The Tamil Nadu government has announced major initiatives in its budget to promote Tamil language and culture, including Rs 133 crore for translating the Thirukkural into multiple languages and nearly Rs 70 crore for archaeological excavations and museums.
State Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu noted that the Thirukkural has already been translated into 28 Indian and 35 global languages. At the 2025 Chennai International Book Fair, international publishers committed to translating it into 28 more Asian, African, and European languages. With an additional 45 translations, the Thirukkural will be available in all 193 UN-recognized official languages. The project, set for completion within three years, has been allocated Rs 133 crore.
The budget also earmarks Rs 10 crore to translate 500 Tamil literary masterpieces into English over five years. Additionally, Rs 2 crore each has been set aside for the immediate publication of technical textbooks in Tamil and the digitization of ancient palm-leaf manuscripts, rare publications, and handwritten records.
Tamil book fairs will expand beyond India to international cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai, with Rs 2 crore allocated for this initiative. To preserve Tamil heritage among young overseas Tamils, Rs 10 crore has been allotted for in-person language and folk arts classes through the Non-Resident Tamils’ Welfare Board. The government will also launch the ‘World Tamil Olympiad,’ with Rs 1 crore allocated for awards.
For archaeology, Rs 7 crore has been set aside for excavations in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. Two new museums will be established: the ‘Noyyal Museum’ in Erode, costing Rs 22 crore, will focus on the Kodumanal excavations, while the ‘Naavaai Museum’ in Ramanathapuram, with an allocation of Rs 21 crore, will highlight Pandya-era maritime trade. Additionally, a Rs 40 crore gallery at Chennai’s Egmore Museum will showcase 2,000 ancient bronze sculptures, celebrating Tamil Nadu’s artistic heritage.