Prof. P.M. Jawahir Shaheedheen Named Recipient of ‘Thagaisal Tamizhar’ Award – To Be Conferred by CM M.K. Stalin on Independence Day

Chennai – In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Tamil society and the advancement of the Tamil identity, Prof. P.M. Jawahir Shaheedheen has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Thagaisal Tamizhar (Distinguished Tamil) Award for the year 2025. The award will be formally presented by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M.K. Stalin, during the upcoming Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

Established by Chief Minister Stalin in 2021, the Thagaisal Tamizhar award aims to honour individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the Tamil language, culture, and social progress. In the past four years, notable figures such as Thiru Vairamuthu, Thiru R. Nallakannu, writer Ki. Va. Jagannathan, and media personality Kurinji Anandan have received this distinction.

This year’s award selection was made by a specially constituted committee. The committee’s meeting was chaired by the Chief Minister himself at the Secretariat in Chennai today (July 4), where Prof. P.M. Jawahir Shaheedheen was unanimously chosen.

Prof. Shaheedheen is renowned for his intellectual depth and contributions to Tamil political thought and literature. A close associate of the late Dr. Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi, and editor of the Nitchudar journal, Prof. Shaheedheen is celebrated for his scholarly writings on Tamil politics and society. He is particularly noted for using his eloquence and academic rigor to elevate the status of the Tamil language.

A veteran political figure, Prof. Shaheedheen served as a Member of Parliament representing the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and held the role of state general secretary for IUML in Tamil Nadu. Beyond politics, he is widely respected as an orator, writer, and advocate of secularism and communal harmony.

His literary contributions include in-depth essays published in Darul Qur’an over eight consecutive years under the title “What is Islam to Tamils? What is its connection?” He is also the author of six acclaimed books, including Mozhum Sanri, The Voice of the Qur’an, and several works exploring Islamic philosophy in Tamil.

As a historian, he served for 15 years as a professor at Jamal Mohamed College in Tiruchirapalli, mentoring countless scholars and supervising more than 100 doctoral theses. He was actively associated with the Millat Academy and other educational initiatives promoting Islamic and Tamil heritage.

In recognition of his multifaceted contributions, Prof. P.M. Jawahir Shaheedheen will be awarded a cash prize of ₹10 lakh and a certificate of honor by Chief Minister Stalin at the Independence Day function.

Issued by:
Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai – 9