Seeking to honour scholars, whose works complement or spread the glory of Tamil epic 'Silappathikaram' of Ilango Adigal, a Jain prince-turned poet, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today instituted an award in his name.
"I'm happy to announce a new award after Ilango Adigal's name, who gave the world famous Silappathikaram, from this year," she said in a suo motu statement in the Assembly.
Anyone writing in line with the Jain Prince or spread the glory of the ancient text of "Silappathikaram" would be eligible for this award.
The recipient of this award would get a cash prize of Rs one lakh, a one sovereign gold medal and a citation on Tamil New Year day, celebrated in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April) every year.
Likewise, the government also instituted 'Tamil Chemmal' awards for those who worked for the development of Tamil in Tamil Nadu. "There would be an awardee in every district and hence there would be 32 recipients every year. The recipients would get a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a citation."
Jayalalithaa also announced that two new buildings would be constructed at a cost of Rs 15 crore in Tamil University campus in Thanjavur for the benefit of the students.
