Tamil NaduThursday, 16 July 2026·Hindu Tamil Thisai
Maraimalai Adigal’s 150th birth anniversary and the continuing debate on Tamil language purity
In Chennai, leaders marked Maraimalai Adigal’s 150th birth anniversary and highlighted his role in the Tamil language purity movement.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In July 2026, Chennai hosted the 150th birth anniversary celebration of Maraimalai Adigal, where VIT Chancellor G. Viswanathan and Tamil Nadu Minister A. Raja Mohan spoke on his role in the Tamil language purity movement.
Key specifics
- The event was organised by Tamil Iyakkam, the World Tamil Research Forum and the Maraimalai Adigal Educational Trust.
- G. Viswanathan said Maraimalai Adigal launched the Thanith Thamizh movement to protect Tamil and resist language mixing.
- Vaiko said Maraimalai Adigal memorised Tamil works such as Tholkappiyam, Pathuppattu and Kalithogai by the age of 21.
- The speakers linked the language issue to the 1937 period and argued for returning education to the State List.
- The programme was held in Chennai and included tributes by M. Sugumar, Moses Michael Faraday and Thayumanavan.
Exam lens
Culture and Tamil language movement question, 150th birth anniversary, Thanith Thamizh, 1937 language issue, State List education — TNPSC may ask who championed Tamil purity and what ideas were associated with Maraimalai Adigal.