Tamil conference on the net

IT is a well-known fact that Tamil is one of the oldest languages. But, being old may make it less receptive to newer ideas and thoughts.

In a bid show that modern technological tools can be used for the promotion of Tamil language a website (www.tamil-ini2000.org) has been created by a Nagercoil-based independent organisation on a conference on Tamil literature proposed to be held in Chennai in September.

Giving a brief account of the objectives behind organising such a meet, the website mentions in detail various topics to be covered in the conference. The organisers have not stopped with this. One important aspect of the meet will be the Internet and Tamil literature. A session will be devoted to deliberate upon making effective use of the Internet resource in dissemination, preservation and facilitation of Tamil literature and studies.

Called ``Tamil Ini 2000'', the meet will focus on how Tamil literature met various challenges and reflected them during the 20th century. In the last 100 years, the political, cultural and social facets of Tamil civilisation witnessed several revolutionary changes. Anti- colonial struggles, large-scale displacement of people, and civil wars were among the challenges faced by Tamils.

The Tamil literature, which recorded these experiences, provides an indicator of political and social history of Tamils. To be organised by Kalachuvadu Trust, the three-day conference is likely to be attended by Tamil writers, critics and scholars from different countries.

Besides critically evaluating the literary achievements, the conference will take up for discussion the prospects of further development and enrichment of Tamil language, arts and studies in the new millennium. To be divided into 50 sessions, the meet is expected to have 100 papers. As many as 50 writers will be invited to take part in the deliberations.

The meet will deal with seven broad topics including fiction, non-fiction, critical trends and translations. An interesting aspect will be Tamil writing in exile /Tamil immigrant writing. The problem of writing in more than one language and impact of exile on writing and related issues will be covered.

By T. Ramakrishnan

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features
Previous : Literary landscape
Next     : In an idyllic setting