“காலங்களை கடந்த கவிதைகள்” Captivates Students and Scholars Alike
Madurai | 17 February 2026
An International Conference on Tamil Language, Literature, and Cultural Continuity was jointly organised by Fatima College (Autonomous), Madurai, Tamil Uyarvaivu Maiyam, and Naveena Thamilaivu Idhazh on 17 February 2026 at 9.00 a.m. at the Fatima College campus, Madurai. The conference brought together academicians, researchers, students, and Tamil scholars to reflect on the evolution of Tamil literature from ancient times to the contemporary era.
The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Latha, setting the academic tone of the conference. Dr. Sr. Ignatious Mary delivered the Presidential Address, emphasising the relevance of Tamil studies in shaping ethical, cultural, and humanistic values in modern society. Dr. Diana Chirti outlined the purpose and vision of the conference, highlighting the need to reinterpret classical Tamil literature for the 21st century learner.
A special address on Tamil proverbs and their living relevance was delivered by Mr. Chokalingam Prakasam, drawing attention to the continuity of folk wisdom across generations. The programme was efficiently anchored by Dr. Ponni as the Master of Ceremonies, while Ms. Sakthi Lakshmi, Research Scholar, proposed the Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the collaborative efforts behind the successful event.
Special Guest Address: “காலங்களை கடந்த கவிதைகள்”
The highlight of the conference was the special guest lecture by Dr. Ravi Govindaraj, President, Aambal Tamil Sangam, delivered under the evocative title “காலங்களை கடந்த கவிதைகள்” (Poetry Beyond Time).
Opening his speech with a powerful and thought-provoking Tamil invocation, Dr. Ravi Govindaraj transported the audience across centuries, asserting that Tamil poetry cannot be understood without revisiting at least 2,500–3,000 years of civilisational memory. He described Tamil not merely as a language, but as a complete knowledge system, fulfilling all eleven classical criteria of a Semmozhi (classical language)—including antiquity, originality, ethical depth, grammatical richness, and philosophical maturity.
In a sweeping yet structured narrative, he traced Tamil literary traditions from the Sangam period (1st century) through ethical literature, epics, Bhakti poetry, medieval works, modern reformist poetry, and finally to 21st-century multi-voiced Tamil writing. Key works such as Thirukkural, Tolkappiyam, Ettuthogai, Pathuppattu, the Five Great Epics, Bhakti hymns, and modern revolutionary poetry were contextualised not as relics, but as living texts relevant to leadership, ethics, equality, and human dignity.
A central message of the address strongly resonated with students:
“The 21st century is not only meant to read history — it is meant to write it.”
Dr. Govindaraj urged students to see their own names as future entries in the list of Tamil authors, rather than remaining passive consumers of inherited greatness.
Interactive Session and Student Engagement
Breaking away from conventional academic lectures, Dr. Ravi Govindaraj actively engaged students through interactive questions on Tamil literature and terminology, particularly focusing on modern Tamil equivalents for contemporary technological terms. Students who answered correctly were awarded cash prizes totalling ₹1,500, adding excitement and participatory energy to the session.
The hall repeatedly erupted in applause as students responded enthusiastically, reflecting the fun-filled, motivational, educational, and inspirational nature of the address. The session stood out for its clarity, humour, depth of scholarship, and accessibility, making complex literary history engaging even for first-generation learners.
Acknowledgement of Facilitation
The organising committee of Fatima College also placed on record their special appreciation to Dr. Raja Matha Dr. Kamala Murugan, State President, Aambal Tamil Sangam, and Professor, Queen Mary’s College, Chennai, for facilitating the participation of Dr. Ravi Govindaraj as the special guest speaker. The college team acknowledged her role in identifying and bringing a valuable and impactful resource person whose scholarship and engaging delivery significantly enriched the academic and cultural value of the conference.
Overall Impact
Participants described the lecture as intellectually stimulating and emotionally stirring, noting that it successfully bridged classical Tamil heritage with contemporary student realities. The conference reinforced the idea that Tamil literature is not confined to the past, but continues to shape ethical thought, social responsibility, and creative identity today.
The International Conference concluded on a high note, reaffirming Fatima College, Madurai, as a vibrant centre for inclusive, progressive Tamil scholarship and academic dialogue.
