On Canadian Tamil Literature!

Diaspora Tamil literature is a common term denoting the literature of expatriate Tamils. Tamil people live worldwide in many countries, including Western countries. Most of them migrated to other countries after the communal riots that happened in 1983, which is generally known as 'Black July '83.' Now, more than thirty years have passed since they left. During this time, the diaspora literature of Tamils has achieved many milestones in various literary forms such as short stories, poems, dramas, novels, and non-fiction.

The common, general term 'diaspora literature' for the Tamil people is no longer needed, as the literature of the Tamil diaspora has matured in the soil where they live. Since countries differ in terms of their culture, language, economy, and politics, the literature produced in each country also varies based on these factors. Therefore, the general term 'diaspora literature' for Tamil people does not accurately depict the true nature of Tamil diaspora literature.

Many critics have already begun to use terms like Canadian Tamil Literature, British Tamil Literature, Australian Tamil Literature, French Tamil Literature, and so on. This is the right way to approach this matter.

In this context, it is better to explore some aspects of Canadian Tamil Literature. The views expressed here on this topic won't be detailed or researched but will serve as examples to initiate the discussion.

Many Tamil writers have provided valuable contributions to fiction, non-fiction, drama, and literary magazines. The term 'literary magazines' includes both online Tamil magazines and printed Tamil magazines. Many literary organizations have made valuable contributions to art and literature as well.

A few of the important writers whose contributions to the short story genre are noteworthy include the late Kumar Moorthy, Devaknthan,N.K.Mahalingam., A.Muttulingam, Sumathy Ruban, George E. Kurushev, Kuru Aravinthan, Kuramagal, Akil Sambasivam, Kadal Puthirfan, Melinchi Muththan, Elanko (D.J.Tamizhan), Tamilnathy, T.Akilan, V. N. Giritharan, P.A.Jayakaran, T.Sivathasan,  Sakkaravarththy, A. Kanthasamy, Anantha Prasath, Niruba, Sri Ranjani Wijendthira, Monika, Daniel Jeeva, Canada Moorthy, 'Veerakesari' Moorthy, the late Nila Kugathasan, Alavetty Sriskantharaja, Bavan, K.Navam, the late Pon Kulendran and Akani Suresh.

There are many Tamil poets who have enriched Canadian Tamil literature. Some of them include 'Kavinjar' Kanthavanam, 'Kavinjar' Cheran, Thirumavalavan, P.A. Jayakaran, 'Kavinjar' S.V.Panchatsaram,  'navaRkuziyuur' Nadarajah, 'Poorani' N.K.Mahalingam, Katpagam Yasothara, Katchura, Monika, 'Mavili Mainthan', 'Kavinjar' Theevakam V.Rajalingam, Gowry, V.N. Giritharan, A. Kanthasamy, Melinchi Muththan, Tanya Thillainathan, Prathipa Thillainathan, Nadaraja Muralitharan, 'Kavinjar' Buhari, M.Sithivinayagam and many more. The late Professor Selva Kanaganayam helped publish anthologies of translated Tamil poems in English. That was a great contribution.

In terms of novelists, whose valuable contributions cannot be ignored, individuals such as Devakanthan, Thamiznathy, V.N. Giritharan, Kuru Aravinthan, A.Muttulingam, Melinchi Muththan, Cheziyan, Valivai Kamala Peiyathamby, Sivanayani Mukunthan, Kadalpuththiran, Akil, the late K.S. Balachandran, Montreal Michael, K. Ravindranathan, Veenai Mainthan, Kathir Balasundaram, Manual Jesuthasan, Kuramakal, and others come to mind right away.

Devakanthan's most popular novel, 'கனவுச்சிறை' (Prison of Dreams), consists of five volumes. The first three volumes have been translated into English by the well-known translator Nedra Rodirigo. V.N. Giritharan's two novels, 'America' and 'Kudivaravalan' (An Immigrant), have also been translated into English by Chennai-based writer Latha Ramakrishnan.

On the non-fiction side, Professor N. Subramaniyan's research papers and books, Professor E. Balasuntharam's research papers and books, social and political activist Elllan Rajasingam's memoir,  social and political activist  Rahuman Jaan's books on the armed struggle of the Sri Lankan Tamils. , 'Kavinjar' Kanthavanam's books, V.N. Giritharan's literary essays, Dr..Mythili Thayanithi's research papers,Vincent Paul's (Mamoolan) literary essays, S.K.Vigneswaran's literary essays, Arunmozhivarman's literary essays, P.Wigneswaran's memoir, D.J. Tamilan's literary essays, P. Sri Kanthan's essays on dramas,Mani velupillai's essays, 'Kavinjar' Cheran's literary essays, Meera Barathi's essays on consciousness, Dr.Gowsalya Subramaniyan's research essays and books on Tamil Music,  Dr.Parvathy Kanthasamy's research papers, S.Kugan's scientific essays,  T.Sivapalu's literary essays, S.Jekatheesan's essays,  'Sinthannaip Pookal' Pathamanathan's essays on 'psychology' Rathan's essays on world cinema and politics, and T. Sivathasan's essays on politics are valuable contributions. 

Writer N.K. Mahalingam translated many short stories and novels, including the work of Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe, 'Things Fall Apart,' from English.

Prominent Tamil magazines such as 'Kalam (காலம்),' 'Thayagam (தாயகம்)<' 'Thedal,(தேடல்)<' 'Nangavathu Parimanam (நான்காவது பரிமாணம்),' 'Ilakkiya Veli (இலக்கிய வெளி),' Pathivukal.com (பதிவுகள்) ,an online Tamil magazine, TamilAuthors.com (an online Tamil magazine),  'Apaththam' (அபத்தம்), an online Tamil magazine, 'Pothikai (பொதிகை)', 'Zhakaram (ழகரம்)',  'ARithuyil (அறிதுயில்),' 'Marumozi (மறுமொழி),' 'Thesiyam (தேசியம்)', 'Uraiyadal (உரையாடல்) ' and  'Thai Veedu (தாய்வீடு)' (formerly a printed newspaper, now an online magazine), Tamil newspapers like 'Senthamarai,' 'Uthayan,' 'Manchari' (no longer published), E-Kuruvi, Roja, Ealanadu, Suthanthiran and 'Vaikarai ' (no longer published) have made noteworthy contributions.

Organizations like Tamil Resources Centre ('Thedakam'), Tamil Writers' Association of Canada, Tamil's Information, Toronto Tamil Sangam, and The Tamil Literary Garden also plays a significant role in promoting Tamil literature in Canada by organizing literary events and awarding prizes for literary contributions. Tamil Resources Centre,  Kalam Magazine, Nangavathu Parimanam magazine , and Vadali Publishers contribute to the publishing of Tamil books.

The contribution of the Manaveli Performing Arts Group to Tamil drama, especially modern Tamil drama, is highly appreciated. The organization's significant achievements within a short span of time are commendable. The majority of their performances featured the works of numerous Canadian Tamil writers and poets.

Please note that these lists are not exhaustive; these are merely meant to initiate a conversation or spark interest, derived from memory. Thorough research and comprehensive archiving of Canadian Tamil literature and its growth are essential.