First World Classical Tamil meet begins today

COIMBATORE: The city, which is hosting the World’s first Classical Tamil Meet, wears a festive look with traffic islands and parks spruced up with artwork depicting culture, tradition and bravery of Tamils adorning the walls. The city also got a facelift.The CODISSIA trade fair complex on Avinashi Road, the main venue of the meet, is bustling with activity.

The mega ‘pandal’ on 4.40 lakh sq.ft. area can accommodate 50,000 people during the five-day event. About 4,000 observers and research paper presenters are taking part in the meet while 85 delegates from different countries are attending as special invitees.Tamil scholars from across the state, including former vice-chancellors and deans, are also attending the meet. Significantly, Sri Lankan Tamil scholar Karthikesu Sivathamby, whose visit was uncertain, made it to the meet in advance.The meet will be inaugurated at 10.30 a.m. followed by a welcome address by Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin. Governor Surjit Singh Barnala will release a special souvenir. After Finance Minister K Anbazhagan’s speech, President Pratiba Patil will present the Kalaignar Karunanidhi Semmozhi Tamil Award to Finland scholar Prof Asko Parbola.

President arrives in Coimbatore for Tamil conferenceCOIMBATORE: (PTI) President Pratibha Patil arrived here on Tuesday night by a special aircraft to inaugurate the five-day World Classical Tamil Conference, beginning today.Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin received the President at the airport.Senior district and police officials were present.After inaugurating the conference in the morning, Patil will witness a two-hour long procession of 40 floats, portraying the tradition, arts and culture and history of Tamil Nadu, beginning at 4 PM.

She is expected to leave for Delhi late in the evening, official sources said.A report from Rameswaram said security has been tightened in the coastal areas of Ramanathapuram District and the Palk Straits and Gulf of Mannar off Rameswaram in view of the President's visit to the state.Coastal Security Group Additional Director General of Police Lallam Sanga and SP Mohammed Ali Jinnah today visited Dhanushkodi coast and reviewed the security arrangements."We will keep a tight vigil on the coastal areas to prevent any infiltration (from sea)," he said.