Taiwanese poet Yushi was today presented the Thiruvalluvar award by the Tamil Nadu government on the occasion of 'Thiruvalluvar Day'.
The award was given to him in recognition of his contribution to the Tamil language, officials said.
State Finance Minister O Panneerselvam presented the award, a gold medal and a cheque of Rs one lakh to Yuhsi at a function in the city, they said.
The other awards - Periyar Award, Ambedkar Award, Perarignar Anna Award, Kamarajar Award, Bharathiar Award, Bharathidasan Award, Thiru Vi Ka award and KAP Viswanatham Award would be presented to Tamil scholars on January 26 during the Republic Day celebrations, following their request to get the honour from the Chief Minister directly.
Former DMDK leader 'Panruti' S Ramachandran, who had quitDMDK, was chosen for the "Perarignar Anna Award".
State Electricity Minister 'Natham' Viswanathan and a hostof other Ministers presented financial assistance to various Tamil scholars on the occasion.
