Celebrating Tamil Nadu’s Cultural Trailblazers
Tamil Nadu State Awards 2025: Honouring Voices of Change and Culture: In early 2025, the Tamil Nadu Government honoured a unique group of thinkers, writers, doctors, and activists with its prestigious State Awards. These awards are not just ceremonial medals — they shine a light on individuals who have fought for social justice, preserved the Tamil language, or reshaped society through bold ideas. From poets like Kabilan to activists like MP Ravikumar, this year’s recipients show us how the legacy of Tamil Nadu continues to evolve.
Voices That Echo the Tamil Soul
- Padikkaramu received the Ayyan Thiruvalluvar Award for his deep commitment to ethics and Tamil literature. His work draws inspiration from Thiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural, a collection of 1,330 couplets covering virtue, wealth, and love. Thiruvalluvar’s legacy still resonates today, especially during Thamizh Thirunaal (Pongal) when Thiruvalluvar Day is observed. Through Padikkaramu’s efforts, timeless values are kept alive in modern debates about honesty, duty, and compassion.
In the spirit of C.N. Annadurai, the Anna Award was given to L. Ganesan, a senior leader from the Dravidian movement. His participation in the anti-Hindi protests of the 1960s helped safeguard Tamil as a language of governance and education. His recognition is a reminder that linguistic freedom and regional pride are hard-won rights.
Writing That Sparks Movements
The Mahakavi Bharathiyar Award went to Poet Kabilan, whose fiery verses echo nationalism, freedom, and feminism — themes close to Bharathiyar’s heart. Bharathi once said, “Fear I have not,” and Kabilan’s poetry channels that boldness to address modern struggles.
The Bharathidasan Award went to Pon. Selvaganapathy, known for his fierce criticism of casteism and support for secularism. Much like Bharathidasan, his writing encourages Dalit empowerment and celebrates the self-respect movement launched by Periyar.
Recognising Rationalism, Reform, and Journalism
Dr. G.R. Ravindranath, awarded the Thiru. Vi. Ka. Award, has made an impact not only in Tamil intellectual circles but also in healthcare. By combining medicine with social service, he shows how scientific knowledge can elevate language and culture.
Ve. Mu. Pothiyaverpan, winner of the K.A.P. Viswanatham Award, was honoured for his role in Tamil journalism. As a writer and editor, he worked tirelessly to keep Tamil literature strong in the media, ensuring the language remains relevant in today’s digital age.
Voices for the Voiceless
Viduthalai Rajendran, a lifelong rationalist and anti-caste activist, was chosen for the Thanthai Periyar Award. His journalism consistently questions orthodoxy, champions atheism, and promotes equality — all hallmarks of Periyar’s legacy.
The Annal Ambedkar Award went to MP Ravikumar, a Dalit rights advocate and Member of Parliament. His work upholds Ambedkarite values like liberty, fraternity, and social equity. Ambedkar Jayanti, observed on April 14, reminds us of the continuing need to challenge caste discrimination in Indian society.
Arts, Identity, and the Kalaignar Legacy
The prestigious Kalaignar Award, named after M. Karunanidhi, was presented to Muthu Vavasi for his exploration of Tamil history, arts, and Dravidian culture. The award includes a ₹10 lakh cash prize, gold medal, and citation, reflecting the state’s deep respect for cultural scholars who shape identity through words and archives.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS
| Award Name | 2025 Recipient | Named After | Key Area |
| Ayyan Thiruvalluvar Award | M. Padikkaramu | Saint Thiruvalluvar | Tamil ethics and literature |
| Anna Award | L. Ganesan | C.N. Annadurai | Dravidian politics and language rights |
| Bharathiyar Award | Kabilan | Mahakavi Bharathiyar | Revolutionary poetry and feminism |
| Bharathidasan Award | Pon. Selvaganapathy | Poet Bharathidasan | Dalit empowerment, social justice |
| Thiru. Vi. Ka. Award | Dr. G.R. Ravindranath | Thiru. Vi. Kalyanasundaram | Health, Tamil scholarship |
| K.A.P. Viswanatham Award | Ve. Mu. Pothiyaverpan | Editor and activist Viswanatham | Journalism, Tamil literature |
| Thanthai Periyar Award | Viduthalai Rajendran | Periyar E.V. Ramasamy | Rationalism and caste reform |
| Annal Ambedkar Award | MP Ravikumar | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar | Dalit rights, Ambedkarite politics |
| Kalaignar Award | Muthu Vavasi | M. Karunanidhi (Kalaignar) | Tamil arts and cultural history |
