In the culmination of his centennial birth anniversary (2012-2013), renowned writer Ka Na Subramaniam’s works are expected to get re-editions soon. Already, some of his works were brought out during the Chennai Book Fair by noted publishing house Natrinai Pathippagam, Chennai.
Ka Na Subramaniam, who was fondly called as Ka Na Su, was born in January 31, 1912. A native of Thanjavur district, he was considered more as a critic rather than a writer, due to his strong reviews of his contemporary works. His reviews appeared in magazines such as Swadesamithran, Saraswathi, etc. His noted work Poithevu, published in 1946, is considered as one of his masterpieces among others such as Thomas Vandhaar and Asurakanam.
In 2006, the Tamil Nadu government nationalised all his works.
The man, who shaped the modern Tamil literary circle, reportedly has penned more than 107 books, of which the published and non-published novels alone come to anywhere near 35.
Pazha Adhiyaman, a writer, who wrote a tribute to Ka Na Su in Kalachuvadu, with regard to his centennial celebration, says in his article, “I guess his writings would come around more than 20,000 pages.”
At this juncture, Yugan, publisher, Natrinai Pathippagam, took several efforts to publish all the works of Ka Na Su.
Speaking to City Express, he said, “We have taken this effort in commemorating the centennial celebrations of Ka Na Su. Though he has written novels, he was merely given a place as a critic in the Tamil literary arena. He is not only a critic, but a creator too. This year, we have brought around 10 of his novels such as Vaazhndhavar Kettaal, Asurakanam, Oru Naal, Sharmavin Uyil, Aatkolli, Avaravar Paadu, etc. In the coming months, we are trying to bring all his books as written manuscripts.”
“There are many publishing houses that published the works of Ka Na Su with lots of errors. So, we are cautious that such errors do not appear in our publishing work,” he added.
The 10 novels of Ka Na Su will be available for sale at Book Point, Anna Salai from February 10 onwards.