Government to translate higher education books into Tamil

At a time when questions are raised about the situation faced by rural students who are facing difficulties in cracking competitive examinations like the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET), the authorities here have begun efforts to translate textbooks of medicine, law, engineering, homeopathy, Siddha medicine, fisheries, veterinary science, agriculture, physical education, and arts and science into Tamil. 

Besides these, said sources from Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation (TNTESC), the nodal agency in charge of the translation work, said competitive examination preparation books would also be translated into Tamil. 

Also, steps have been initiated to translate more than 60 textbooks relating to agriculture for the universities concerned. “As per the request from Agricultural University, a total of 69 textbooks relating to agriculture is being translated into Tamil,” a senior official from TNTESC told DT Next on Monday. 

According to him, six volumes of competitive examination books would be translated into Tamil through leading publishers including Pearson and Co, Oxford University Press and Penguin Books. 

“These companies have been approached to enter into an agreement for translation of literature oriented books,” the official said, adding, “As Penguin Books consented to translate six English books that it had published into Tamil, translation work has been going on”. 

In addition, works are on for translation of modern science technology books into Tamil. This would cost an estimated Rs 5 crore, which would be funded by the TNTESC.

Considering the importance old higher education books, steps would be taken to search and print these old books to make available in open market for the benefit of students. 

“Steps have been initiated to digitise and upload these books on the website too,” the official said. Out of 1,000 books published by the TNTESC, a total of 875 books have been digitalised by the Tamil Virtual University and uploaded on the website. 

“It has also been decided to print 100 copies on ‘print on demand’ basis. Accordingly, orders have been issued to print 595 books,” he said, adding that 341 books among these were showcased.