Awards Ceremony Honoring Tamil Luminaries and Achievements

Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri M.K. Stalin, presented prestigious awards for the year 2025, including the Ayyan Thiruvalluvar Award, the Perarignar Anna Award for 2024, the Courageous Leader Kamaraj Award, the Maha Kavi Bharathiyar Award, the Father Periyar Award, the Annai Ambedkar Award, the Muthamizh Scholar Kadhaiyanar Award, and other significant recognitions. These awards celebrated distinguished Tamil scholars and their contributions to Tamil society, culture, and progress.

The awards ceremony, held as part of the Tamil Nadu government’s initiatives, took place today under the aegis of the Thiruvalluvar Day celebrations organized by the Tamil Development Department. The event honored eminent Tamil scholars whose work has elevated Tamil literature, culture, and unity, furthering the cause of Tamil societal advancement.

During the ceremony, Shri Stalin emphasized the enduring legacy of Tamil luminaries, including Muthamizh Scholar Kalaignar, whose efforts led to Tamil being recognized as a classical language in 2004. He also highlighted key achievements, such as the establishment of the 133-foot tall Ayyan Thiruvalluvar Statue at Kanyakumari, initiated by Kalaignar, and the Thiruvalluvar Poonga in Chennai.

To mark Thiruvalluvar Day, a series of celebrations were organized, including:

• Unveiling of a Glass Pavilion housing the Thiruvalluvar statue along with a memorial honoring Swami Vivekananda.
• Thirukkural Seminars and competitions for students.
• Special recognitions for 22 scholars and achievers.
• Launch of a commemorative special edition publication on Thiruvalluvar’s contributions.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to promoting Tamil literature and culture, encouraging the younger generation to carry forward the legacy of Tamil luminaries like Thiruvalluvar and Bharathiyar.

The event included presenting awards and scholarships to students and recognizing notable contributions to Tamil literature and society.

Key Announcements and Awards:

• The Chief Minister announced that September 11, the death anniversary of Mahakavi Bharathiyar, would be officially observed as Mahakavi Day every year to honor the legendary poet.
• A new award, the Ikkiya Mamani Award, was introduced to celebrate Tamil writers and encourage literary contributions. The award aims to recognize works comparable to prestigious honors like the Jnanpith and Sahitya Akademi awards.
• Initiatives such as promoting Tamil scholars’ works, expanding support for Tamil literary pursuits, and providing grants for publishing Tamil books were unveiled.

Major Awards for 2025:

1. Thiruvalluvar Award: Presented to Tamil scholar Dr. M. Devaraj.
2. Perarignar Anna Award (2024): Awarded to Shri L. Ganesan.
3. Courageous Leader Kamaraj Award: Bestowed upon Shri P.K.V. Thangavelu, former TNCC leader and Union Minister.
4. Mahakavi Bharathiyar Award: Conferred on poet Kaviperarasu.
5. Father Bharathidasan Award: Presented to Kavithai Peiyarali Sol. Selvakumaran.
6. Tamil Thaai Vazhthu Award (Tiru.Vi.K. Award): Given to Dr. G.R. Ravindranath.
7. Muthamizh Kalaignar Viswanathan Award: Honored Shri P.M. Sothianathan.

Each awardee received a citation, a gold medal, and a cash prize of ₹2 lakh.

Additional Recognitions:

• Thanthai Periyar Award (2024): Presented to Shri Viduthalai Ravindran under the Backward Classes Welfare category.
• Annai Ambedkar Award (2024): Conferred on MP Shri Thiru. Ravi Kumar under the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department.

Awardees in these categories were honored with a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, a gold medal, and a citation.

Special Recognition:

• The Muthamizh Kalaignar Award, newly instituted in 2024 to commemorate Kalaignar Karunanidhi’s contributions to Tamil, was first awarded to Shri Muthu Rosai.

Attendees and Dignitaries:
The event was graced by prominent leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Shri Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Development Minister Shri M.P. Saminathan, Adi Dravidar Welfare Minister Dr. Ma. Mathiventhan, and other senior government officials.

The ceremony concluded with a commitment to furthering Tamil language and cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations uphold and cherish the legacy of Tamil luminaries.

Release:
Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9.