Compiled by C. ARUNO, JUNAID IBRAHIM and R. ARAVINTHAN

       AN international Tamil studies congress will be jointly hosted by Universiti Malaya’s Department of Indian Studies, University of Madras’ Department of Tamil Literature and the Malaysia Tamilar Sangam, Makkal Osai reported.

       Sangam chairman M.J. Ganesan said the event from Nov 24 and 28 would be held online.

       Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, he said the event would feature research paper presentations, discussion, and seminars on the origins of the language.

       Researchers will also be presenting on how some ancient languages similar to Tamil have stayed relevant without being neglected by the younger generations.

       > The daily reported that Indian film star Kangana Ranaut is facing calls to be stripped of her Padma Shri, which is the Republic’s fourth- highest civilian award.

       This followed her claims that the country had been ruled by an extension of the British colonialists up to 2014, the daily also reported.

       While appearing on a talk show, she said India’s real freedom was attained in 2014 with the administration of Narendra Modi assuming power, while Independence in 1947 was like alms given to a beggar.

       The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.