A major controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu’s literary and political circles after the Azhwar Research Centre, headed by DMK MP Jagathrakshakan, announced that poet and lyricist and MeToo accused Vairamuthu will be conferred the prestigious Kavi Chakravarthy Kamban Award during the upcoming golden jubilee celebrations of the Kamban Vizha.
The announcement has drawn sharp condemnation from various sections of the Tamil cultural community and political leaders. Critics have expressed anger over the selection of Vairamuthu, who in the past faced severe backlash for his remarks on Andal, a revered Tamil poet-saint considered divine by Tamil Hindus. Many allege that honouring him with an award named after Kamban, the celebrated author of the Tamil Ramayana, amounts to an insult to Tamil Hindu heritage.
BJP state secretary Aswathaman took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to denounce the decision, stating, “An award for Vairamuthu for his filth?! Is it permissible to tarnish Kamban’s name?! It has been announced that the Kavi Chakravarthy Kamban Award will be presented to Vairamuthu on behalf of the Alwars Research Centre of DMK MP Jagathratchagan. Many Tamil enthusiasts are expressing outrage, stating that this tarnishes the name of Kavi Chakravarthy Kamban. The community that celebrates Kamban is in uproar, questioning whether the Kamban Award should be given to a scoundrel who wrote an article casting great blame on Andal. It has been announced that this award will be presented to Vairamuthu at an event presided over by Chief Minister Stalin. If you are eager to give an award to Vairamuthu, give it in the name of Karunanidhi or E.V. Ramasamy! But do not attempt to tarnish the name of Kavi Chakravarthy Kamban. The Alwars Research Centre and the Chennai Kamban Kazhagam must withdraw this award announcement. This award should be given to another deserving individual.”
கழிசடைக்கு கம்பன் விருதா ?!
கம்பனை களங்கப்படுத்தலாமா ?!திமுக எம் பி ஜெகத்ரட்சகன் அவர்களது ஆழ்வார்கள் ஆய்வு மையம் சார்பாக கவிச்சக்கரவர்த்தி கம்பன் விருது வைரமுத்து அவர்களுக்கு வழங்கப்படுவதாக அறிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. இது கவிச்சக்கரவர்த்தி கம்பனின் பெயரை களங்கப்படுத்துவதாக உள்ளது… pic.twitter.com/iNrHnqxXSG
— Ashvathaman Allimuthu (@asuvathaman) August 6, 2025
The ceremony is scheduled to be presented on August 8 at AVM Rajeshwari Kalyana Mandapam in Chennai as part of a three-day event (Aug 8–10) organized by the Chennai Chamber of Commerce and Kamban Kazhagam, celebrating 51 years of the Kamban Vizha.
The event is expected to feature key dignitaries including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who is slated to preside over the award ceremony. Others listed to attend include singer Nithyashree Mahadevan, orator Suki Sivam, and several scholars and cultural personalities. The ceremony also includes book releases and special lectures under the banner “Kamban Vizha – 2025.”
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