Tamil
University, founded in Thanjavur, by the Tamil Nadu government in the September
15, 1981 under the provisions of the Tamil NO.9 University Act of 1982, to
promote the advancement of learning and research in the Tamil language,
literature and culture. UGC, recognized by the University of New Delhi in the June
11, 1985. The idea of
establishing an independent Tamil University in early 1925 by scientists aware
of the Tamil community. This
idea took concrete form only in 1981 under the leadership of Tamilnadu Chief Minister, Dr.M.G.Ramachandran.
He announced the Fifth World Tamil Conference held in Madurai, the University,
exclusively for the promotion of the research at a high level in Tamilology
held in Thanjavur, Thanjavur as it was an example of art and culture for
centuries side by side. The
university is enshrined with the motto “Ulluvathellam Uyarvullal,” which means
“always think positively and only supreme thoughts.”
It
is a unitary type of customized high research university, with the absence of
its affiliated colleges. Initially, the university has focused solely on
research. Later this
university began to spread its wings to the issue of academic training for
young people. In 1992,
the university began conducting academic research by offering M.Phil. And
doctoral programs in various disciplines.
After
a decade, it has been expanded even further. In 2002, university has began organizing postgraduate
courses in the humanities, and then in 2005, has been included PG courses in
the sciences to meet the aspirations of the Tamil community. Certificate and diploma courses are
also provided. Later through the Department of Distance Education, various
certificates, which began diploma and degree courses. In this way, research and teaching
has become an integral part of academic programs at the university.
