Publications like the Nallaikumaran Malar should not simply be issued as printed copies and remain standing on library shelves. As today’s younger generation’s reading habits and methods of receiving information keep changing, such treasures of knowledge must reach them in digital form as well as in print. Only then can an annual publication become a continuous cultural movement connecting generations, said Northern Province Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan.
The Nallaikumaran Malar – 34th launch ceremony was held today – on Wednesday morning, 19 August 2026, at the Nallai Thirugnanasambanthar Atheenam Cultural Hall. The event was chaired by T.K. Aravindarajah, Chairman of the Saiva Religious Affairs Board and Commissioner of Jaffna Municipal. Hon. Governor of the Northern Province N. Vethanayahan attending as chief guest. Jaffna Municipal Council’s Hon. Mayor Mathivathani Vivekanandarajah attended as guest of honour, and Jaffna District Secretary Maruthalingam Piiratheepan attended as guest of honour.
Speaking at the event, the Governor noted that the great festival season of the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple serves as a key cultural occasion that draws back to Jaffna expatriate relatives, devotees, scholars, and artists living in various parts of the world. In that context, he said, the Nallaikumaran Malar reaching its 34th release is not merely a number but evidence of the continuity of a cultural-intellectual journey carried forward over many years alongside the grand festival of Lord Nallur Kandaswamy.
He observed that neither the number of books nor the depth of knowledge has diminished, but the patience among the younger generation to read and understand lengthy articles and extensive writing has undeniably declined. He pointed out that watching a video instead of reading a news item, and obtaining information within a few seconds instead of through a lengthy article, have become the new habits of today’s generation. Rather than treating this change as a fault, he said, the methods of carrying knowledge forward must also be adapted accordingly.
Accordingly, the Governor stressed that while the Nallaikumaran Malar continues in print, it must also reach the younger generation through modern communication channels including social media, websites, e-books, video, and audio formats. Putting forward the idea that “if a book stays only on a shelf it is a document, but if it reaches the hands of the younger generation it becomes a movement,” he also said that the intellectual journey of the Nallaikumaran Malar must go beyond the borders of Jaffna to reach Tamils living in many parts of the world.
Noting that the punctuality and discipline seen in the arrangements for the grand festival of the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple are an excellent lesson for social life, the Governor said that valuing time is valuing life, and that time discipline is an essential quality in personal life, administration, education, employment, and social service alike. He stressed that this lesson from the centuries-old discipline of the Nallur grand festival must be carried forward to the next generation as well.
The event also included the presentation of the “Yazh Award.” Distinguished Professor A. Shanmugadas, who has made a long-standing contribution to the fields of Tamil language, Tamil studies, linguistics, and literary research, and Professor Mrs. Manonmani Shanmugadas, who has made a distinctive contribution to Tamil language, literature, culture, and research, were honoured with the Yazh Award. The Governor welcomed their contribution as an honour bestowed upon Tamil scholarship, education, research, and our cultural heritage.
Stressing that the development of a community must arise from the depth of its roots, the Governor said that while the younger generation, who must progress in competition with the world, should learn modern science and technology, they must equally know “who we are, where our roots lie, and what our heritage is.” He added that the Nallaikumaran Malar must continue to stand as an important cultural document linking these two needs.
The Governor further requested that the Nallaikumaran Malar travel even farther, reaching the homes, educational institutions, libraries, and the hands of the younger generation among Jaffna people living in every corner of the world. He stressed that, alongside the print edition, modern media must be fully utilized to expand its reach.
The event also featured the release of the Nallaikumaran Malar, along with the release speech, a research address, a special guest address, the presentation of the Yazh Award, and a vote of thanks. Members of the Saiva Religious Affairs Board, representatives of the Jaffna Municipal Council, scholars, educators, religious leaders, and social activists were among those who attended the event.
