CHENNAI: It was a memorable occasion for Tamil lovers who were happy to witness the classical language once again to the fore in the honouring of a Tamil scholar.

K.P. Aravanan, former vice-chancellor of Manonmaniyam Sundaranar University, was honoured with the "Rajah Sir Muthiah Chettiar Birthday Commemoration Award' on Friday for his service to Tamil and education.

Governor Surjit Singh Barnala presented the award, comprising Rs. 1 lakh in cash and citation, to Mr. Aravanan at the 101st birth anniversary of Rajah Sir M.A. Muthiah Chettiar held at Rani Seethai Hall.

Mr. Aravanan is the author of 63 books on Tamil and educating prisoners.

Recalling the services of Muthiah Chettiar, the Governor said that he was multi-faceted, being an industrialist, politician, educationalist and a connoisseur of sports. Mr. Chettiar dedicated himself for the development of Tamil culture and the revival of Tamil music. He listed his achievements as banker and a politician who was the first Mayor of Madras.

The Governor also lauded M.A.M. Ramaswamy, pro-chancellor of Annamalai University and son of Mr. Chettiar, for his contribution towards education, sports and the development of Tamil. Mr. Aravanan, also an alumnus of Annamalai University, reminisced about his college days and his experience with Mr. Chettiar.

He later donated the cash award towards a trust run on his name by his students to promote education.

D. Chandrasekaran, State special secretary, Tamil Development, Culture and Religious Endowments Department, spoke about the richness of Tamil and commended the organisation for identifying Tamil scholars.

The Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar Trust identified persons who contributed to fields such as education, science, literature, drama and economics and honoured them with the award.

Mr. Ramaswamy and M.A.M.R. Muthiah, president of the trust, participated.