Bridging Hearts and Tongues: Delhi University Scholars Immerse in Classical Tamil at Auroville

Bridging Hearts and Tongues: Delhi University Scholars Immerse in Classical Tamil at Auroville

Auroville, Tamil Nadu – May 2025 – In a vibrant celebration of India’s multilingual heritage, the international community of Auroville welcomed a group of dynamic scholars from Delhi University for a 10-day Tamil Classical Language Workshop. The initiative was co-organized by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) and the Department of Indian Languages and Literature, Delhi University.

The workshop brought together 15 Ph.D. scholars and 5 distinguished faculty members representing the cultural and linguistic diversity of India. Scholars from Punjab, Manipur, Bengal, and other regions with backgrounds in journalism, Hindi, Sanskrit, Bengali, Manipuri, and Punjabi came united by a shared quest to uncover the richness of classical Tamil.

📚 Unearthing Literary Gems: Journey into the Sangam Era

The workshop offered fertile ground for intellectual exchange as scholars explored the literary richness of Tamil Sangam literature, analyzing ancient texts like Sirupanatruppadai. Participants discussed the historical journeys of Tamil bards through the landscapes of Pondicherry, revealing layers of cultural, botanical, and poetic meaning—especially in connection with the Aranya (forest) region.

🏛️ Auroville: A Crucible for Cultural Dialogue

A key highlight of the program was an interaction with Dr. Jayanti S. Ravi, IAS, Secretary of the Auroville Foundation. Dr. Ravi emphasized the unifying power of language across India’s linguistic spectrum:

“The enthusiasm among students from across the country to study Tamil lays an incredibly strong foundation for Indian unity,” she noted.

The discussion also focused on the interconnected roots of Sanskrit and Tamil, affirming their role as twin pillars of Indian civilization and culture.

✍️ Echoes of Devotion: Comparative Literary Insights

The scholars ventured into comparative literary studies, drawing parallels among devotional poetry across Indian languages. They explored thematic and spiritual echoes in the works of Andal, Meera Bai, Akka Mahadevi, Lal Ded, and Guru Nanak’s far-reaching journeys, weaving a shared tapestry of devotion, emotion, and unity across regions.

🌿 Immersive Experiences in Auroville

Beyond academia, the scholars immersed themselves in Auroville’s cultural and spiritual ethos through visits to:

1. Matrimandir – a symbol of inner reflection and unity
2. Svaram Sound Garden – blending music, meditation, and artistry
3. SAIIER – showcasing experimental and holistic education

These encounters deepened their connection with Auroville’s ideals of sustainable and conscious living.

🔭 Forging Future Pathways: Internships and Collaborative Research

Exciting pathways emerged during the workshop, including:

1. A proposed 6-month internship program for Delhi University scholars to pursue Tamil research in Auroville
2. Plans for collaborative publications exploring Sanskrit, Tamil, French, and English
3. Emphasis on cross-cultural research and collective studies

🎁 Honoring Tradition: A Tamil Tribute

As a warm token of appreciation, participants received herbal refreshments, hibiscus-flavored biscuits, and faculty were gifted with mementoes and copies of the Auroville Dictionary. Special mention was made of a paper on Sirupaanar, a legendary Tamil bard.

🎓 Quote from the Organizers

“Sangam literature stands as a powerful and enduring testimony to India’s inherent cultural unity,” said Prof. Umadevi, coordinator of the event.

This transformative workshop reinforced the power of language to bridge distances, foster empathy, and celebrate the harmonious diversity of Indian identity.

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