Quarterfinals Format

Kural Theni Quarterfinals Format

Kural Theni is a premier Thirukkural contest dedicated to fostering a deep, thoughtful connection with the timeless wisdom of Thirukkural. Our mission is to inspire participants to become the next generation of torchbearers—interpreting its values with originality, insight, and meaningful relevance to modern life.

Quarterfinals FAQ

Arumbugal (Storytelling Format)

Participants will create original stories based on selected Kurals and deliver them as public speeches in both Tamil and English.

Instructions:

  • Select 2 Kurals from your allocated set of 35 Kurals.
  • Each Kural must be from a different Adhigaram.
  • You can use the same 2 Kurals for both Tamil and English rounds.
  • Share a story (from personal experience or a moral stories) that reflects the Kural’s message in the context of life in America.
  • There will be 2 rounds:
    • Round 1 – Tamil
    • Round 2 – English
  • Maximum duration: 5 minutes per participant per round.
  • Total marks from both rounds will determine the winners.

Submission Requirement:

  • Submit both stories in advance on or before April 25th using the text submission form in the status page – Form. 
  • Only approved stories may be presented during the Zoom session.

Mottugal & Malargal (Paper Presentation)

Participants will present papers in Tamil & English exploring the meaning and significance of selected Kurals.

Instructions:

  • Prepare two papers: one in Tamil and one in English.
  • Each paper should analyze 5 distinct Kurals from 5 different Adhigarams.
  • The Tamil and English papers can use the same sets of 5 Kurals.
  • Kural Selection:
    • Mottugal: From a set of 70 Kurals.
    • Malargal: From a set of 125 Kurals.
    • Malargal only: At least 1 Kural must be selected from the new set of 25 Kurals.

Presentation Format:

  • Use PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides. Use this sample powerpoint – Sample.
  • Presentation will be delivered in a public Zoom session in front of an audience.
  • Two rounds:
    • Round 1 – Tamil
    • Round 2 – English
  • Maximum duration: 7 minutes per participant per round.
  • Total marks from both rounds will determine the winners.

Submission Requirement:

Additional Requirement for Malargal:

  • Malargal students must also recite the 25 additional Kurals provided to them.
  • Meaning is not required for recitation during the Quarterfinals.

Content Requirements (All Categories)

  • Explain the meaning of each selected Kural, including:
    • Thiruvalluvar’s core message.
    • Relevant stories or explanations related to life in America.
    • Practical significance of the Kural in our life.
  • Provide historical information about Thiruvalluvar, highlighting:
    • His importance in Tamil society.
    • His global relevance, especially in the USA & Canada.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Depth of understanding
  • Clarity of expression
  • Connection to life in America

Important Dates & Note

  • Submission Deadline: On or before April 25th.

Note: Kural Theni is not about memorization—it’s about connecting with the wisdom of the Thirukkural. Through storytelling and presentation, students are encouraged to explore the timeless values of Thiruvalluvar in the context of modern American life.