Chennai, October 2023

“Unwavering zeal and unshakable self-discipline are important for students to perform well in their studies and achieve great things in life,” exhorted Dr.  N. Arul, Director, Tamil Development Department, Govt. of Tamilnadu, while addressing the students at Thirukkural Vizha, organised at Chennai by Shriram Ilakkiya Kazhagam. 

Shriram Ilakkiya Kazhagam has been organising a series of Thirukkural competitions for students across Tamil Nadu. One of the competitions was recently held at C.S.I Jessie Moses School in the city. Over 900 school and college students from Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram districts took part in the competitions.

Delivering his address, after distributing prizes to the students in various competition categories, Dr Arul said, “Students should constantly take part in competitions whenever they get such opportunities. Thirukkural (594) assures that wealth will go on its own to those who have unfailing energy and enthusiasm. Similarly, the 131st couplet says that discipline is more precious than one’s own life. Today’s youth should go by these eternal truths and succeed in life.”

He also announced that the Government of Tamil Nadu has announced a cash prize of Rs. 15,000 for each student who is able to memorise and orally present all the 1330 couplets. The Chief Minister of the state has directed that the prize should be given to each and every student who demonstrates this feat. He encouraged students to make use of the scheme. 

Dr. Arul also urged the students to visit the 133-foot statue of Thiruvalluvar in Kanyakumari, Valluvar Kottam in Chennai, and experience the Thirukkural Visual Display Hall at the International Institute of Tamil Studies, Chennai. This will help them understand and appreciate the legacy of Thiruvalluvar, who wrote the couplets over 2050 years ago. 

The details of the students who won the first prize in the Elocution competition:

• Junior Level: Sri. Sri. Nandana, Velammal Vidyalaya School, Mogappair West, Chennai

• Senior Level: Sri. Sri. Hakesh, Velammal Vidyalaya School, Mogappair West, Chennai 

• College Level: P. Sanjay Kumaran, International Institute of Tamil Studies, Chennai

The details of the students who won the first prize in the Drawing competition:

• Junior Level: Vedandh Pilaniwala, Velammal Vidyalaya School, Mogappair West, Chennai 

• Senior Level: R. Divya, Tarapore and Loganathan Higher Secondary School, Ayanavaram, Chennai 

• College Level: A. Akshay Sri Krishna, Panimalar Institute of Technology, Poonamallee, Chennai 

The details of the students who won the first prize in the College competition:

• Junior Level: S. Sherlina Samita, Alpha School, CIT Nagar, Chennai 

• Senior Level: M.P. Sai Praseetha, Kaligi Ranganathan Montford Matric Hr. Sec. School, Perambur, Chennai

• College Level: V. Renuga Devi, Valliammal Collegefor Women, Anna Nagar East, Chennai 

Mr. George Stephen, and Mr. Pugazhendhi, higher officials of Shriram Chits (India) Pvt Ltd participated in the event.