A young Tamil scholar U. Alibava, Professor, Department of Tamil Studies, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchi, was honoured by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil with the ‘Ilam Tamizh Arignar Award’ for the year 2013-14.
Alibava received the award from Pranab Mukherjee, President of India, at a function held at Rasthrapathi Bhavan, New Delhi, recently. The award carried a citation and a cheque for Rs. One lakh.
The Central Institute of classical Tamil has been honouring Tamil scholars, authors and writers, who undertake a research in the field of classical Tamil, bringing out books, and in other related works for promoting Tamil language and literature, with ‘Tholkappiyar Virudhu,’ ‘Kural Peetam Virudhu,’ ‘Ilam Arignar Virudhu’ and ‘Ilam Tamizh Arignar Virudhu’ every year.
Alibava was selected for the ‘Ilam Tamizh Arignar Award’ in recognition of his achievements in the field of Tamil language and literature, grammar, his depth of knowledge in Sangam literature, etc. A native of Nagercoil district, 36-year-old Alibava, after completing his post-graduation in Tamil literature from American College, Madurai, later pursued Ph.D in ‘Tamizhil Islamia Sadhaga Ilakkiyangal’ at Bharathidasan University, Tiruchi.
He commenced his teaching career in the Post Graduate and Research Department of Tamil, Jamal Mohamed College, Tiruchi.
After serving there for ten years, he later moved to Bharathidasan University, as Associate Professor, Department of Tamil Studies, in 2011. Alibava has rich experience in Tamil and has authored a dozen books and has edited 13.
He has published two collections of poetry, besides publishing 60 research papers in reputed national and international journals. His articles, short stories and poems have been published in popular Tamil journals and magazines. He has authored two more books that are yet to get published.
The Sahitya Akademi honoured Alibava by publishing his book titled ‘Sufi Meignani Gunangudi Masthan Sahibu.’ His research book ‘Tamizhil Islamia Sadhaka Ilakkiyangal’ won him the ‘Na. Vanamamalai Memorial Award,’ sponsored by the Tamil Nadu Kalai Ilakkiya Perumandram and New Century Book House.
His other awards include ‘Deiva Tamil Chudar award’ for the research article ‘Arapalesuvarar Sadhagathil Neethi Muraigal' and ‘Tamil Chudar Special Award – 2009’ for the article ‘Sirpiyin Illakkiya Vaanam,’ both sponsored by Tiruvaiyaru based conducted by Thamilaiyya Kalvi Kazhagam and Thiru Kundrakudi Adigalar Award for proficiency in Tamil literature.
Some of the well-known Tamil scholars and authors such as Poneelan, ‘Sirpi’ Balasubramanian, Thoppil Mohammad Meeran and Mu. Mehta have commended his works. On being honoured by the President, Alibava said, “It was a proud moment for me. More so because the citation was read in Tamil before the President handed over the award to me.”
“This award will motivate the younger generation to pursue research in Tamil and take its cultural background to the common people,” he added.
