“Why suddenly?’’ was his query, when we called him up for an interview.
Quite natural, since, of late, little has been heard or written about this man and his invention of 1975. The man - R. Arulappan; his invention - the Arul System of Malayalam shorthand.
The interview took off on a slow note, for, he was still in surprise.
“Good to know that people still remember me. I founded the system in September 1975. It was the result of five years of hard work. Now, there are very few who learn Malayalam shorthand. But, I can’t stop experimenting with the system even now,’’ he said, when we caught up with him at his 44-year-old typewriting institute - Star Typewriting and Computer Institute - at Peroorkada Junction.
“In the beginning, I was attacked left and right, especially by those who followed the other existing systems. My system is easy to learn when compared to the others. Complaints against me were sent to various offices. And I had to prove the credibility of the system before an expert committee appointed by the State Government,’’ said Arulappan.
A textbook on the system was released in 1976 by Dr S. Vasudev, the then Director of Technical Education.
In August 1977, it was given temporary recognition by the State Government. Three KGT exams were held based on this and once it was proved that the system was scientifically good, it was given permanent recognition by the Government through a Government Order (GO (MS) No.116/79/H.Edn) dated June 13, 1979.
This path-breaking find has had many advantages over the existing systems - the Chacko System and Pandala System (Now the Pandala System and Arul System have government approval). That is, “lesser number of strokes and ‘pratyayams’ as compared with the existing Malayalam shorthand’’ - wrote S. Vasudev, in the foreword to Arulappan’s Malayalam Shorthand Textbook, which is now in its 28th edition.
“In the latest edition, I have included lots of phrases, exercises and their keys, besides the designation of department heads and office heads,’’ Arulappan said.
Now 68, Arulappan retired as Selection Grade Confidential Assistant from the Department of Technical Education. “If you know English shorthand, you can learn the Malayalam shorthand in three months. Otherwise, it takes six months. But, if I teach, it takes not more than two months,’’ he said with pride.
He is very much upset about the fact that only very few turn up these days to learn typewriting and shorthand. “Computers have taken over,’’ he added.
The Malayalam shorthand exams are conducted in all typewriting institutes, VHSE institutions, Government commercial institutes, Women’s Polytechnics, some polytechnics and schools under the SC/ST Welfare Department. Those who learn Malayalam shorthand now include those preparing for the exam of Confidential Assistants, in addition to State Assembly reporters and those who are instructors at the institutions where the shorthand exams are conducted.
“Malayalam shorthand is always an advantage for anyone who knows English typewriting and shorthand, especially if you are in a government department. Promotion is guaranteed if you know Malayalam shorthand,’’ he said.
Even when he vouches for the benefits of the system, he has a regret. “Except for a citation, the State Government has done little for me (He was given the citation in 2001). It is not that I’m dying to get one. But I would be grateful if my efforts are recognised in a better way. The Government is earning enough by conducting the examinations based on Arul System and I have not got any benefit out of that till date,’’ he said on a sad note.
He has brought out books on English and Malayalam typewriting which include government-approved textbooks, Speed Book (lower and higher combined), Litho (Manuscript) Book and Fingering Exercises for Beginners, in addition to Mechanism Book (English). Besides the textbook on Malayalam shorthand, he has brought out Second Paper book (model questions and answers), Shorthand Speed Tests and II and III paper book for Malayalam shorthand.
He is married to Vijayamma and the couple has three sons - Arul Raj, Arul Jayan and Arul Jose.
m_athira@expressbuzz.com