Use of local language possible only if varsities are prepared for launch, says academic

With University Grants Commission chairman Jagadesh M. Kumar on Wednesday urging universities to allow students to write answers in the regional language even if the medium of instruction is English, has triggered a debate among academics in Tamil Nadu. Anna University had started creating notes and writing/translating engineering books in Tamil, but the effort faded in a few years. However, for the past six months efforts are being made through Anna University’s Centre for Tamil Development to write books, the source added. Madurai Kamaraj University Vice-Chancellor J. Kumar said most of the courses offered by the Institute of Distance Education are being conducted in Tamil and English, and study materials are provided to the students.