'Translation of Tamil classic Tirukkural into Mandarin over'

Tamil Nadu government today said the translation of Tamil classic 'Tirukkural', which was penned by saint-poet Tiruvalluvar, into Mandarin has been completed.
"Government of Tamil Nadu sanctioned Rs 41.70 lakh for translation of 'Tirukkural' into Mandarin in the first phase and the work has been completed," Minister for School Education and Tamil Development, K C Veeramani told the Assembly.
"To inculcate the ideals of Tirukkural, cash prize of Rs 10,000 along with certificate is given to students who recite all the 1,330 couplets every year," he said.
The Tamil classic is a compendium on a range of areas, including wisdom, ethics and moral values.

Veeramani said poems of Bharathiyar and Bharathidasan have also been translated into Mandarin and printing work is in progress through the Directorate of Tamil Development.
On the dictionary project, he said the work of bringing out a 'Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the Tamil language' was over. The dictionary that runs to a massive 12,000 pages has been brought out in 12 volumes, he said.

Work has been taken up to bring out a revised abridged version and it would be completed by year-end, he said. "Also, a concise version of the Etymological dictionary for easy use of students is proposed to be published."

Short stories, plays and essays of former Chief Minister C N Annadurai has been compiled with detailed research notes, he said.
"The first volume will be released on September 15, the birth anniversary of Perarignar (great scholar) Anna."
Dravidian ideologue and DMK founder Annadurai was known for his erudition, brilliant oratory and writing skills. He is held in high esteem by people cutting across party lines.