Tamil, rationalism are twin pillars of Dravidian movement: TKS Elangovan

Thanjavur: “Students should develop rationalist thinking to achieve great many things in life,” said T.K.S. Elangovan, MP (Rajya Sabha), here on Friday.

Speaking at the 31st annual day celebration of Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology (PMIST)-deemed to be university, Elangovan said that knowledge gained through studies, experience and rational thinking are essential for life.

“There is no point if one cannot rationalize things even if he or she had studied and got degrees,” he advised the students.  

He appreciated 15 girl students of PMIST for launching a balloon satellite as a precursor for the research they are going to take up in future. “Success of the balloon satellite which reached one lakh ft high and collected data, proved the students technical skill and innovative ideas,” said Elangovan.

He appealed to them not to forget Tamil language which respected women. “Women poets existed only in Tamil language many centuries back,” he said.

Mr Elangovan pointed out how the late rationalist leader Periyar fought against discrimination of women, and against discrimination of persons in the name of caste, religion, language etc.

K.Veeramani, chancellor of the University released Tech-Mag 2019-college magazine on the occasion. Mr. Elangovan received the first copy. P.K. Srividya, dean, (Academics) presented the annual report for the year 2018-19. Prizes were distributed to outstanding students and staff.

V. Anbarasu, member of Board of Trustees, Dr S. Velusami, vice-chancellor, Dr S.A. Dhanraj, dean, participated in the function. Cultural programmes by students formed part of the function.