Maran wants more Tamil on net

Chennai, Dec 10 (UNI) Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dayanidhi Maran today sought more Tamil content on the internet.

Releasing a commemorative stamp in honour of Rev Bartholomacus Ziegenbalg, the first Protestant Missionary to India as part of the ongoing tercentenary celeberations here, Mr Maran called on those concerned to work towards this end owing to a low level of Tamil content currently on the internet.

Mr Maran recalled the missionary's services to the cause of the Tamil language, its grammer and his translation of bible.

The Minister also released the commemorative stamp album which was received by Historian and Journalist S Muthiah.

Rev Barthalomacus was the first Protestant Missionary to India.

He arrived on the shores of Tranquebar on July 9, 1706. His landing marked the beginning of an interesting chapter not only in Indo-German relationship but also in the development of Tamil language, literature and culture.

He began learning Tamil in the hope of speaking to the natives about the Gospel of Christ. In this process he developed an appreciative heart for culture of the Tamil people.

He was so impressed by the language that he moved on to become the first to open Europe's doors to the Tamil culture and civilization.

UNI RV AKJ RAI2109