Well-known Tamil poet, scholar and nationalist Perunchithiranar’s collection of songs was released in eight volumes here recently, ahead of his 80th birth anniversary on March 10. This is the first time that all the songs of Perunchithiranar have been brought together as one complete collection.
Perunchithiranar, popularly known as Pavalareru due to his vibrant songs, was born in a tiny village called Samuthiram in Salem district in 1933. He did his intermediate at the Salem Government College and and worked with the Forest Department for a while and then in the Postal Department. Due to his participation in the anti-Hindi agitation in the 1960s, he lost his job. He wrote nearly 80 books, of which 35 have been published till date.
Guna Thogai, son-in-law of Perunchithiranar, shared more information about the Tamil scholar with City Express.
“Following the anti-Hindi agitations, Perunchithiranar started a magazine called Thenmozhi in 1959. The motto of the magazine was to create pure Tamil literature. The monthly magazine is still alive. He went to prison in 1965, when he wrote against the government in his magazine after the announcement of Hindi as an official language. He was in Vellore prison for two months and it only intensified his aim of propagating Tamil,” says Guna Thogai.
The magazine was launched as part of the movement called ‘Thani Thamizh Iyakkam’ (Pure Tamil Movement), which has its own tradition. Great Tamil scholars like Maraimalai Adigal, Devaneya Pavanar developed the movement.
“When Perunchithiranar was a student of the Salem Government College, Devaneya Pavanar was his professor. Perunchithiranar was attracted by Devaneya Pavanar’s principles and started the magazine to promote and propagate the latter’s thoughts. He also started another magazine called Thamizh Chittu to guide youth and children,” he added.
During his days in the Vellore prison, Perunchithiranar wrote the famous book, Aiyai, which then became a subject in many universities.
He wrote many Kathai Paadalgal (songs with stories) to highlight social problems and lauding Tamil tradition. “For the first time, all his songs have been compiled under various segments such as songs on anti-Hindi agitation and songs on Tamil nationalism among others in eight volumes,” Guna said.
Perunchithiranar was also known as a staunch supporter of Eelam and Tamil nationalism.
To liberate Tamil Nadu from the clutches of Indian imperialism, he founded the Ulaga Thamizhina Munnetra Kazhagam. It is to be noted that the songs collection will also be released in Malaysia along with a stamp on Perunchithiranar.