An Introduction to The Thirukkural
This INDICA Course offers an opportunity to know more about Maharishi Tiruvalluvar and gain an understanding of how Hindu civilizational ethos is reflected in his beautiful composition The Tirukkural.
Enroll today for an insight into the historical and civilizational context, philosophical approach and the influence of The Tirukkural.
3 April 2023 - 17 July 2023
7:00 PM -8:00 PM IST
Every Monday
Introduction
This course serves to introduce the learner, through the verses of The Thirukkural itself (with English and Sanskrit translations), to the philosophy of The Thirukkural and how it was designed as a compendium of the Vedic Dharmashastras.
This course will also provide deeper understanding of how Maharishi Tiruvalluvar has been worshipped and honored for this compilation along with a historical context of the text and its place in Tamil literature.
Course Objectives
- Understanding of the historical and cultural context of Maharishi Tiruvalluvar’s work
- Understanding the place of Thirukkural in Tamil literature
- Orientation to the structure of Thirukkural & relationship to Vedic culture
- Orientation to the historical honor and respect accorded to Maharishi Tiruvalluvar
Course Outcomes
- Recitation of important Thirukkural verses.
- Word by word meaning of the said Thirukkural verses and understanding their Vedic roots
- Grasp of the structure of the Thirukkural text and the topics covered
Course Syllabus
- Selected Thirukkural verses
- Tiruvalluva Maalai (Garland to Tiruvalluvar)
- Historical background of Maharishi Tiruvalluvar
- Relevance of Thirukkural to Dharmashastras
Reading List
- Thirukkural – Exposition by Parimelazhagar
- Thirukkural – Compilation of commentaries by K.V. Jagannathan
- Thirukkural – Commentary by Swami Omkarananda
Course includes
- Live sessions
- Access to class recordings (for asynchronous participation)
- Certificate of Completion
Watch this video for a detailed course overview
Faculty
Vasanth Parthasarathy
Vasanth Parthasarathy is a software professional based in Chennai. Qualified as an engineer, Vasanth has been active in social work for over 22 years. He has been a part of cultural education for children for over 18 years and was a member of the editorial team of a youth magazine. With a keen interest in education and developmental psychology, Vasanth has helped start multiple social organizations in diverse areas of interest. He is the founder of Vishva Vidya Foundation – an organisation focused on recovering Tamil Education and Bharatiya Shiksha.
Vinoth Kumar Shanmugam
Vinoth Kumar Shanmugam is a Physics teacher. Having graduated in Physics and with multiple post-graduations in Education, English and Education Management, he cleared his NET and is presently doing research in Indic Educational system. He has an experience of 15 years in teaching values and ethics through many NGOs. He also has his own NGO that has been involved in education for more than 10 years. A Yoga trainer and motivational speaker, he has conducted various workshop in the core subject and in the ethical values and morals. Vinoth is a Trustee of Vishva Vidya Foundation which is focused on recovering Tamil Education and Bharatiya Shiksha.