Tamil scholar and former Vice-Chancellor of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, K.P. Aravanan, who pioneered a sociological and anthropological approach to Tamil studies, died in Chennai on Sunday. He was 77.
“He did not want Tamil students to confine themselves to the study of grammar, linguistics and literature. Instead, he broke new ground by prescribing sociological and anthropological studies,” said V. Arasu, former head of the Department of Tamil, University of Madras.
Revamped syllabus
Aravanan was a student of V.I. Subramaniam, the first Vice-Chancellor of Tamil University, Thanjavur, and began his career at St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai.
He completely revamped the syllabus of the Tamil course at Loyola College, Chennai, when he was given the opportunity to head the department by then Principal Rev. Fr. S. Rajamonickam S.J.
Students were also asked to write a paper on contemporary journals and newspapers. He had recalled his experience in Loyola College in his book, En Ezhuthu-P-Payanam (My literary journey).
“He even introduced an integrated five-year course in the Tamil Department. He is one among the teachers who produced a lot of talented students,” said Dr Arasu.
Among Aravanan’s notable works is a study on the similarities between the African and Tamil cultures — an effort facilitated by his stint at the Dakar University in Senegal.
Close to leaders
He became the head of the Department of Tamil, Pondicherry University, and later served as Vice-Chancellor of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli.
“Another important work of Aravanan is Tamilil Ara Ilakkiyam, a treatise on didactic literature,” Dr. Arasu said.
He was close to political leaders, including late DMK leader M. Karunanidhi and PMK founder S. Ramadoss.
Recalling the scholar’s association with Karunanidhi, DMK president M.K. Stalin said Aravanan had paved the way for a renaissance in Tamil studies by drafting syllabus in tune with the times. “He had a scientific approach and took Tamil studies to the next phase,” he said.
Mr. Ramadoss said Aravanan’s talent was demonstrated by the fact that he was able to become the principal of a college at the age of 27.
MDMK general secretary Vaiko said Aravanan played a seminal role in “restoring Tamil culture”.