Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN) is an institution of higher education established by an Act of Parliament in 2009. The University aims at the fashioning of an enlightened society founded on a relentless pursuit of excellence through innovation in teaching-learning process, interdisciplinary studies and research. Tucked away 8 kms. off the headquarters of Thiruvarur District, which is both in the heart of the Cauvery Delta and in the centre of the Great Chola Empire, CUTN has, thanks to the generosity of the state government, a sprawling 520 acre campus, divided by a tributary of the Cauvery, spanning across two revenue villages. Having constructed its buildings as per the GRIHA norms, CUTN moved to the new campus in 2013-14. With a view to ensuring a green campus the university has registered for a green rating.

          With a host of the diversified integrated postgraduate, postgraduate, doctoral programmes and diploma and certificate courses of community college both already rolled out and on the anvil, the University has been keen to stay abreast of the ever expanding academic frontiers. The University is also participating in the MHRD initiative of Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA).

          Within the brief period since its inception, whether in the realm of academics or research, CUTN has established itself as a frontrunner in the pursuit of excellence. The University in its permanent campus can boast of, among other things, state of the art infrastructure including smart classrooms, laboratories, sophisticated scientific equipment, a well-stocked library with access to a large number of research resources through internet, Wi-Fi connectivity, guest house, cafeteria, hostels, ATM, bank, photocopying center, indoor stadium, amenities and sports facilities for students. Student participation in cultural events both within the University and outside the campus has been worthy of special note. In addition, a Kendriya Vidyalaya which started functioning in the CUTN residential campus during the academic year 2013 -14, caters to the school educational requirements both of the employees of CUTN and students from surrounding villages.

          The Research and Consultancy Promotion Cell constituted to promote and strengthen research programmes of the University encourages the faculty, in the respective areas of their expertise, to work in collaboration with industries and institutions. In order to promote the synergy of the University-Industry interface, the University proposes to initiate a series of skill development programmes in collaboration with industries.

          CUTN strictly adheres to the academic calendar with regard to its academic matters and examinations and the university has successfully introduced the Choice Based Credit and Semester System (CBCSS). The provision for scholarship to all research scholars ensures that paucity of funds does not constrain the pursuit of genuine research initiatives. The University, with the active support of students, faculty, and the administrative staff endeavours to ensure optimal environmental backing conducive to learning.

          Even as I am confident that CUTN will scale greater heights of excellence nationally and internationally in the days to come, I dream of the day when it becomes the preferred global academic hub. Towards this, I would like only to join the poet in his song:

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.