Could Houston University have Tamil Chair?

CHENNAI:

Could Houston University, the third largest University in Texas in United States, have a Tamil Chair? After a Tamil Chair was set up in Harvard University, there has been an effort to set up a Tamil Chair in Houston University and the Deputy Chief Minister O Paneerselvam has promised to consult with Chief Minister Edapaddi K Palaniswami and arrange for appropriate support from the Government of Tamil Nadu for setting up Tamil chair in Houston.

Speaking during a meeting with Renu Khator, Chancellor of Houston University,in United States, after having discussions with the members of the Indian American community of the Greater Houston area yesterday at the event in the Meenakshi temple, he said.

Thanking the University Chancellor Khator, he said the effort to endow a Tamil chair in the University of Houston is very appropriate and timely.  “I am aware that there is an expectation that the Government of Tamil Nadu should also contribute its mite to the establishment of a chair for Tamil in the University of Houston.  I assure you that on my return to Chennai I will consult with the Chief Minister and arrange for appropriate support from the Government of Tamil Nadu to the Tamil chair here in Houston,” he added.

Stating that the fervour to preserve Tamil culture and heritage and to work for the greater glory of the language is inspiring, the deputy chief minister has stated that the Tamil community has also very successful in the United States.  "Starting off as professionals and academics, many have now branched into business and entrepreneurship.  What is remarkable is the emotional connect they retain with their heritage and culture.  This reflects the inclusiveness of American society," he added.

This comes after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has announced in the assembly to create Tamil Chairs in renowned Universities in the world to promote Tamil Culture. The state has already contributed in setting up of Tamil Chair in Harvard University.

During the announcement, the Chief Minister has said said a Tamil Chair will be created in Oxford University in London, Johannesburg University in South Africa, University of Malay in Malaysia and in University of Jaffna in Sri Lanka.  Besides, Tamil chairs would be created in prominent educational institutions across the  globe as well as in other States too.