Date:30/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/30/stories/2008033060020700.htm

Tamil Nadu

Sensitise youth to Dravidian literature, says Kanimozhi

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Speakers, led by Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi, stressed the importance of the Dravidar Iyakkam and Dravidar Ilakkiyam at a function organised by the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram here on Saturday.

Inaugurating the nine-day Kalai Ilakkiya Thiruvizha, Ms. Kanimozhi appealed to the progressive Tamil writers to educate the youth on the significance of ‘Draivdar Iyakkam’ and ‘Dravidar Ilakkiya Padaipugal.’ She lit a traditional lamp to mark the inauguration of the festival.

M. Rajendran, Director of Tamil Development Department, who presided over the function, traced the growth of ‘Dravidar Ilakkiya Padaipugal’ from the time of Periyar to Dravidar Munnetra Kazhagam president and Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.

Writers N. Murugesa Pandian, V. Arasu, N. Ilangovan and journalist A.S. Paneerselvam spoke.