Madras University Corrects Tamil Translation on Degrees

Nearly a year after the issue was first raised, the University of Madras has finally issued degree certificates with a corrected Tamil translation for a postgraduate course offered by the Madras School of Social Work (MSSW).

In 2021, MSSW, which is affiliated with the University of Madras, started a new postgraduate programme called “Master of Social Work in Disability and Empowerment.” The course focuses on helping persons with disabilities, promoting inclusion, and supporting their rights and independence. The first group of students completed the programme and graduated in 2025.

When the university issued the degree certificates, it followed its usual practice of translating the course name into Tamil. However, the Tamil translation printed on the certificates — “Iyalaamai mattrum Adhigaramalithal” — did not properly reflect the meaning of the English title. Students and faculty members felt that the term used for “empowerment” was not accurate and did not convey the positive and respectful meaning intended in the programme.

They pointed out that the wording could lead to misunderstanding and did not match the spirit of the course, which is meant to promote dignity, rights, and opportunities for persons with disabilities. The issue was formally raised with the university, and requests were made to correct the translation.

After several months of discussions and review, the University of Madras agreed to revise the Tamil wording. The university has now provided fresh degree certificates with the corrected translation to the graduates.

Students welcomed the move and said that having the right translation is important because a degree certificate is a lifelong document that reflects their qualification and the values of their profession. They added that the change shows respect for both the Tamil language and the field of disability studies.