Launch of “Save Cologne Tamil Studies” fundraising campaign
Europe Tamilargal announces the launch of fundraising campaign “Save Cologne Tamil Studies”
Germany: Europe Tamilargal on 20th Feb 2021 announced the launch of a fundraising campaign to save Tamil studies in Cologne University, Germany which is at the verge of being dissolved.
The Institute of Indology and Tamil studies at the Cologne University, Germany is one of the few institutes in Europe, focusing on Tamil research and teaching since 1963. Along with outstanding contributions to Tamil research, the University is actively teaching Tamil and has produced some noteworthy scholars. With 40000+ Tamil books, the university hosts one of the biggest Tamil libraries outside Tamil Nadu. Most recently, the current professor, Dr. Ulrike Niklas was awarded the G.U. Pope Award by the Government of Tamil Nadu for translating classical Tamil texts to German.
Currently, the institute is developing a methodology to teach Tamil as a Foreign Language (TaFL) in Europe in compliance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).
Unfortunately, the University has decided to dissolve such a prestigious department, owing to the financial crisis and the retirement of the current Professor, Dr. Ulrike Niklas. To ensure the continuity of the department activities a fundraising has begun on 20th February 2021. The collected funds will be used towards retaining a lectureship position until May 2022. Funding of €137500 is required by March 2021 for this purpose.
The funds will be used for the continuation of the following.
- Development of material for teaching “Tamil as a Foreign Language (TaFL)” according to European framework
- Teaching of Tamil at the University
- Conducting field research and annual Summer Schools (language & culture) in Pondicherry (India),
- Maintenance of the library with 40000+ Tamil books at the University
Europe Tamilargal has made requests to reconsider the decision of dissolving Tamil chair to University authorities, North-Rhein Westphalia Government and also plans to approach the Govt. of Tamil Nadu & Govt. of India.
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