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: Foundations (May - June 2025)

1. Evolution of Malayalam.
2. Introduction to Tamil alphabets.
3. Expert-led sessions on building a strong foun dation in Tamil script.
4. Experience sharing from Malayalam speakers who learned Tamil.

Phase 2: Sangam Poetry (July 2025 – April 2026)

1. A guided poem-by-poem exploration with Vaidehi Herbert.
2. Begin with shorter poems from Ainkurunūru and progress to more complex works.
3. Explore the social, cultural, and philosophical dimensions of the 2,381 poems written by 537 poets of diverse backgrounds, including 39 women

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