Learn Sangam Tamil

Programme Overview

Join us for a rare opportunity to learn Sangam Tamil, one of the oldest living languages, under the guidance of Vaidehi Herbert, a distinguished scholar and author of 47 books, including translations of all 18 Sangam texts.

This program is designed for Malayalam speakers across the globe seeking to reconnect with their shared heritage, as well as for language enthusiasts to explore the richness of Tamil literature. No prior knowledge of Tamil is required-only a genuine passion and unwavering discipline for learning.

Why Sangam Poetry?

Sangam literature is a treasure trove of classical Tamil poetry, offering profound insights into the life vision of Sangam Age people: humility, inner truth, cosmic affection, and critical thinking*.

"In their antiquity and in their contemporaneity, there is not much else in any Indian literature equal to these quiet and dramatic Tamil poems. In their values and stances, they represent a mature classical poetry: passion is balanced by courtesy, transparency by ironies and nuances of design, impersonality by vivid detail, austerity of line by richness of implication."

- A.K. Ramanujan

Program Highlights

Start Date: 4th May 2025 Every Sunday, 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM IST

Schedule Format: Online

What You'll Gain?

1. Working knowledge of Tamil script and language which may help you to master it on your own.
2. Explore all 18 Sangam books, including The Eight Anthologies (Ettuthokai) and The Ten Long Poems (Pathuppattu).
3. Discover the deep cultural and historical ties between Tamil and Malayalam, especially through references to the Chera, Pandya, and Chola dynasties and the 65 small region kings of the San gam Age.
4. Gain insights into the transoceanic network of the Indian subcontinent from 300 BC - 300 CE.
5. All participants will receive merit certificate upon completing the year-long course.

Course Structure

Phase 1: Foundation

Origin of Writing – From Pictures to Meaning; "Visible Speech": The Invention of the Alphabet Prof. Sitabhra Sinha (IMSc, Chennai)
May 4 and 11, 2025 (Sundays)

The shared roots and deep linguistic connections between Tamil and Malayalam; an overview of Sangam literature and the society and culture it reflects Prof. Manoj Kuroor (Author & Poet)
May 18 and 25, 2025 (Sundays)

The story of the evolution of Indian scripts from manuscript traditions to typography and print, with a focus on the Tamil script.
Ms. Ragini Siruguri (Designer & Researcher)
June 1 and 8, 2025 (Sundays)

Basics of Tamil script: learning to write and pronounce Tamil letters and numerals Prof. Mano D (School of Dravidian Linguistics, Thiruvananthapuram)
June 15,22,29 and July 6, 2025 (Sundays)

Insights into Sangam texts on geography, natural history, and everyday life;___ Mr. Sujith Chandran (IT Professional & Independent Researcher)
July 13 and 20, 2025 (Sundays)

Phase 2: Sangam Literature

Led by Ms. Vaidehi Herbert, this phase follows a poem-by-poem learning approach. Beginning with the shorter verses of Ainkurunūru, participants will gradually explore more complex and profound works as the course progresses.

This phase offers a window into a remarkably literate society, where poets of all genders and professions wrote freely. An underlying theme we will explore is whether the Sangam Age nurtured the four priorities of humility, inner truth, cosmic affection, and critical thinking across various aspects of life

Phase 3: Material Culture of the Sangam Age

This phase introduces the material culture reflected in the Pattanam archaeological site and its contemporary sites, stretching from South China to South Spain (100 BCE – 100 CE) by a panel of experts.

Vaidehi Herbert

Tmt. Vaidehi Herbert has 12 years of teaching experience across the U.S., Europe, and India. She is a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from U.S. President Biden and recognition from the Tamil Nadu State Government. Her work has inspired students worldwide, including scholars like Dr. Bryan Levman, Professor of Pali Language and Buddhist Studies. Tmt. Herbert originally from Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu, is presently residing in Hawaii, USA.

Registration

General Fee: ₹10,000
Student Fee: ₹5,000

Concessions are available for deserving participants, write to us. All requests will be considered need-to-need basis.
All sessions by Vaidehi Herbert are conducted pro bono. Fees support PAMA Institute’s nonprofit educational initiatives.

How to Register

Click the link to register: https://forms.gle/Yii5PV3Jejj2RdM6A

Study materials and program details will be provided upon registration and admission. Register at the earliest to ensure you are not missing this opportunity.

Have questions? Reach out to us!

Phone: +91 96456 49892 / +91 98474 49495
Email: pamatatas@gmail.com
Website Address: www.pama.org.in

PAMA Institute for the Advancement of Transdisciplinary Archaeological Sciences RTKN CAC, / 83, Periyar Gardens, GCDA Road, Aluva, Ernakulam District, Kerala, India, Pin 683108