The budget underscored a dual approach to preserving Tamil culture— through archaeological and literary efforts while advancing its reach through technological innovation.
Published Mar 14, 2025 | 6:04 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 14, 2025 | 6:04 PM
Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu presenting the budget. (X)
Synopsis: In its 2025-26 budget, Tamil Nadu announced initiatives to promote Tamil language, literature, and archaeology. Key allocations include ₹7 crore for archaeological excavations at eight sites, ₹10 crore for translating 600 global books into Tamil, and ₹5 crore for Tamil language tech startups. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to the two-language policy despite challenges from the National Education Policy.
The Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu on Friday, 14 March, announced several key initiatives in its 2025-26 financial budget to promote the Tamil language, support literary translations, and advance archaeological excavations.
The budget underscored a dual approach to preserving Tamil culture— through archaeological and literary efforts while advancing its reach through technological innovation.
It also reflected the administration’s commitment to preserving and modernizing Tamil heritage through strategic investments in technology, literature, and historical research.
In a continued effort to uncover Tamil Nadu’s ancient history, the government allocated ₹7 crore for archaeological excavations at eight sites, —Keezhadi, Thirulunathar, Vellalur, Adichanallur, Manalur, Karivalamvanthanallur, Pattinam, and Nagapattinam.
These excavations aim to provide deeper insights into the state’s cultural and historical past.
Apart from the eight excavation sites in the state, the government is also planning to do additional research in other states, such as Palur in Odisha, Vengi in Andhra Pradesh, and Maski in Karnataka, to trace Tamil influences beyond the region.
Furthermore, the government announced the establishment of an Indus Valley Cultural Gallery at the Egmore Museum in Chennai to commemorate the centenary of the Indus Valley Civilisation’s discovery.
To further enrich the Tamil literary landscape, the budget earmarked ₹10 crore to translate 600 significant books into Tamil over the next three years. This effort seeks to provide Tamil readers with access to a diverse array of global literature while also promoting Tamil’s presence in international academic and literary circles.
The state government also announced that a fund of ₹1.3 crore has been allocated to Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation for translating Thiruvalluvar’s Thirukkural into more languages.
Recognizing the evolving role of technology in linguistic preservation, the government has allocated ₹5 crore to support startups focusing on Tamil language technology.
This initiative is expected to encourage the development of Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools, machine learning applications, and artificial intelligence models designed to enhance Tamil’s usability in digital spaces.
By integrating cultural preservation with modern advancements, the government claims to ensure that Tamil’s rich heritage remains relevant and accessible to future generations.
Despite financial challenges due to not accepting the National Education Policy’s three-language recommendation, the state government reiterated its commitment to the two-language policy, prioritizing student welfare and teacher benefits. This policy aims to ensure accessibility and ease of learning for Tamil-speaking students.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
