its supporting role. If it were to lose these elements, it would be appropriate to consider it a loss of a core intellectual aspect. The land of Mayiladuthurai possesses certain values. These lullaby songs have functioned as documents that compile such valuable thoughts. The changes and developments observed in the differences between the past and the present should be examined in relation to the valuable aspects of the Mayiladuthurai region. This article examines the rise and decline of the cultural elements recorded in the lullaby songs that have been in use in the Mayiladuthurai region, focusing on these region-specific characteristics.

Keywords: Tamil Culture, Indigenous Values, Lullaby, Mayiladuthurai, Rise, Decline.

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26. மனித மதிப்பீட்டு உளவியல் நோக்கில் புறநானூற்று மனித உரிமைக் கருத்தாடல்கள்

தி. ராஜ்குமார் / முனைவர் வி. முருகன்

Theories of Human Rights from the Perspective of Human Evaluation Psychology

T. RajKumar / Dr. V. Murugan

Abstract

Tamil is a preeminent language. A distinctive feature of Tamil is its unique identity within the global tradition of literary discourse and commentary. Its ability to adapt its linguistic and literary forms, as well as its thematic content, to suit the changing times, thereby enduring across the ages, serves as a testament to its exalted status. Furthermore, it subjects its historical literary identities, spanning across numerous generations, to processes of re-reading and critical re-examination. On the one hand, comparative studies analysing the literature of various languages are underway. On the other hand, within the realm of Tamil literature, contemporary trends involve the critical re-examination of works such as Puranas and Epics, ancient intellectual traditions centred on women, and ideologies regarding caste hierarchies; these subjects are now being viewed, articulated, written about, and debated from fresh perspectives. It is through such processes that the literary vitality of the Tamil language is continually revitalised. Ancient Tamil literature documented various facets of human life, human values, human rights, and the dynamics of social interaction. Sangam Tamil literature addresses human living and the rights and entitlements essential to a civilised human life. From a psychological standpoint, there exists a specialised field of inquiry known as “Value Psychology” in the Sangam times. By analysing this framework of human values and psychology, this article examines the concepts of human rights as articulated in the Purananooru from Sangam Tamil literature.

Keywords: Human Rights, Discourses, Sangam Literature, Values Psychology, Purananooru.

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27. சங்க இலக்கியங்களில் எழுத்தும் சமூக மாற்றமும்

முனைவா் ரெ. வனிதா

The Social Changes reflected in Sangam Literature

Dr. R. Vanitha

Abstract

Sangam literature occupies a primary place in Tamil literary history. These works reflect the life, culture, beliefs, and social structure of ancient Tamil society. Through the Sangam texts, one can understand the social system, economic conditions, family structure, occupations, moral values, and political life of the people of that period. This study examines the various social changes reflected in the Sangam literature. The changes in lifestyle, food habits, clothing, occupations, land division, social ethics, hospitality, charity, and the status of women are studied in detail. It examines the various social changes reflected in Sangam literature and highlights how these texts act as historical documents that record the evolution and transformation of ancient Tamil society. Character is what elevates people from the message. Just as a well- used field yields a good harvest, so too, a well-used mind can bring great benefit to the world. The world lives because of the person. Who possesses character? The basis of character is education. Before education took the form of writing, it took the form of gestures and later oral literature. Education should not only educate to develop knowledge. Education is to train noble human qualities, to develop excellence, and to develop virtue, morality, and truthfulness. Our ancestors believed that if there were educated scholars, no one would appear in this way. Hence, the purpose of this study is to examine writing and social change in Sangam Literature.

Keywords: Social, Education, Society, Change, Sangam Literature.

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28. பண்பாட்டு மானிடவியல் நோக்கில் மலேசிய நாட்டுச் சிறுகதைகளில் சமய நம்பிக்கைகளும், வாய்மொழிக் கதைகளும்

ஞா. விஜயலட்சுமி / முனைவர் பா. தமிழரசி

Religious Beliefs and Oral Narratives in Malaysian Short Stories from a Cultural Anthropological Perspective

G. Vijayalakshmi / Dr. P.Thamilarasi

Abstract

Knowledge of a single field is not sufficient to discover and understand the evolution of knowledge. ‘Cultural anthropology’ is a field of knowledge with multifaceted development. When conducting studies on literature, one can broaden knowledge by approaching it from a cultural anthropology perspective. Anthropology has a limit that no other field has in knowing about humans. According to the data known to anthropology so far, religious belief emerged during the time of the Neanderthal Man, the human ancestors who lived in prehistoric times. The artefacts found among these people indicate that they believed in some form of life after death. However, archaeologists have estimated that this type of religious belief emerged among prehistoric people 1,00,000 years ago. All of these serve as evidence for religious beliefs. When writers attempt to write short stories and fiction about the lives of diaspora communities, they often spontaneously evoke the country's social life. This article aims to study the religious beliefs and the connection between oral stories and oral traditions in Malaysian short stories from a cultural anthropological perspective.

Keywords: Cultural Anthropology, Malaysian Short Stories, Religion, Beliefs, Oral Stories, God, Sacred Rituals.

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29. சங்க இலக்கியத்தில் தொழில்கள்

முனைவர் அ. ஜனார்த்தலி பேகம்

Occupation in Sangam Literature

Dr. A. Janarthali Begam

Abstract

The Tolkappiyam is a grammatical treatise of the Sangam era. It classified the Tamil land into five distinct geographical regions based on its physical characteristics. These regions were called Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neithal, and Palai. In these five landscapes, different modes of life and social structures emerged. The people inhabiting these regions differentiated themselves into various clans or communities based on the specific terrain they inhabited and the occupations they pursued. Such clan-based societies are often referred to as "landscape-centric communities." The Tamils of the Sangam era lived in harmony with nature. Indeed, their way of life was intertwined with the natural world. Thus, the entire Sangam literature is set against the backdrop of nature. The practice of worshipping nature as a deity constituted the earliest form of divine worship among the Tamil people. The people of the Sangam period respected, preserved, and nurtured their natural environment and realised that nature was the very source of their sustenance. They held it in high esteem. Moreover, Sangam literature reveals that these people possessed a profound and clear understanding of the Five Elements (Pancha Bhootas). The inhabitants of the Sangam era engaged in an array of occupations to sustain their livelihoods. Hence, the objective of this paper is to examine and analyze the various types of occupation of the Sangam people.

Keywords:Sangam literature, Occupation, Tamil People, Tamil Culture.

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30. இரட்டைக்காப்பியங்களில் மனித மாண்புகள்

முனைவர் அ. ஜான்சி மேரி

Human Virtues in the Duo Epics

Dr. A. Jancy Mary

Abstract

Literature reflects our daily lives. Through literature, we can understand many realities of contemporary life. Far-sighted perspectives and new strategies reveal universally accepted ideas when compared to the present era. When we learn about ethics in literature, various nuances become apparent. Literature is essential for everyone in today's lifestyle and requires extensive reading. So, literature serves as a means to cultivate human values and provides an opportunity for self-improvement. By discussing and practicing human values in our daily lives, one can transform into complete and virtuous individuals. Human values help us enrich our language skills in speaking and writing and develop abilities to encompass profound insights. Thus, understanding ethics through literature provides a path to live with deeper and clearer comprehension because Tamil literature points one towards lofty ideals and guides future generations to understand and live in society. The twin epics stand as great epics that exemplify human values. Hence, this article deciphers the human values from the duo epics.

Keywords: Tamil Literature, Duo Epics, Silappathikaram, Manimekalai, Human Virtues.

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31. சங்க அக இலக்கியப் பாடுபொருளும் ஜப்பானியப் பழங்குறுநூலும் (ச. கமலக்கண்ணன் நூலை முன்வைத்து)

முனைவர் மு. ஜோதிலட்சுமி

Themes of Sangam Classical Love Poetry and Japanese Ancient Short Poems (Based on the Book by S. Kamalakannan)

Dr. M. Jothilakshmi

Abstract

Japanese Literature took its complete form only at the beginning of the 7th century CE. Kojiki, Nihonshoki, Fudoki, Kaifuso, and Manyoshu are considered early Japanese literary works. These appeared in the years 712, 720, 733, 751, and 759 CE, respectively. These works are considered classical literature. In the history of Japanese literature, the period from 794 CE to 1186 CE is known as the classical period. This is called the Heian period or the classical period. In Tamil literature, the Sangam literature, considered classical literature, contains practical life expressions and poetic traditions for inner themes in its love poems. In external themes, the qualities of kings such as valor and generosity are expressed.The poetic expressions, literary elements, and themes of war, heroism, love, and generosity found in Sangam literature can also be observed in Japanese literature.Although individual poems and oral traditions have existed in Japan for a long time, the trend of compiling and publishing them as books began in the 8th century CE. Poems that had been in circulation for about 1000 years before compilation were compiled in 712 CE under the name Kojiki (Ancient Records). The book published in 720 CE, Nihonshoki (Japanese Records), contains information about the Japanese imperial family. Both of these works contain myths, oral traditions, and various historical facts as records in prose form. The Manyoshu (Ten Thousand Leaves), compiled in 759 AD, is the first anthology of Japanese poetry, comprising individual poems composed from the earliest times to the 8th century AD. It is divided into three sections: Zouka, which consists of miscellaneous poems related to feasts and travel; Somenka, which comprises love poems; and Banka, which contains elegies. This anthology consists of 4516 poems, divided into three volumes. Of these, 4,207 poems belong to the Tanka genre. Some poems from the Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each) anthology are also included in the Manyoshu. Other anthologies include the Niju-Ichi Daishu (21 Anthologies), compiled from the beginning of the 10th century to the mid-15th century AD. Due to Japan's political relations with China and Korea from the earliest times, and because Chinese literature was more developed than Korean literature, its influence can be seen in both the Manyoshu and the Hyakunin Isshu. S. Kamalakannan has published a work on these ancient Japanese literary works under the title "Japanese Hyakunin Isshu". This article attempts to compare and analyze this literary work with the themes and poetic conventions of Sangam Tamil love poetry.

Keywords: Sangam Literature, Hymns, Japanese Folklore, S. Kamalakannan.

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