CHENNAI: Sangam Four, one of the biggest Tamil literary festivals in the globe begins here on February 13.
It will last for 10 days with over 50 scholars, achievers, writers, social activists, poets, educationists, personalities from the film industry, political functionaries and grassroot level workers delivering talks on varied subjects ranging from Tamil culture in the Sangam period to the present day trade, arts, lifestyle and political ideals. “In terms of resource persons, topics and number of days, it is certainly one of the largest Tamil literary festivals,” Fr Jegat Gaspar, who is coordinating the arrangements for Sangam Four literary festival, told Express.
On the significance of the name Sangam Four, Fr Gaspar said, “In the past there were three Tamil sangams. A sangam does not signify a kind of get together. Each sangam signifies a period of renaissance in Tamil society. At present, it is perceived that Tamil language, culture, education, socio-economic and political situation are going through a difficult period. There is a need for a Tamil renaissance that will lead to enlightened thinking and Sangam Four is the beginning.”
Scholars will speak on the Green Revolution, faultlines in contemporary Dravidian and Tamil nationalist discourse, understanding the dynamics and matrix of dominant ideologies that will come back, the need for documenting the history of Tamil culture and the origins of Tamil and the Tamil people.
Sridharan, MP from Sri Lanka, will speak on LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran’s place in the history of Tamils. During the festival Tamils who have succeeded in various fields will be honoured.