WRITER : PARVATHY VERMA
A Report of the Seminar on Global Tamil Cultural Studies and Golden Jubilee
Celebrations of the IMTC at Assumption University of Thailand (27-28 November 2024)
Prof. Panch. Ramalingam
Pondicherry University, Puducherry
Dr. Parvathy Varma
Assumption University of Thailand, Bangkok
The 17th International Tamil Culture Conference, marking the Golden Jubilee of the International Movement for Tamil Culture (IMTC), was a grand celebration of Tamil heritage and traditions. Held on November 27, 2024, at the Assumption University of Thailand this event brought together scholars, cultural enthusiasts, and delegates from across the globe to honor the richness of Tamil culture.
Event Highlights:
The inaugural session was presided over by Dr. Chayada Thanavisuth, Dean of the Theodore Maria School of Arts, Assumption University of Thailand, who delivered an insightful inaugural address, released the Book of Abstracts, and distributed the prestigious IMTC Golden Jubilee Awards to notable personalities. The awardees included luminaries such as:
- Prof. S. Ravi, Dean, School of Tamil Language and Literature, Central University of Tamil Nadu.
- Dr. M.S. Sri Lakshmi, Educationist, Singapore.
- Dr. S. Sadasivam, Madras Christian College, Chennai.
- Dr. E. Panneerselvam, Athur.
- Dato Sri Dr. M. Gopalakrishnan, Malaysia.
- Mrs. N.V. Veerappan, Malaysia.
- Dr. R. Kumaraavel, Malaysia.
- Dr. A. Paul Prabu Santharaj, Chennai.
- Dr. Sundarakumar Govindasamy, President, Thailand Tamil Sangam, Bangkok.
- Mrs. Gayathri Vivek, Programme Coordinator, Thailand Tamil Sangam, Bangkok.
The session began with an invocation by Mr. Balakrishnan (France), followed by a warm welcome from Dr. M. Karunanidhi, Pondicherry University. Prof. Panch. Ramalingam presented the seminar's scope, while Dr. Parvathy Varma, Assumption University, delivered a special address, emphasizing the global significance of Tamil culture.
Esteemed speakers such as Yogachari Dr. Nilamegame (Re Union), Prof. S. Ravi (CUTN), Dr. S. Sadasivam (Chennai), Dr. M. Gopalakrishnan (Malaysia), and Mrs. Ponni Veerappan (Malaysia) delivered heartfelt felicitations, enriching the event with their perspectives. The session concluded with Dr. A. Panneerselvam proposing a vote of thanks, and participants were later given a campus tour, highlighting the university’s vibrant setting.
IMTC: A Brief History
Founded on January 8, 1974, the International Movement for Tamil Culture (IMTC) is a non-profit, non-political, and democratic charity organization committed to the propagation, fostering, and development of Tamil culture worldwide. Run entirely by volunteers, it has branches in 25 countries and boasts a membership of over 300 individuals globally.
The IMTC has successfully hosted 17 International Tamil Culture Conferences, with the first held in 1977 and the latest in Sri Lanka in 2024. These conferences, held every three years, serve as a platform for scholars, artists, and enthusiasts to connect, celebrate, and promote Tamil culture across the globe.
With its unwavering mission to unify and inspire Tamils worldwide, IMTC has become a cornerstone in the preservation and celebration of Tamil heritage, demonstrating its resilience and adaptability over its remarkable 50-year journey.
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