A scholar, orator and educationalist from Tamil Nadu, Avvai Natarajan has given some major contributions towards the field of education and classic Tamil culture and language. He was a former Vice-Chancellor of Thanjavur Tamil University and is now retired from official service. This scholar is best known for promoting classical Tamil language and culture, and also propagates the same. Known to be an ambassador of the Tamil language, he has been a renowned Tamil professor too, who taught at different universities and colleges.
Avvai Natarajan – Tamil Scholar, Orator and Educationalist
His real name is Sivapatha Sekaran, and he was born on 24 April 1936 in Cheyyar, North Arcot District, Madras Presidency. His birthplace currently belongs to the Tiruvannamalai District. He completed MLitt and a doctoral degree (PhD) in Tamil literature, and later taught at different colleges. He retired as Vice-Chancellor of Thanjavur Tamil University.
Avvai Natarajan is a member of several state and national committees related to the promotion of the Tamil language. He also served as the Director of Translations in the Tamil Nadu government in 1975. He started his career as a faculty member and later spearheaded the movement to promote the Tamil language. He is a recipient of the civilian honour Padma Shri in 2011.
Avvai Natarajan – Some interesting facts
1. The Indian government honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2011 for his contributions towards the field of Indian education and Tamil language studies.
2. He was serving as a member of the Central Institute of Classical Tamil, when he passed away on 21 November 2022.
3. He formerly served as the secretary to the state Government in the Department of Tamil Language Development and Culture.
4. He mentored Sugi Sivam, a well-known orator and writer.
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