Thanjavur: The world-renowned Tamil University, established in Thanjavur by the then Chief Minister MG Ramachandran in 1981 to support advanced research in Tamil Language and studies allied branches such as linguistics, lexicography, music, drama and manuscriptology, turned 36 today.

A grand function was organized at Tamil University today to celebrate the occasion.

S. Ramachandran, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR and CE) Minister, in his special address, pointed out that the Tamil University has received Rs.85 crores as grants in the last five years, during the regime of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. A grand stadium that could accommodate 1000 persons was built on the occasion of the 8th World Tamil Conference held in Thanjavur, he said.

The Minister urged the university to restore the lost glory of our ancestors and exhorted the university teachers to strive for it. He also declared open the newly built modern kitchen and the skill development training centre on the occasion.

Tamil University Vice Chancellor, G. Bhaskaran, presided over the function. Also present on the occasion were the District Collector A. Annadurai, Lok Sabha member K Parasuraman, Rajya Sabha member and former minister R. Vaithilingam, and former MLA M. Rangasamy.

The welcome address was given by S. Muthukumar, Registrar of the university.