Paavai Educational Institutions organised an awareness programme to highlight the relationship between the Tamil language and engineering, emphasising the scientific knowledge and technological contributions reflected in Tamil heritage. The programme commenced with an invocation and the Tamil Thai Vazhthu.
The Founder and Chairman of Paavai Educational Institutions, Shri CA N. V. Natarajan, presided over the programme and delivered the presidential address. The special guest was Dr. T. Dharmaraj, Professor, Writer, and Tamil Research Scholar. Ms. P. Thrisha, a fourth-year student of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, delivered the welcome address and warmly welcomed the gathering.
The Correspondent of Paavai Educational Institutions, Smt. Mangai Natarajan, delivered the felicitation address and graced the occasion.
Delivering the special address, Dr. T. Dharmaraj emphasised the importance of understanding the greatness of the Tamil language and appreciated the institution’s initiative in organising the programme. He explained that science is not merely about inventions but has played a significant role in transforming human beings from primitive societies into civilised communities. He highlighted the antiquity of Tamil, noting its rich grammatical and literary traditions dating back over 2,500 years.
He also discussed the relationship between Tamil heritage and scientific knowledge, referring to historical perspectives on mathematics, engineering, and technological development. He highlighted the significance of the concept of zero in mathematics, science, and computing, and discussed the importance of the wheel in the development of mechanical technology.
Further, he cited remarkable examples of traditional Tamil engineering and scientific knowledge, including the Grand Anicut (Kallanai), interconnected irrigation tanks, the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, and the traditional classification of land. These examples, he explained, demonstrate the practical knowledge, engineering skills, and environmental understanding possessed by ancient Tamil communities.
Dr. Dharmaraj stressed that knowledge extends beyond formal education and includes the wisdom required to determine what is beneficial or harmful to society. He explained that true knowledge empowers communities to progress and find solutions to complex global challenges. He urged students to recognise the intellectual richness of Tamil heritage and take responsibility for preserving and transmitting this collective wisdom to future generations. He concluded by encouraging students to promote the greatness of Tamil and make its cultural and intellectual contributions known throughout the world.
Earlier, the Founder and Chairman, Shri CA N. V. Natarajan, honoured the special guest, Dr. T. Dharmaraj, with a memento and a shawl as a token of respect and appreciation.
The programme was attended by Dr. M. Premkumar, Principal of Paavai Engineering College; Dr. V. Hariharan, Principal of Paavai College of Engineering; Dr. A. Immanuel, Vice-Principal; deans, heads of departments, faculty members, and students. The programme provided an enlightening platform for students to appreciate the connection between Tamil language, scientific thinking, engineering, and the rich intellectual heritage of Tamil society.
