VIT Chennai to study traditional Tamil board games for student cognitive skills

VIT Chennai has launched an Indian Knowledge Systems centre to scientifically study how traditional Tamil board games and ancient texts can improve students' cognitive abilities, including concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills. The initiative may introduce these games into engineering classes. The centre will examine specific games for distinct cognitive benefits, such as Pallanguzhi for metacognition, Thayam for strategic thinking, and Adupuli Attam for memory. It will also analyze selected Thirukkural couplets for motivation and decision-making, and Thirumandhiram for breathing techniques and mind-body relationships. The project aims to bridge Tamil cultural heritage with modern education by documenting disappearing games and developing structured interventions. Faculty member Ganesh N noted the initiative places traditional knowledge under the lens of modern science, with games played without digital screens demanding concentration and social interaction.