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From: "Mani M. Manivannan"
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Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 02:13:02 -0700
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Subject: [agathiyar] Re: [webmasters] Ianesco and Newton
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Achwin wrote:

>Pardon me to mention this.. but the latest discussion on ‘Tamil verses on
>Newton’s Laws of motion’ gives one the feeling of reading an extended version
>of Ianesco’s ‘Rhinoceros’. While there can not be any difference of opinion
>about making available all knowledge of technology and science in Tamil,
>attempting to render these in chaste Tamil meters appears to be taking things
>a bit too far. The target audience should take pains to understand not only
>the content but also the form! (Let us accept.. for Thirukkural alone, there
>are 100 plus masterly interpretations..).

I think you have probably misunderstood the effort. Newton's laws
and several scientific concepts have been translated into Tamil and
have been available in Tamil Nadu government textbooks for at least
30 years. Thus there is absolutely no need to start translating them
now! That is not what our poets are doing!

Rendering formulas in crisp veNba form however was a great Tamil
tradition as Dr. Jayabarathi has repeatedly reminded us. Composing
"marabu" kavithai is also a dying art form. Composing classical
poetry and criticizing it are excellent intellectual excercises and
must be encouraged. In fact, the "VeNba vadikkalaam vaa" series
in the ForumHub (www.forumhub.com ) and veNba section in
the WebZine (http://www.aaraamthinai.com ) are quite innovative
and fun. And these excercises also allow us to read the classical
Tamil poetry in its native form and enjoy it and appreciate it.

>The running rhino can be clearly seen from the moment the discussion thread
>changed track to the versification errors (‘thalai thatti vittadhu’)!!

On the contrary, the criticism on versification errors is on the mark.
That is exactly what was needed!

Like solving puzzles (crossword or other kinds), playing chess,
composing and analysing music or classical poetry all help keep
sharp minds sharper. At least I find that they enhance my
problem solving abilities!

Mani M. Manivannan
Newark, CA, USA.