Chennai: “I am doing service to Tamil language that helps me win my bread,” says Nalamoor Munaivar Ko Periyannan, who is on a mission to spread the literature among the children.
The renowned teacher is one of the founding members of the club, Thirukkural Peravai, that teaches children about the greatness of much-acclaimed Thirukkural.
News Today had featured the club in its edition dated 14 April. However, the founder is not just associated with it, but he is a multi-faceted personality.
Speaking to News Today, he shares about his love for language and service to the literature.
The language enthusiast has penned more than 70 books in Tamil, represented Tamilnadu in the International Thirukkural Conference held at Malaysian University early this year. The writer spoke on the lines of ‘Thirukkuralil Tamizhar Panpaadu’ at the meet. He is also the president of All India Tamil Writers’ Association.
Periyannan states that his desire to write was seeded by Saranar Iyakkam. “Also my wife Vanitha’s unflinching support motivated me to write,” he says.
The 73-year-old writer adds that his experience of serving as the Tamil teacher for Government Higher Secondary School, Nanganallur for 25 years and as the Headmaster for Chengalpet Girls Higher Secondary School for 10 years pushed him to write vernacular books to promote Tamil medium of education.
His first book ‘Grammiya Padalgal’ was released in 1980. “I wrote the book to spread awareness about the treasure that our folklore is,” he adds. While asking about his favourite book written by him, the author declares that it is ‘Thirukkural – Periyannan urai‘ without any doubt. He claims that the book has been sold over five lakh copies worldwide.
On speaking about his accolades, he says that the author was bestowed with Thiruvalluvar Award in the year 1980 and Tamilnadu Government’s ‘Sirandha Nool Asariyar Virudhar’ for his book, ‘Samudhaiya Sezhumaiku Saranar Iyakkam‘. The biggest feather on his cap would be the ‘Dhesiya Nal Aasiriyar Virudhu‘ given to him by the Central Government for his service to the society.
“I received that prize from former President A P J Abdul Kalam. I remember of him appreciating me for my contribution to Tamil literature especially Thirukkural on the stage,” says the resident of Lakshmi Nagar with pride.
In a world where English is considered as the universal language, he hopes that the future generation comes forward to learn the Semmozhi Tamil.
Wish him at 94444 94839.
| FROM HIS KITTY |
| Samudhaiya Sezhumaiku Saranar Iyakkam Tharkala Indhiya Samudhaiyamum Kalviyum Paalinam, Palli, Samudhayam Katral, Karpithal |
Article by Sureka Rajasekar