Chinnaswami

Subramania

Bharati

) (December 11, 1882 September 11, 1921) was an Indian writer, poet, journalist, Indian independence activist and social reformer from Tamil Nadu, India. Popularly known as Mahakavi Bharathiyar (Tamil: ), he is a pioneer of modern Tamil poetry. Born in Ettayapuram of the then Tirunelveli district(presently Tuticorin district) in 1882, Subramania Bharati studied in Tirunelveli and worked as a journalist with many newspapers, notable among them being the Swadesamitran and India. Bharathi was also an active member of the Indian National Congress. In 1908, an arrest warrant was issued against Bharathi by the government of British India for his revolutionary activities forcing him to flee to Pondicherry where he lived until 1918. Bharathi is considered to be one of the greatest Tamil poets of the modern era. Most of his works were on religious, political and social themes. Songs penned by Bharathi have been widely used in Tamil films and Carnatic Music concert platforms. Sundara Murthy December 11, 1882 Ettayapuram, Tuticorin district, Madras Presidency, India September 11, 1921 (aged 38) Madras, India Triplicane or Thiruvallikkeni Indian Bharathiyar, Subbaiya, Sakthi Dasan,[1] Mahakavi, Mundaasu Kavignar journalist Indian independence activism, poetry, social reform Panjali Sapatham, Pappa Pattu, Kannan Pattu, Kuyil Pattu, etc. Indian independence movement Hinduism Chellamaal Thangammal Bharati (b. 1904), Shakuntala Bharati (b. 1908) Chinnaswami Subramanya Iyer and Elakkumi (Lakshmi) Ammaal

Born

Died Residence Nationality Other names Occupation Known for

Notable work(s) Political movement Religion Spouse(s) Children

Parents

Early life Mahakavi Subramania Bharatiyar was born to Chinnasami Subramanya Iyer and Lakhsmiammaal as "Subbayya" on December 11, 1882 in the village of Ettayapuram. He was educated at a local high school called "The M.D.T. Hindu College" in Tirunelveli. From a very young age he learnt music and at 11th, he learnt poetry. It was here that he was conferred the title of "Bharati" (one blessed by Saraswati, the goddess of learning). Bharati lost his mother at the age of 5 and his father at the age of 16.He married Chellama who was 7 years old when he was 14 years old. He was brought up by his father who wanted him to learn English, excel in arithmetic, and become an engineer. Middle life Bharathi's birth home at Ettayapuram has been renovated by Tamil Nadu government and open to the public.

During his stay in Benares (also known as Kashi and Varanasi), Bharati was exposed to Hindu spirituality and nationalism. This broadened his outlook and he learned Sanskrit, Hindi and English. In addition, he changed his outward appearance. He also grew a beard and wore a turban. In December 1905, he attended the All India Congress session held in Benaras. On his journey back home, he met Sister Nivedita, Swami Vivekananda's spiritual daughter. From her arose another of Bharathi's iconoclasm, his stand to recognise the privileges of women. The emancipation of women exercised Bharathis mind greatly. He visualised the 'new woman' as an emanation of Shakti, a willing helpmate of man to build a new earth through co-operative endeavour. During this period, Bharati understood the need to be well-informed of the world outside and took interest in the world of journalism and the print media of the West. Bharathi joined as Assistant Editor of the Swadeshamitran, a Tamil daily in 1904. By April 1907, he started editing the Tamil weekly India and the English newspaper Bala Bharatham with M.P.T. Acharya. These newspapers were also a means of expressing Bharati's creativity, which began to peak during this period. Bharathi started to publish his poems regularly in these editions. From hymns to nationalistic writings, from contemplations on the relationship between God and Man to songs on the Russian and French revolutions, Bharathi's subjects were diverse. He was simultaneously up against society for its mistreatment of the downtrodden people and the British for occupying India. Bharati participated in the historic Surat Congress in 1907, which deepened the divisions within the Indian National Congress between the militant wing led by Tilak and Aurobindo and the moderate wing. Bharati supported Tilak and Aurobindo together with V. O. Chidambaram Pillai and Kanchi Varathaachariyar. Tilak openly supported armed resistance against the British. In 1908, he gave evidence in the case which had been instituted by the British against V.O. Chidambaram Pillai. In the same year, the proprietor of the journal India was arrested in Madras. Faced with the prospect of arrest, Bharati escaped to Pondicherry which was under French rule. From there he edited and published the weekly journal India, Vijaya, a Tamil daily, Bala Bharatha, an English monthly, and Suryothayam, a local weekly in Pondicherry. The British tried to suppress Bharathi's output by stopping remittances and letters to the papers. Both India and Vijaya were banned in British India in 1909. During his exile, Bharati had the opportunity to mix with many other leaders of the revolutionary wing of the Independence movement such as Aurobindo, Lajpat Rai and V.V.S. Aiyar, who had also sought asylum under the French. Bharati assisted Aurobindo in the Arya journal and later Karma Yogi in Pondicherry. Bharati entered British India near Cuddalore in November 1918 and was promptly arrested. He was imprisoned in the Central prison in Cuddalore in custody for three weeks from 20 November to 14 December. The following year Bharati met with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Later years and death He was badly affected by the imprisonments and by 1920, when a General Amnesty Order finally removed restrictions on his movements, Bharati was already struggling. He was struck by an elepant(lavanya) at Parthasarathy temple, Triplicane, Chennai, whom he used to feed regularly.Although he survived the incident, a few months later his health deteriorated and he died on September 11, 1921 early morning around 1 am.Though Bharati was considered a people's poet, a great nationalist, outstanding freedom fighter and social visionary, it was recorded that there were only 14 people to attend his funeral. He delivered his last speech at Karungalpalayam Library in Erode, which was about the topic Man is Immortal. Bharati's poetry His poetry expressed a progressive, reformist ideal. His imagery and the vigour of his verse were a forerunner to modern Tamil poetry in many respects. He was the forerunner of a forceful kind of poetry that combined classical and contemporary elements. He had a prodigious output penning thousands of verses on diverse topics like Indian Nationalism, the National Flag, the Mahabharat, love songs, children's songs, songs of nature, glory of the Tamil language, and odes to prominent freedom fighters of India like Tilak, Gandhi and Lajpat Rai.

He even penned an ode to New Russia and Belgium. His poetry not only includes works on Hindu deities like Sakthi, Kaali, Vinayagar, Murugan, Sivan, Kannan(Krishna), but also includes works on Allah and Jesus. His insightful similies have been read by millions of Tamil readers. His poems are brimming with a vigour which is unmatched by his contemporaries in Tamil Nadu. If it is love that oozes through his Kannamma songs or valour which breaks through the lines in his patriotic songs he managed to capture the imagination of generations of Tamilians. Like a fire that lights up anything which comes in touch with it, his poems aroused the passions of Tamilians and gave them the impetus to participate in the national freedom struggle with gusto. His poems stand out for beauty in both the form and content.

Translation: I found a tiny little flame and put that in a hole in a forest. The forest was burnt down. Is there youth or age to valour? The economy of words, the tightness of the construction, the vividness of the imagery and the fierceness that comes through the meaning.... that is quintessential Bharathi. Or take the case of the song where he describes the dance of Shakthi in the following lines:

Bharati on Feminism Bharathiyar advocated greater rights for women. His verses called Prem for women and put a premium on their education. He visualised a modern Indian woman at the vanguard of society. He was of the strong opinion that the world will prosper in knowledge and intellect if both men and women are deemed equal. Poetic extract - (The new age women will learn many intellectual texts. They will set the base for many scientific discoveries that facilitate human life. They will expunge all backward superstitions in the society. They will, all the same, be devoted to God and present all achievements of mankind as a tribute to God.They will earn good name from men.) Bharati on Caste System Bharati also fought against the caste system in Hindu society. Although born into an orthodox Brahmin family, he gave up his own caste identity. He considered all living beings as equal and to illustrate this he even performed upanayanam to a young harijan man and made him a Brahmin. He also scorned the divisive tendencies being imparted into the younger generations by their elderly tutors during his time. He openly criticised the preachers for mixing their individual thoughts while teaching the Vedas and the Gita. !; , . (There is no caste system. It is a sin to divide people on caste basis. The ones who are really of a superior class are the ones excelling in being just, wise, educated and loving.) About Bharatiar : Pondicherry Museum Notings Pondicherry is a city of rich history which hosted many freedom fighters including Bharathiyar. He moved to Pondicherry in the year 1908 to escape his arrest. During his stay at Pondicherry he was involved with the following journals and magazines: India, Vijaya, Chakravarthini etc. The house he lived in has been turned into a Museum now. It was in this home that he composed the poem Crows and Birds are our clan. The front cover of the magazine Chakravarthini (the 1906 edition was displayed) which reads A Tamil Monthly Devoted mainly to the Elevation of India Ladies The topics for that edition were interesting as well: 1. Women in Buddhism 2. Figures regarding female education in the Madras Presidency 3. Tulsi Rai 4. Infant marriage and female education The museum houses many of his letters 1. He starts off a letter with the words Om Shakthi 2. He usually signed off the letter saying May you gain immortality There was a postage stamp released on Bharathiar which is framed in the museum. There are around 20 photographs collected of his family, friends and relatives. The house address is: No. 20, Easwaran Koil Street, Pondicherry 3. The museum has a collection of his letters, family photographs and lot of books. Bharatiar was an expert in many languages: Tamil, Sanskrit, English and French. He had written a book in English titled "The fox and its golden tail". There is also a Tamil version of the phrase "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity" Swathanthiram, Sammathuvam, Sahotharathuvam. Later life The last years of his life were spent in a house in Triplicane, Chennai.[5] This house was bought and renovated by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 1993 and named 'Bharathiyar Illam' (Home of Bharathiar). Legacy

The holocaust of the dance of destruction that happens at the end of the world, life and everything that human mind knows or can imagine comes through in the vivid lines. Bharathiyaar's Paanchali sapatham is the zenith of imagery, where he compares Paanchaali(Draupadi) with Bharata matha, the Paandavaas with the Indians, the Gowravas with the Britishers and the Kurukshetra war of Mahabharat to that of the Indian freedom struggle. His poetry stands out for many facets of his love for his motherland. His love for his motherland knew no bounds. He passionately dreamt of the day his country would lead the world in culture, trade, literature and every other aspect of life. And penned those dreams in living words. Here is a sample:

Here he imagines a scenario where the country has produced the finest dresses in cotton and silk and selling them to traders who are coming to India from all over the world . He berates his countrymen for many social evils. He chastises them for a fearful and pusillanimous attitude towards the rulers. He sound a clarion call for national unity, removal of casteism and the removal of oppression of women. He calls for the British to leave the motherland in forceful ways at one point saying "Even if Indians are divided, they are children of One Mother, where is the need for foreigners to interfere?" Even in the period 19101920, when freedom was far away and with Mahatma Gandhi as just an emerging force, with a tremendous sense of positive expectation, he talks of a new and free India where there are no castes. He eloquently imagines all-round social and economic development. He talks of building up India's defence, her ships sailing the high seas, success in manufacturing and universal education. He calls for sharing amongst states with wonderful imagery like the diversion of excess water of the Bengal delta to needy regions. He talks of a bridge to Sri Lanka earlier Ceylon. He even desired greater co-operation between India and her neighbours a vision realised more than 60 years after his death through the SAARC agreement. Truly a visionary.

A state university named Bharathiar University was established in 1982 at Coimbatore. There is a statue of Bharathiar at Marina beach and also in the Indian Parliament. A Tamil Movie titled Bharathi [6] was made in the year 2000 on the life of the poet which won National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil. This classic film was directed by Gnana

Rajasekeran. The main character of Subramania Bharathi is played by a Marathi actor, Sayaji Shinde. The movie Kappalottiya Thamizhan (The Tamilian who sailed the high seas) chronicling the important struggles of V.O.Chidambaranar, Subramanya Siva and Bharathiar was an impactful movie which brought alive the patriotic fervour, sacrifices, tribulations and the beauty of Bharathiar's poetry. The movie starred Sivaji Ganesan as VOC and S.V Subbiah as Subramanya Bharathi.

Born

September 5, 1872 Ottapidaram, Tamil Nadu, India November 18, 1936 Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India V. O. C, Va Voo Cee, Kappal Oottiya Tamilzhan, Sekkizuththa semmal Indian National Congress, Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company Indian Independence Movement

Died

Other names

Subramaniya Siva (4 October 1884 - 23 July 1925) was an Indian freedom fighter and prolific writer. He was arrested many times between 1908 and 1922 for his anti-imperialist activities. While serving his last prison term, he was afflicted by leprosy to which he succumbed in 1925. Born 4 October 1884 Madras Presidency, British India July 23, 1925 (aged 40) Papanasam Falls, Madras Presidency, India Leprosy

Organization Political movement

Died Cause of death

Life Subramaniya Siva (Oct 4, 1884 - July 23, 1925) was born in vathalagundu in Dindigul district of the then Madras province. He was born to Rajam Iyer. Little is known about his early life, except for the fact that he was already a married man when he commenced his political activities. He plunged into the freedom movement in 1908 after which he was jailed many a time. In 1908, while serving a prison term, he was afflicted by leprosy and was ordered to be shifted to Salem jail. Since leprosy was regarded as a contagious disease, the British authorities forbade him to travel by rail. As a result of this, Subramaniya Siva traversed the whole length of Madras province on foot though his whole body was covered with sores. Fearful of displeasing the British authorities, not many people provided help. However, this did not deter Siva. He continued to fight for independence and suffered numerous prison terms. He eventually succumbed to the disease on 23 July 1925. Subramanya Siva was a firebrand revolutionary independence fighter from Tamil Nadu. He closely worked with V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and Subramanya Bharathy and inspired many young men to join the freedom movement.[2] Siva was the first political prisoner in the Madras Presidency. Siva had described his jail experience in a small book "Jail Life". He The Freedom Movement made him an orator and the jail life made him an author. He published "Gnana Bhanu", a collection of poems. He was an admirer of Swami Vivekananda and his religious master Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa. Siva disagreed many things with Gandhian Philosophy. He believed in violence for violent methods would arise when constitutional methods had failed. Subramanya Siva died on Jul 23, 1925. At the time of his death he was survived by his son Sabhapathi Sharma. To honour this great person, Dindugal district collector office is named after him :Thiagi Subramania Siva Malihai. The Tamil word Thiagi means martyr. Vathalagundu Bus stand also is named after him. A memorial for him will be established in Papparapatti of Pennagaram taluk in Dharmapuri.[ Valliappan Olaganthan Chidambaram Pillai, (1872-1936) (Tamil: . . ) popularly known by his initials, V.O.C. (spelt Vaa. Oo.Ce in Tamil), also known as Kappalottiya Tamilan ( ) "The Tamil Helmsman", was a Tamil political leader. He was a disciple of Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He launched the first indigenous Indian shipping service between Tuticorin and Colombo with the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company, competing against British ships. At one time a member of the Indian National Congress, he was later charged with sedition by the British government and sentenced to life imprisonment; his barrister license was stripped.

Early life[edit] V. O. Chidambaram Pillai was born on 5 September 1872 in Ottapidaram (only in Ottapidaram and not in Vandanam), Tuticorin districter Olaganathan Pillai and Paramayee Ammal.[1] When Chidambaram was six years old he learnt Tamil from the teacher Veeraperumal Annavi. He heard stories about Lord Shiva from his grandmother and stories from Ramayana from his grandfather. He heard stories from Mahabharatha told by Allikulam Subramanya Pillai. As a child, he played goli (marbles), kabaddi, horse riding, swimming, stilt walking, archery, wrestling, silambattam and chess. He learnt English from a Taluk Officer named Krishnan in the evenings. When Krishnan was transferred, Chidambarams father built a school with the help of the villagers and appointed Aramvalarthanatha Pillai from Ettayapuram as the English teacher. The school was run by Fr. Adamson, a priest at Pudhiamuthur. At fourteen, Chidambaram went to Thoothukudi to continue his studies. He studied at St. Xaviers High School and Caldwell High School, Thoothukudi and Hindu College High School, Tirunelveli. Chidambaram worked as Taluk office clerk for some time before his father sent him to Tiruchirappalli to study Law. He passed his Pleadership exam in 1894, returning to Ottapidaram to become a pleader in 1895. In Chennai, Chidambaram met Ramakrishnananthar, a saint who belonged to Swami Vivekananda Ashram (monastery), who advised him to "do something for the nation". Here he met the Tamil poet Bharathiyaar who shared his political ideology. The two men became close friends. Political life[edit] Background[edit] Main article: Indian Independence Movement In the 1890s and 1900s Indias independence movement and the Swadeshi movement, initiated by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai of Indian National Congress (INC), were at their peak. From 1892 Chidambaram was influenced by Tilak Maharaj, and became his disciple.[2] Along with Subramanya Siva and Subramanya Bharathi, he became a prominent spokesperson for the cause in Madras Presidency. Following the partition of Bengal in 1905 Chidambaram entered politics, joining the Indian National Congress and taking a hardliner stance. He also presided at the Salem District Congress session. Companies and institutions[edit] Chidambaram established many institutions like Swadeshi Prachar Sabha, Dharmasanga Nesavu Salai, National Godown, Madras AgroIndustrial Society Ltd and Desabimana Sangam. In response to the British India Steam Navigation Company's trade monopoly, Chidambaram started an Indian-owned shipping company. He registered the Swadeshi Shipping Company in October 1906.[3][4] The capital of the company was ten lakh rupees. The number of shares was 40,000 and the face value of each share was Rs.25/-.[4] Any Asian could become a share holder. The Director of the Company was Mr.Pandi Thurai Thevar, a Zamindar and the President of Madurai Tamil Sangam. Janab Haji Mohammed Bakir Seit paid Rs.2 lakh for 8000 shares, which was the first capital for the Company. In the beginning, the Company didnt own any ships, instead leasing them from Shawline Steamers Company. The B.I.S.N.C. pressured

Shawline Steamers to cancel the lease; in response, Chidambaram leased a single large freighter from Sri Lanka. Realizing the need for the Swadeshi Shipping Company to own its own vessels, Chidambaram travelled around India selling shares in the company to raise capital. He vowed, I will come back with Ships. Otherwise I will perish in the sea. He managed to secure sufficient funds to purchase the company's first ship, the S.S. Galia;[5] shortly afterwards they were able to acquire the S.S. Lavo from France. In response to the new competition, the B.I.S.N.C reduced the fare per trip to Re.1 (16 annas) per head. Swadeshi company responded by offering a fare of Re.0.5 (8 Annas). The British company went further by offering a free trip to the passengers plus a free umbrella; however, nationalist sentiment meant that the free service was underused. The B.I.S.N.C. attempted to buy out Chidambaram, but he refused the deal. The ships commenced regular service between Tuticorin and Colombo (Sri Lanka), against opposition from British traders and the Imperial Government. Coral Mill strike[edit] Main article: Tinnevely Riot of 1908 On February 23, 1908 Chidambaram gave a speech at Thoothukudi, encouraging the workers at Coral Mill (now part of Madura Coats) to protest against their low wages and harsh working conditions. Four days later, the workers of the Coral Mill went on strike. Chidambaram and Subramanya Siva led the strike. Their demands were included incremental earnings, weekly holidays and other leave facilities. Chidambaram ensured the strike was widely publicized, and it quickly gained popular support. On March 6 the head clerk Subramanya Pillai met Chidambaram and said that the management was ready to concede their demands. Chidambaram went with 50 workers and met the managers, who agreed to increase the wages, to reduce the working hours and to give leave on Sundays. The workers went back after a nine-day strike. The outcome of the strike encouraged the workers of other European companies, who also gained increased wages and better treatment.Sri Aurobindo appreciated Chidambaram and Siva for the unequalled skill and courage with which the fight was conducted in his Vande Mataram daily on 13-03-1908. Arrest and imprisonment[edit] By 1908, Chidambaram's political involvement drew the attention of the British. Hearing of his intention to speak at a rally celebrating the release of Bengali leader Bipin Chandra Pal, Mr Winch, a British official invited Chidambaram to meet him in Thirunelveli with his political comrade Subramanya Siva. At the meeting, Winch expressed concern at Chidambaram's activities and asked him to give assurances that he would not participate in any political revolt. Chidambaram refused to accept his conditions, and so he and Siva were arrested on March 12, 1908. The arrest met with widespread protest. In Thirunelveli shops, schools and colleges were closed in protest, and rioting broke out. Thirunelveli municipal office, post offices, police stations and municipal courts were attacked. A general strike was declared in Thoothukudi, which was the first political strike in India. Public meetings and processions were held, and four people were killed by the police. Although his supporters were able to raise sufficient funds for bail, Chidambaram refused to leave the jail without the release of Siva and his other comrades. Subramanya Bharathi and Subramanya Siva also appeared in the court for questioning for the case instituted against Chidambaram. He was charged under sections 123-A and 153-A of the Indian Penal Code for speaking against the British and giving shelter to Siva. Chidambaram refused to take part in the proceedings. He was charged with sedition and a sentence of two life imprisonments (in effect 40 years) was imposed. He was confined in the Central Prison, Coimbatore (from 9 July 1908 to 1 December 1910). The judgement was wideley condemned in the popular press, with even the British Statesmen magazine claiming that it was unjust. Chidambaram appealed the sentence in High Court, gaining a reduced punishment of 4 years imprisonment and 6 years in exile. An appeal to the Privy Council led to a further reduction in sentence. Chidambaram was interred in Coimbatore and Kannanoor jail. He was not treated as a 'political prisoner, nor was the sentence 'simple imprisonment, he was rather treated as a convict sentenced to life imprisonment and required to do hard labour, which caused his health to

suffer.[6] The historian and Tamil scholar, R. A. Padmanabhan, would later note in his works that Chidambaram was "yoked (in place of bulls) to the oil press like an animal and made to work it in the cruel hot sun....[1] From prison Chidambaram continued correspondence, maintaining a steady stream of legal petitions. He was finally released on December 12, 1912. To his dismay, the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company had already been liquidated in 1911, and the ships auctioned to their competitors. The company's first ship, the S.S. Gallio was sold to the British Shipping Company. Later life[edit] Upon Chidambarams release he was not permitted to return to his Tirunelveli district. With his law license stripped from him he moved to Chennai with his wife and two young sons. There he ran a provisions store and a kerosene store. In 1920, Chidambaram withdrew from the Indian National Congress, citing ideological differences with Mahatma Gandhi. He focussed his efforts on establishing Labor Unions in Madras and writing. After moving to Coimbatore Chidambaram worked as a bank manager. Dissatisfied with the income, he petitioned the court seeking permission to practise law again. Judge E.H. Wallace gave permission to restore Chidambaram's pleadership license; to show his gratitude Chidambaram named his last son Valacewaran. Chidambaram moved to Kovilpatti and practised as a lawyer. He rejoined the Congress party in 1927 and presided over the third political conference held at Salem. He said that he wanted to join Congress again because he noticed a remarkable change in the policies of Congress and he was happy to note that the policies which he did not approve of were withdrawn one by one. However, after the Salem conference Chidambaram again severed his contact with Congress. In 1932 he moved to Thoothukudi, where he spent his time writing and publishing Tamil books. Written works[edit]

Meyyaram 1914. Meyyarivu 1915 Anthology 1915 Autobiography 1946 Many articles in various magazines Translation works Literary notes of Thirukural Thirukural with literary notes of Manakudavar 1917 Tolkappiam with literary notes of Ilampooranar 1928

Published works[edit]

Post-independence honours[edit] Posthumously, Chidambaram is known by the titles Kappalottiya Thamizhan("the Tamizan who drove the ship") and "Chekkiluththa Chemmal" ("a great man who pulled the oil press in jail for the sake of his people"). Stamp[edit] The Indian Posts & Telegraphs department of India issued a special postage stamp on 5 September 1972, on the occasion of his birth centenary. Statues of Chidambaram[edit] Many statues of Chidambaram have been commissioned, some of the more notable are located:

At the entrance of the Congress committee office, Rayapettai, Chennai (1939). At the arch of Palayankottai, Thirunelveli. At Marina beach, Chennai. (unveiled at the time of the World Tamil Conference). At the port, Thoothukudi. (unveiled by Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister). At the Entrance of Kattu Paramakudi - (V.O.C. Mahal) unveiled at November 18, 2012. By Tamilnadu V.O.C Peravai, Ramanathapuram District.

At Simmakkal, Madurai (unveiled by Mr. M.G.Ramachandran, the former Chief Minister). At the commemorative building of V.O.C., Thirunelveli. (unveiled by Miss. Jayalalithaa, the Chief Minister). The Tuticorin Port was rechristened as V.O. Chidambaranar Port Trust by Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister and Thiru G.K. Vasan, Union Minister of Shipping.

Ma. Po. Si.(M.P.Sivagnanam)[edit] M.P.Sivagnanam popularly known as Ma. Po. Si. wrote the biography of V.O.Chidambaram Pillai and named it as 'Kappalottiya Tamizhan'.Later V.O.Chidambaram Pillai was remembered by all as 'Kappalottiya Thamizhan'.It was Ma. Po. Si. who brought the fame of V.O.Chidambaram Pillai to the limelight. Books written by Ma. Po. Si. on V.O.Chidambaram Pillai are Kappalottiya Thamizhan(1944),Kappalottiya Chidambaranar(1972) and Thalapathy Chidambaranar(1950). Film portrayal[edit] In 1961 Kannada film director B.R Panthalu made a film of Chidambaram's life titled Kappalottiya Thamizhan. Chidambaram was portrayed by Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan, Subramanya Siva by T.K Shanmugam and Subramanya Barathi by S.V Subbiah.The story of this movie is based on Ma. Po. Si.'s biography 'Kappalittiya Tamizhan'. Bibliography[edit]

an important figure in the states history. It was through his efforts the state could retain Madras(now renamed as Chennai) and got Tiruttani from Andhra Pradesh (due to his the namade vs manade agitation) . He was the chairman (presiding officer) of Tamil Nadu Legislative Council when it was abolished by M. G. Ramachandran in 1986.[2] Fight for Madras-Man behind the reason for state capital[edit] Potti Sreeramulu started an agitation for separate Andhra Pradesh. As part of this 'Madras Manade' movement was started, asking for Madras to be the capital of separated Andhra Pradesh. Ma.Po.Si through his Tamil Arasu Kazhagam agitated against Telugus' claim organising rallies, meetings and dharnas etc., saying (We will protect and save the capital for Tamils even if we have to part with our heads).Leaders like C. Rajagopalachari supported Ma.Po.Si. Ma.Po.Si went to meet Sreeramulu during his fast,due to the high respect he had on him,amidst political differences.Andhra Kesari Prakasam who was with Sreeramulu told Ma.Po.Si that they want to keep Madras as their temporary capital.Ma.Po.Si denied his request.Ma.Po.Si through his Tamilasrasu Kashagam held massive protests for want of Madras within TamilNadu.He was even prisoned at times for this. Sreeramulu died during a fatal fast,which increased more sympathy towards Andhra's demand.'Madras Manade ' movement attained more momentum. Nehru appointed Vansu,a Rajasthan based justice to look into the Madras issue. Rajaji pressured Nehru saying if Madras was given to Andhra, he will resign from his post.Ma.Po.Si submitted historical,literature facts to Vansu explaining the reason why he claims Thiruthani,Thirupathu,Madras to be grouped within Tamil Nadu. In between Nehru got an opportunity to read the famous speech Ma.Po.Si rendered in Madras Corporation.2000 telegrams were sent to Nehru from Tamil Nadu,emphasizing the need for Madras within Tamil Nadu. Finally Madras was attached to Tamil Nadu by the great efforts of Ma.Po.SI. Literary Journey[edit] Inspired by Subramanya Bharathi[edit] It was in Amaravathi prison where Ma.Po.Si started his literary journey.His interest to sangam literature was kindled by the words of Subramanya Bharathi.He claimed that the simple words of Bharathi acted as a tutor to take him to the next literary level.He attributed all his literary growth to Subramanya Bharathi.Ma.Po.Si is one of the authors to have written about 10 research books on Bharathi. Books written by Ma.Po.Si on Subramanya Bharathi Vallalarum Bharathiyum(1965) Engal Kavi Bharathi(1953) Bharathiyum Aangilamum(1961) Bharathi Kanda Orumaipadu(1962) Ulaga Mahakavi Bharathi(1966) Bharathiyar Pathaiyile(1974) Bharathiyin Porkural(1979) Bharathy Patri Ma.Po.Si Perurai(1983) Tholkappiathilirunthu Bharathi varai(1979) Ennai Valartha Bharathi(2013) Composed by Vikraman Silappatikaram[edit] He started reading Silappatikaram and got induced into it.He took the morals dictated by Silappatikaram as his bible ad enforced his party's principles based on the same.He was the one, who pioneered spreading the merits of Silappatikaram. Ma.Po.Sis extensive research on Silappatikaram earned him the special title "Silambu Chelvar" by R. P. Sethu Pillai. His attraction towards this epic even made him name his daughters Kannagi and Madhavi. Books written by Ma.Po.Si on Silappatikaram Silappatikaramum Thamizharum(1947) Kannagi Vazhipadu(1950) Illangovin Silambu(1953) Veerakanagi(1958) Nenjaiallum Silappatikaram(1961) Madhaviyin Manbu(1968) Kovalan Kutravaliya(1971) Silappatikara Thiranaivu(1973) Silappatikara Yathirai(1977) Silappatikara Aayvurai(1979)

Appanaswamy, Parambarai Boothakalayam, Chen (2004)

(Tamil

Language),

Barathi

M. P. Sivagnanam, (Mylapore Ponnuswamy Sivaganam)[1] popularly known as Ma.Po.Si (26 June 1906 3 October 1995), was an Indian politician and the founder of the political party Tamil Arasu Kazhagam. He wrote more than 100 books.[2] Life History[edit] Mylapore Ponnuswamy Sivagnanam (Ma.Po.Si) was a Veteran Tamil Scholar and the Champion of Tamil Language and Culture.Ma.Po.Si was an example of self-made leader, an embodiment of whatever is noble and great in Tamil tradition and culture. He belonged to a rare group of eminent personalities who, having had no formal education worth the name in a background of poverty and lack of social status, have risen. By dint of sheer self-effort to an exalted position .Ma.Po.Si was born in the toddy-tapper community and overwhelming all odds,achieved distinction, as an eminent Tamil Scholar, a prolific writer, a silver tongued and persuasive orator who could hold spell bound the masses as well as classes, a true nationalist, with the seal of recognition earned through stints in jail for his activities in pursuance of the struggle for national independence. A Gandhian, an educationalist, and protagonist of state autonomy without being a secessionist, and a crusader for a pre-eminent place for Tamil at all levels in education and the administration. Ma.Po.Si was a multi-faceted personality, a humanist with a cultivated taste for the Tamil Classic tradition. As a dedicated leader of Tamils, Ma.Po.Si gained recognition from the prince and the peasant alike.Ma.Po.Si with no formal education to his credit, was able to earn the honour of being conferred a doctorate. Ma.Po.Si was born on 26 June 1906 of humble parentage in Salvankuppam in Thousand Lights of Madras City, to God fearing Parents, Ponnuswamy and Sivakami,belonging to the Gramani Community, a counterpart of the Nadars of the Southern Districts.For long, Sivagnanam was known as Sivagananm Gramani, which denominational suffix he shed later.His early education was through his devout mother, and his school term ended at the commencement of Standard III, due to poverty, his father could not buy for him the class text books. Thereafter, the wide world was his school. Sivagnanam was the eldest of the surviving three of his parents ten children. Sivagnanam worked on daily wage for some time and later as a weaver for eight years.Subsequently he started life as a compositor in the Press of a Tamil Journal. He was elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from Thiyagarayanagar constituency contesting as a DMK contestant in 1967.[3] His participation in the demarcation of TamilNadu has made him

Silappatikara Uraiasiriyargal Sirappu(1980) Silappatikarathil Yashum Esaiyum(1990) Silambil Edupatathu eppadi(1994) Silapathikara Vizha[edit] Ma.Po.Si wanted to spread the merits of Silappathikaram throughout the world.He conducted the 'Silapathikara Vizha' in 1950 for the first time in Tamil History.It was held in Congress Grounds,Madras,TamilNadu.The ceremony consisted of emminent Tamil scholars from all Tamil parties.From 1950 onwards Ma.Po.Si's Tamil Arasu Kazhagam started celebrating the Silpathikara Vizha every year. After Ma.Po.Si's demise ,his daughter Ma.Po.Si Madhavi Baskeran started celebrating Silapathigara Vizha in 2013,through a Trust run by her in the name of her father.[4] V.O. Chidambaram Pillai[edit] Ma.Po.Si brought out the contribution of V.O. Chidambaram Pillai to the masses.He wrote V.O.Chidambaram Pillai's biography and named it as 'Kappalottiya Thamizhan'.Later V.O.Chidambaram Pillai was remembered by all as 'Kappalottiya Thamizhan'.A Tamil movie named Kappalottiya Thamizhan directed by B.R.Panthulu was taken based on Ma.Po.Si's biography. Books written by Ma.Po.Si on V.O. Chidambaram Pillai Kappalottiya Thamizhan(1944) Kappalottiya Chidambaranar(1972) Thalapathy Chidambaranar(1950) Veerapandiya Kattabomman[edit] Ma.Po.Si was instrumental in reviving the public interest of Kattabomman through his biography he wrote.Later a Tamil movie named 'Veerapandiya Kattabomman (film)' was made which made Kattaboman more popular.Ma.Po.Si wrote the screenplay for this movie. Books written by Ma.Po.Si on Veerapandiya Kattabomman Veerapandiya Kattabomman(1949) Veerapandiya Kattabomman (book) Kayathatril Kattabomman(1950) Suthanthira Veeran Kattabomman(1950) Thiruvalluvar[edit] Books written by Ma.Po.Si on Thiruvalluvar Thirukuralil Kalai Patri Kurathathen(1974) Valluvar Thantha Vazhi(1952) Thiruvalluvarum Karl Marxum(1960) Books of Ma.Po.Si translated in English[edit]

1. The Great Patriot V.O. Chidambaram Pillai 2. The First Patriot Veera Pandia Katta Bomman 3. The Universal Vision of Saint Ramalinga

He was the editor of "Senkol" which became the vehicle of his ideas on matters of political and literary. In 1966, he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for Tamil for his biography of Vallalar - Vallalar kanda orumaipaadu.[5] In 1972 Government of India awarded him Padma Shri for Literature & Education.[1] Educational Service[edit] 1952-53 Chairman, Education Committee,Corporation of Madras. 1952-54 Member, Senate of Madras University 1957-69 Member, Senate of Madurai Kamaraj University 1972-76 Member, Syndicate of Madras University 1978 Member, Senate of Annamalai University 1981 Delivered Convocation Address in the Rural University, Gandhigram,Tamil Nadu Chairman of several committees, commissions constituted by the Madras University . Delivered Endowment lectures for six times in Madras and Madurai University Delivered convocation Address in the University of Madras Member,Senate of the Madurai-Kamarajar University Senate Member, Tamil University of Thanjavur. Various books written by him such as Veerapandia Kattabomman,Kappalottiyathamizhan, Vallalar Kanda Orumaippaadu, KambanKaviyinbam,Kalingaththu parani, Bharathiyaarin Paadhaiyile etc.,have been prescribed as text books for High Schools, colleges and as Reference books for Post-Graduates courses.

Library Movement[edit] 1952-54 Chairman, Madras District Local Library Authority 1970-73 Chairman, Madras District Local Library Authority, 2nd time 1972-74 Member, Tamil Nadu State Local Library Authority Responsible for the creation of separate department and Director for Librariesin Tamil Nadu and also for increasing the Library Cess from 3 paise to 5 paise. Visit to Foreign Countries[edit] 1948 First visited Ceylon and toured for 28 days 1956 Visited Burma and toured for 18 days 1964-65 Visited Malaysia and Singapore twice 1965 Visited Kulalampur and participated as the representative of Governmentof Tamil Nadu in the World Tamil Conference held at Kulalumpur 1970 Participated as the representative of Government of Tamil Nadu in TheWorld Tamil Conference held at Paris 1970 Visited Soviet Union and toured for seven days at the invitation of SovietUnion 1970 Visited London and stayed for three days on his way back to India fromParis and studied the working of Library Movement and PoliceAdministration 1986 Visited London and United States of America for over three weeks.Touredvarious places in America and participated in World PeaceConferencein Virginia Awards and Titles[edit] 1950 Awarded title "Silambu Selvar" by Prof. R.P.Sethupillai 1966 "Sahithya Academy Award" for the book written by him Vallalarkanda Orumaipadu" 1970 Award given by UNESCO Mandram, Madras during International Education Year 1972 Padmasri Award by the President of India 1976 Kalaimamani title by Tamil Nadu Iyal,Isai, Nataka Mandram, Madras 1979 Doctorof Literature by the University of Madras 1979 Doctorof Literature by the Annamalai University, Chidambaram, TamilNadu 1980 Tamil Nadu Government has awarded a prize for the book written by his namely,"Enathu Porattam" containing 1200 pages. This book wasreleased by the President of India Thiru. V.V.Giri. 1985 The book Viduthalai Poril Thamizhagam was nationalized by the Tamil Nadu Government 1985 Award of Peravai chemmal by Madurai Kamarajar University 2006 Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Dr. Kalaignar M Karunanidhi on August 15 Tuesday 2006 released commemorative postage stamp issued by the Department of Posts on freedom fighter and Tamil scholar Silambu Selvar M.P. Sivagnanam(Ma.Po.Si.) . 2006 Books of Ma.Po.Si Nationalized by the Tamil Nadu Government. 2011 Statue of Ma.Po.Si unveiled in T.Nagar Books on Ma.Po.Si

Arignargal

Parvaiyil

Ma.Po.Si

. . ) by his daughter Ma.Po.Si Madhavi Baskeran Vettriveerar Ma.Po.Si by Thirumalai