Chennai, Jan 26 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed profound sadness over the passing of illustrious Tamil scholar and writer T. Gnanasundaram, honoring him as a monumental figure whose unwavering commitment significantly enriched Tamil culture, literature, and academia.

In a heartfelt condolence message, the Prime Minister expressed his deep sorrow regarding the loss of Prof. Gnanasundaram, affirming that his impactful contributions to Tamil literary and cultural heritage would inspire countless readers and scholars for years to come.

Recalling a personal encounter during his visit to the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli in January 2024, the Prime Minister noted the scholar's extraordinary expertise in the Kamba Ramayanam, describing the meeting as both memorable and intellectually stimulating.

He extended his heartfelt sympathies to the grieving family and followers, concluding his tribute with the words “Om Shanti.” Prof. T. Gnanasundaram (84), a respected Tamil pandit and former Vice President of the Central Institute of Classical Tamil Studies, passed away on January 25 at a private hospital in Chennai due to age-related health issues.

A well-regarded college professor, literary researcher, and articulate speaker, he was recently awarded the prestigious Ilakkiya Mamani honor by the Tamil Nadu government in recognition of his diverse contributions to Tamil literature.

Born in Kuzhaiyur village near Thirasaandur in the Mayiladuthurai region, Prof. Gnanasundaram completed his undergraduate studies at Government College, Kumbakonam, earned a diploma in Sanskrit from the University of Madras, and obtained a doctorate in Vaishnava literature.

He began his academic journey at Pachaiyappa’s College, Chennai, where he held the position of Head of the Tamil Department for several years and later served as Acting Principal.

Post-retirement, he became the inaugural professor at Pondicherry Central University, where he held the esteemed Kamban Chair for two years.

He also served as Vice President of the Central Institute of Classical Tamil Studies, making substantial contributions to research and institutional growth. An expert in Vaishnava literature, Prof. Gnanasundaram wrote over 20 books, including Kurunthogai Thasthi and Karpaga Malar.

His comparative analyses of the Ramayana and Kamba Ramayanam, along with his studies on Divya Prabandham and Vaishnava traditions, garnered significant recognition.

He was pivotal in founding the Kamban Kazhagam and was a disciple of the esteemed scholar Prof. M. Varadarasanar.

A scholar deeply entrenched in classical Tamil traditions, he received accolades from 14 organizations, including the Sekkizhar Research Centre, Kamban Kazhagam, Raja Sir Muthiah Foundation, and Bharati Sangam, Kolkata. Prof. Gnanasundaram is survived by his wife Manimekalai and sons Senthan, Arunmozhi, and Madhavan.