On 2 September 2026 at 11.00 a.m., the Student Association of the Department of Christian and Islamic Civilizations, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, organized a guest lecture entitled “Humanism and Ethical Values in Tamil Culture: Religious, Cultural, and Sociological Perspectives.” The lecture was held at the Faculty of Arts Seminar Hall, University of Jaffna. A large number of academic staff, Heads of Departments, professors, and students participated in the programme.
The resource person, Rev. Prof. A. J. V. Chandrakanthan, is a distinguished theologian, scholar, and academic. He holds a Master’s degree in Indian Philosophy and obtained his PhD from the University of Ottawa in 1987 and his Doctor of Theology (ThD) from Saint Paul University in 1988. He began his academic career at the University of Jaffna as a Senior Lecturer and the founding Head of the Department of Christian and Islamic Civilizations. He later held academic positions at universities in Canada, including Concordia University and the University of Toronto. His areas of academic expertise include theology, philosophy, religious studies, Tamil cultural studies, political thought, and bioethics.
In his lecture, Rev. Professor Chandrakanthan highlighted the distinctive features of the Tamil language and intellectual tradition. He examined the development of Tamil thought in relation to language, society, religion, culture, and ethical values. He also explained the humanistic dimensions of Tamil cultural traditions and how ethical values have been expressed, transmitted, and maintained in Tamil society. The lecture provided valuable interdisciplinary perspectives on the relationship between Tamil cultural heritage, human values, and ethical thought.
Following the lecture, an interactive discussion session was held. Academic staff and students actively participated by asking questions, sharing their views, and engaging with the main themes of the lecture. The discussion further enriched the academic value of the programme and helped participants develop a deeper understanding of the subject.
The Student Association of the Department of Christian and Islamic Civilizations expressed its sincere appreciation to Rev. Prof. A. J. V. Chandrakanthan for his valuable contribution and for sharing his academic knowledge and insights with the University of Jaffna community.
