Chennai, July 2025
“Students must strive to uphold discipline in all contexts of life,” exhorted Dr. N. Arul, Director, Tamil Development Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, while addressing the school and college students who participated in Thirukkural competitions organised by Shriram Ilakkiya Kazhagam at CSI Jessie Moses Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Anna Nagar.
About 906 school and college students from the districts of Chennai, Thiruvallur, Poonamallee, Thiruttani, and Thiruporur took part in Thirukkural speech, essay writing, and drawing competitions, under various categories. More than 405 students took part in the Drawing competition; nearly 290 and over 211 students in the Speech and Essay competitions, respectively.
In his address, Dr. Arul stated, “In the chapter on the Possession of Knowledge, Thirukkural says that knowledge is the tool to safeguard us from destruction. It is an inner fortress no foe can raze. Hence, in the chapter on Learning, it prods us to learn with clarity all those subjects that are worth learning. But it places the highest value on discipline. It says that learning and gaining knowledge is not enough. It is important to adhere to the path of knowledge. In the chapter on Possession of Decorum, Thirukkural says that discipline is more valuable than life itself.”
He added that it is incredible to believe that such a thought had occurred to Thiruvalluvar who lived 2,000 years ago. What is even more intriguing is that his thoughts remain relevant today. He further said that Thirukkural has universal appeal because it does not talk about any particular God or religion. It is also not in awe of any one personality or king.
While talking about education, Dr. Arul said that Keezhadi excavations prove that Tamil culture is over 5400 years old. But the language still appears young and modern. He pointed out that nowhere in the world people memorise poems – whether by Shakespeare or Milton. However, this tradition of memorising poems like the Thirukkural exists only in Tamil Nadu. He said that memorisation is a valuable tool in learning.
Earlier, the Principal of CSI Jessie Moses Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Mrs. Hana Daniel, felicitated the students. Assistant General Manager of Shriram Chits, Chennai Region, Mr. J. Balaji welcomed the gathering.
The first prize winners of speech competition are:
● Junior Category: R. Riyadharshini, Velammal Vidyalaya, Mogappair West
● Senior Category: S. Jebashibani, Velammal Vidyalaya, Mogappair West
● College Category: V. Sangeetha, Government Siddha Medical College, Arumbakkam
The first prize winners of drawing competition are:
● Junior Category: S. Rithika, Dr. Vimala Convent Metric Hr. Sec. School, Ramapuram
● Senior Category: S. Kaushik, Velammal Vidyalaya, Mogappair West
● College Category: P. Abirami, Valliammal Women’s College, Anna Nagar
The first prize winners of essay writing competition are:
● Junior Category: C. Padmadhaarani, Everwin Matric Hr. Sec, School, Kolattur
● Senior Category: D. Rudra, Government Girls Hr. Sec, School, Porur
● College Category: P. Dhivyadharshini, Sri Kanyaga Parameswari Women’s Arts and Science College, George Town
Shriram Ilakkiya Kazhagam has been organising Thirukkural competitions since 1988 to promote Thirukkural values and Tamil literature, among the young generation in the state.
