The scheme “Tholkappiar Award” was launched by the Arts and Culture Department, Puducherry. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance of ₹10,000/- to writers and authors for outstanding research publications in Tamil literature who are natives of the Union Territory of Puducherry either by birth or domicile.

Benefits

• Financial Assistance of ₹10,000/- with an award and certificate.

Eligibility

• The applicant should be a writer/author born in Puducherry or a resident for five years.
• Research books must be at least 150 pages.
• Texts must be first editions published by December 31 of the specified year.
• Essays/dissertations for university degrees are not eligible.
• A one-time awardee is ineligible for the subsequent four years.
• Texts must be original (not translations or adaptations).
• Novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and collections of essays are NOT eligible.
• The thesis must be in Tamil language and published in the calendar year preceding the award year.

Application Process

Offline

• Step 1: Visit the Department of Art and Culture to get the application form or download it online.
• Step 2: Fill the form and attach self-attested documents and photographs.
• Step 3: Submit form and five copies of the text to the Superintendent, Department of Art and Culture, No.1, Roman Roland Road, Puducherry 605 001.
• Step 4: Obtain an acknowledgment receipt.

Note: The five texts submitted for competition cannot be returned.

Documents Required

• Passport-size Photo.
• Residence Certificate.
• Birth Certificate.
• Author Biographies.
• Five Copies of the Text.