Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, "Land of the Tamils") is a state at the southern tip of India. The bordering states/territories are Pondicherry, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The island nation of Sri Lanka, which has a significant Tamil minority, lies off the southeast coast.

Social development

The Dravidian movement, which began in Tamil Nadu, aimed at uplifting the socially repressed classes. Educating the people and eradicating superstitions were some of their objectives. They had a commitment to social justice which led to an education revolution in the state. Today many of India's premiere colleges are located in the state.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Tamil Nadu has also performed reasonably well in terms of literacy growth during the decade 1991-2001. The State's literacy rate increased from 62.66 % in 1991 to 73.47 % in 2001.http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1809/18090930.htm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Magsaysay Award winner from Tamilnadu

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• Aruna Roy, Chennai
• Dr. V Shanta, Chennai
• Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Chennai
• M.S. Subbulakshmi, Madurai
• T.N. Seshan, Chennai