Speakers at a conference at the Madras University lauded the contribution and works of Thirunavukkarasu, former professor of the Thirukkural research wing, to Tamil literature.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohan, Department of Tamilology, Madurai Kamaraj University, said that though the noted scholar lived only for 58 years, his contribution will live on forever.
He pointed out that Thirunavukkarasu was also proficient in English and said that the latter had read 172 English books during the period of his research.
“He had close association with another popular Tamil scholar Mu.Va, who was also an avid reader of English works. Students pursuing Tamil Literature must learn more languages, including English,” he added.
Chellappan, former head, Department of English, Bharathidasan University, underlined that Thirunavukkarasu’s work had historical information.
“He had done comparative studies on Chinese and Tamil literature. In fact, his research works are perfect examples of research books,” he added.
Listing out the contribution of Thirunavukkarasu, he said that the latter was a man of ethics, who had become a history.
Earlier, Manikandan, head (in-charge), Department of Tamil Literature, University of Madras, stated that Thirunavukkarasu’s — Thirukkural Neethi Ilakkiyam had won the Sahitya Akademi Award.