Porunai literary festival begins in Thoothukudi

Porunai Literary Festival in Thoothukudi promotes Tamil language, literature, and ancient heritage through student competitions and workshops.

“The Porunai Literary Festival happening in Thoothukudi is very appropriate for us, as even though the river originates in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi is the place where the river merges with the sea,” said Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment P. Geetha Jeevan at the inauguration of the two-day festival at V.O.C. College here on Friday.

It is organised by the Thoothukudi district administration and Directorate of Public Libraries. In her address, the Minister said, “ When people speak of Porunai civilisation, it refers to the composite Tirunelveli district. Though Thoothukudi district was separated from Tirunelveli in 1986, in terms of Porunai civilisation and literature, it continues to be considered an integrated part of Tirunelveli district.”

She added that the festival aims to promote Tamil language and literature and to ensure that future generations understand our culture, tradition and ancient way of lifestyle. The festical is being organised across the districts of Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanniyakumari and Tenkasi.

The archaeological excavation sites and uncovered artifacts in Sivakalai and Adichanallur stand as testaments to the Porunai civilisation and the ancient heritage, making Thoothukudi the suitable venue for the Porunai festival, she said and exhorted the students to read books and poets to gain valuable insights.

Around 6,000 students from 12 colleges in the four southern districts participated in various competitions such as two-minute elocution, literature quiz, on the spot haiku, debate, collage making and book review.

Among them 360 students were selected to participate in the festival to showcase their talents. Similarly 80 school students from Thoothukudi district were also selected to participate in the festival.

In conjunction with the festival, a workshop on short stories was held at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University’s constituent college in Nagampatti between December 29 and January 3. Around 60 students from different districts attended the workshop.