The 12th Annual Celebration of the Ulaga Tamil Panpaattu Maiyam (World Tamil Cultural Center), along with the 90th Birth Anniversary of Padma Shri awardee sculptor Sirpi Balasubramaniam, was held on Saturday at 10.00 a.m.at the Conference Center of Dr.N.G.P. Arts and Science College.

The event began with the Tamil Thai Vazhthu, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the traditional lamp. Dr. Nalla G. Palanisamy, President of the Ulaga Tamil Panpaattu Maiyam, presided over the function and delivered the presidential address. He highlighted the importance of preserving Tamil culture, art, and heritage, and emphasized the significant contributions of sculptors and scholars to Tamil society. He also underlined the role of cultural institutions in shaping future generations through awareness and education.

The Honorable Member of Parliament from South Chennai, Dr.Thamizhachi Thangapandian, participated as the Chief Guest. She released two books on the occasion — the English book “Sirpi: Poet as a Sculptor” authored by Dr.P. Maruthanayagam, and the Tamil medical book “உயிர்காப்பும் இன்றியமையா முதலுதவி வழிமுறைகளும்” written by Dr. N. Selvarajan.

In her address, Dr.Thamizhachi Thangapandian spoke on the inseparable relationship between Tamil language, literature, and art, praised the lifelong contributions of Sirpi Balasubramaniam, and stressed the need to integrate cultural values with modern education.

Madhura Arun Palanisamy, Director of Dr. N.G.P. Educational Institutions, delivered the welcome address. Dr.P. Maruthanayagam elaborated on the objectives and themes of his book, while Padma Shri Sirpi Balasubramaniam delivered a felicitation address, enriching the programme. Dr.P.R. Muthusamy introduced the award recipients.

During the award ceremony, Dr. Thamizhachi Thangapandian presented several prestigious honours. The U. Ve. Sa. Tamil Scholar Award was conferred on Dr. K. Irathinam, the Periyasamithooran Creator Award was presented to renowned writer Ambai, and the Dr. Nalla G. Palanisamy Interdisciplinary Tamil Service Award was awarded to Dr. K. Ganesan. Special awards were also presented to writer Subrabharathimanian, Dr.A.Logamathevi, and Dr. K. Siva.
T.Gnanachandran also took part in the function.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Iyagoka N.Subramaniyam.The event arrangements were coordinated by Dr.O. T. Bhuvaneswaran,Chief Executive Officer of Dr.N.G.P.Educational Institutions, Dr.M.Natesan,Joint Executive Officer, along with the faculty members of the Tamil Department.

Principals of various colleges under Dr. N.G.P. Educational Institutions, deans, heads of departments, professors, and students attended the programme, making it a grand success. The function concluded with the National Anthem.