THE NEED OF TAMIL HERITAGE EDUCATION
A number of reputed universities across the world have set up Tamil Chairs. These Chairs are very important for higher education and research in Tamil. However, it is questionable whether the Tamil educational institutions in the respective countries create an environment to generate a quality student base to perform research in Tamil language and culture. Our desire is for the Tamil schools in the U.S. and other countries to take concrete steps to prepare and equip a large student base that can join the Tamil Chairs in universities across the globe in the coming years and undertake academic research.
To achieve this a meaningful and impactful curriculum needs to be in place and we do observe a gap in that. To bridge the gap, we have devised the following curriculum that can kindle interest in learning not only the Tamil language, but also the Tamil culture and heritage among different age groups. This, in turn, will encourage the students to take up higher education and research in Tamil. If we, the Tamil enthusiasts, work together, we can achieve this. Please contact us if you are interested in contributing to this noble cause.
Things to be taught to children up to 10 years of age:
History of Tamil Language
History of Tamil People
Alphabets, Words, Sentences
Numeric
Basic Grammar
Basic Geography
Basic Life Science
Things to be taught to children from 10 years to 17 years of age:
History of Tamil Kings / Chieftains
History of Tamil Emperors
Food and Clothing of Tamil People
Antiquity of Tamil Language
Differences between Tamil and other languages and things other languages got from Tamil.
Ancient Science in Tamil literature (e.g. Sangam period poet Kudapulaviyanar’s advise to the Pandiyan King Nedunchezhian about water management as quoted in a Purananooru song)
Ancient Math in Tamil literature (Introduction to Sangam period poet Kaniyan Poongundranar’s ‘Kanakkathikaram’)
Tamil Trade
Tamil Justice System (Manu Needhi Chozhan)
Tamil Financial System (Anjarai petti method)
Tamil Medical Systems (Sidhdha and Varma treatment methods)
Tamil Sidhdha Yoga and spiritual enlightenment
Tamil Spirituality and Religion
Herbal Medicines (Botanical studies)
Martial arts and Defense systems (e.g. Silambam, Kuththu varisai, Kurunthadi, Siramakkalai)
Ancient Machinery and Robotics – Research topics could be in the areas such as Differences between the methods described in ancient Tamil literature and the contemporary methods in practice today.
Tamil Astrology (Sinaenthira malai and various other books written by ancient Sidhdhas)
Tamil Astronomy
Tamil Music – Tamil is the only language in the world to have thousands of sandhams (meters). It is said that Thiruppugazh has 362 meters. Tholkappiyam calls sandham as ‘vannam’.
Tamil Agriculture
Tamil Love Literature (Sangam era Kalithokai songs)
Tamil Drama (Kooththu)
Tamil concept of life – Iraiyanar Akapporul, Thirumandhiram, Thirukkural, Thevaram, Thiruvasakam, Andhappaththu and others.
There are several other areas of expertise and ancient knowledge in Tamil. Our desire is to have an all-inclusive educational curriculum covering the above topics. If you would like to contribute to developing this curriculum, please contact us at info@marabukalvi.com