VIT Chennai has launched a dedicated centre to revive traditional Tamil knowledge and scientifically investigate the impact of traditional Tamil games and select teachings from traditional scriptures on cognitive abilities.The centre seeks to explore how traditional games such as Pallanguzhi, Thayam, Adupuli Attam, Paramapadham, and Aindhu Kal and select teachings of Thirukkural and Thirumandhiram can help improve concentration, memory, problem-solving skills, visuo-spatial ability, cognitive flexibility, and emotional regulation, a press release stated.The centre has been developed under the Indian Knowledge Systems division of the Union Ministry of Education.According to Vijayabanu U., Associate Professor of Psychology and the Co-Principal Investigator, the centre will examine specific cognitive abilities associated with different traditional games. Aindhu Kal will be studied in relation to visuo-spatial ability, Pallanguzhi with metacognition, Thayam with problem-solving skills and strategic thinking, Adupuli Attam with memory and cognitive skills, and Paramapatham to face life challenges.Instead of assuming that ancient practices are beneficial simply because they are traditional, the researchers propose to test their effects using measurable scientific parameters, which makes the initiative quite unique, according to Ganesh N., Professor of Computer Science Engineering and the Principal Investigator.The centre seeks to bring these traditional practices back into the lives of younger generations as knowledge systems whose potential benefits can help them, according to G.V. Selvam, Vice President, VIT. Published - August 05, 2026 05:30 am IST