'Thirukkural' to be translated in Korean: Jaya

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today made several announcements aimed at development of Tamil language including translation of classic 'Thirukkural' into Korean, awards for foreign Tamil scholars and instituting a "Amma Literary Award."
"Steps will be taken to get Thirukkural translated into Korean language and Rs 36 lakh will be allocated for it," she announced in the State Assembly.
Also, a sum of Rs 15 lakh will be set apart for translating ancient Tamil work "Athichudi" in Chinese and Arabic languages, she said.
'Thirukkural', and verses of national poet Bharatiyar and Tamil reformist poet Bharathidasan have already been translated into Chinese and Arabic on her instructions, she said.

"From the current year, a new award, Amma Literary Award, will be given to a woman writer devoted to women literature on Tamil New Year's Day and it would carry a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and a citation," she said.
Three foreign Tamil scholars excelling in language, literature and linguistics would be honoured with "Ulaga Tamil Sanga Virudhu" (World Tamil Sanga Award) which would carry a cash prize of Rs one lakh and citation, she said.

Also, ten "Best Translator" Awards would be given for translating standard works in other languages into Tamil, with a cash prize of Rs one lakh each and a citation.

A two-day poetry seminar at a cost of Rs 5 lakh would be held (next year) to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of poet Bharathidasan (1891-1964).
Also, his birth anniversary (on April 29) will be celebrated as a State-event "Tamil Kavignar Nal" (Tamil Poets Day), the Chief Minister said.