The Skylark Has Ceased Its Flight: Poet Puviarasu Passes Away!

Poet Puviarasu 

I learned the news of the passing of poet Puviarasu, who was affectionately called the patriarch of the Vaanambadi (Skylark) poetry movement, an outstanding poet, and an exceptional translator. He passed away at the age of 96. Although the demise of this Marxist poet due to old age was inevitable, it is a monumental loss. My deepest condolences to everyone grieving his passing.

In his memory, I am sharing the link to a documentary film about Poet Puviarasu, which was shared on Facebook by art and literary critic and poet, Indran - https://youtu.be/voUc3CTs4lI  

Additionally, I am sharing the note I previously wrote about The Brothers Karamazov, which was released in the poet's translation.

Nallur Rajadhani by K.S.Sivakumaran

[ Art and literary critic the late K. S. Sivakumaran wrote an English review article on my book "Nallur Rajadhani Nagar Amaippu" (The City Layout of the Nallur Capital) in his regular column in the Daily News newspaper published in Sri Lanka. The article appeared in the Daily News issue of 28 April 2004. It was later republished in Friday, a weekly newspaper, in its 7–15 November 2007 edition.]

Nallur Rajadhani by K.S.Sivakumaran

Lanka born Canadian Thamilian V.N. Giritharan writes fiction, poetry and prose writing in Thamil. Some of his creations are  truly remarkable. His books are of interest and in fact exposes of the pattern of living in foreign claims by former Lankans. An architect (from the Moratuwa University) he is also a qualified. electrical and electronic engineering Technologist. He has wide  interests in the sciences, history and children's literature. On top of it, he is serving a useful purpose in the Cyberspace.

While there are more than a dozen websites in Thamil promoting literary and cultural events of the Thamilians in Thamilnadu in India, it is Giritharan's 'Pathivukal' e-zine that gives almost exclusively a comprehensive coverage of the Lankan Thamil literary scene, apart from other subjects like politics.

One other Thamil website, also from Canada - the e-zine Kuviyam - also covers a larger area of Thamil studies and  related matters in a broader scope.

Thamil literature

But the accent in 'Pathivukal' is on contemporary Thamil literature including what is produced in India. Both Giritharan and Pon Kulendiren accommodate me with my contributions in  English in their e-zines. It must be also said that Giritharan's daughter has her own website,booktrain.ca, for the kids, in English. She, herself a 12 years old, writes to the Toronto newspapers.

My difficulty in writing in Thamil via the Internet is that I cannot  typein Thamil and also I don't know how to use any of the  fonts available. That is why I was unable to send any material in Thamil to Lankan newspapers and magazines via the Internet.  Thus my computer literacy is incomplete. But I am trying to master the technique.

Google Gemini’s Review of the Tamil Novel Kudivaravaalan by V.N. Giritharan

['I asked Google Gemini Artificial Intelligence to share its thoughts on my novel 'Kudivaravalan'. I have included its opinions below. Its exceptionally fine review has truly amazed me. A million thanks to Gemini AI.]

The novel 'Kudivaravaalan' (An Immigrant), written by Canadian Eelam writer V. N. Giritharan (Navaratnam Giritharan), is a very important document in the landscape of diaspora Tamil literature.

It was previously serialized in online magazines under the titles 'America 2' and 'America: Suvarkalukkappaal' (America: Beyond the Walls), and was later published as a book and an e-book under the title 'Kudivaravaalan'.

The key elements and background of this novel are described below:

Director Bharathiraja, "Iyakkunar Imayam" (literally, "The Himalaya among Directors"), Passes Away!

Director Bharathiraja

A multifaceted artist, he excelled as a director, producer, screenwriter, and actor.

Bharathiraja, fondly known as the "Imayam of Directors" (The Himalaya among Directors), introduced the vibrant life and earthy spirit of rural Tamil Nadu to Tamil cinema at a time when theatrical dialogues and elaborate studio sets dominated the industry. Although recent reports about his health had led many to fear that his passing might be imminent, the news of his death has nevertheless come as a profound shock. It is truly a great loss.

Among his films, the ones that have captivated me the most are 16 Vayathinile, Kizhakke Pogum Rail, Mudhal Mariyadhai, Vedham Pudhithu, Kadalora Kavithaigal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Karuthamma, Kizhakku Cheemayile, and Mann Vasanai. These are the titles that immediately come to mind. Such creations will ensure that Bharathiraja's fame endures forever in the world of cinema.

I join everyone who is grieving this immense loss and share in their sorrow.