The Story of Kennedy (கென்னடியின் கதை) Published by Ananda Vikatan

Around the time of John F. Kennedy's death, Ananda Vikatan published a Tamil book on his life titled The Story of Kennedy. This is the cover of that book. It was written under the pen name Mayan. I believe "Mayan" was the pseudonym of the writer Maniyan, who was then one of Vikatan's editors and a popular serial novelist for the magazine.

I happened to come across an image of this book online recently, and it brought back a flood of childhood memories. This was the very first book I ever read about John F. Kennedy. I first noticed it hanging among the books displayed at the bookstore in the Jaffna Railway Station. Although I knew nothing about Kennedy at that age, I was captivated by his charimatic face on the cover and persuaded my mother to buy the book for me.

It was a beautifully produced volume, printed on glossy paper and filled with wonderful photographs of JFK and his family. I still remember the famous photograph of young John F. Kennedy Jr. hiding beneath the desk in the Oval Office while his father met with his officials, as well as the iconic image of the little boy saluting during his father's funeral procession. Those photographs left a lasting impression on me.

Bound by the Sweetness of Unni Menon's Voice!

Singer Unni Menon

I have absolutely no hesitation in saying that I am addicted to Unni Menon's voice. His voice, which caresses the heart, has the power to soothe and comfort the minds of those who listen to it. Try listening to this song from the movie Varushamellam Vasantham once with your eyes closed. You will understand what I mean.

Varushamellam Vasantham is the only hit movie of actor Manoj. Whenever I listen to this song, I often think that he could have been around for much longer. His calm acting and innocent smile captivated me. Music by Sirpy. Lyrics by R. Ravishankar. The lyricist has also passed away.

Poem: The Expanding Universe and the Searching Heart by V. N. Giritharan -

We exist within the vast, expanding universe,
Striving to comprehend, searching to know.

Distances of light-years leave us in awe.
Why does our existence remain like a mere drop?
In this immense space divided by vast distances,
We know of no other wandering life forms yet.

We exist within the vast, expanding universe,
Striving to comprehend, searching to know.

Is conquering vast distances possible or not?
We do not know if success will come in our lifetime.
Is this a universe devoid of other life?
Knowing the truth is not easy.

We exist within the vast, expanding universe,
Striving to comprehend, searching to know.

The barrier to finding the answer is the immense distance.
Increasing speed to transcend time
Is the only way to reach it,
butHow to achieve that? That is the question.

We exist within the vast, expanding universe,
Striving to comprehend, searching to know.

*digital art work using Google Nano Banana by VNG

"THE BLACK HOLE" Short Film Review / Thoughts:

["THE BLACK HOLE" Short Film Pick Featured by NineJunctions Written & Directed by Philip Sansom & Olly Williams (Phil and Olly) ]

I watched the short film "The Black Hole"! I lost myself in it too!  

Please watch this short film completely. It is an amazing short film. It is a scientific fact that a black hole is the end of spacetime, and anyone or anything that enters it can never return to this universe.

In our daily lives, we constantly see humans living in this spacetime getting trapped and suffering within the social, economic, and political systems they created, don't we? We see so many people struggling after getting caught up in excessive greed, don't we?

"The Black Hole" is a brilliantly crafted short film that blends this human psychology with scientific fact. Creativity is essential to make films like this.

The creativity of this short film leaves me amazed.

Watch this short film until the very end - youtu.be - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSmjqss0XKQ

---

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.

Udhayanidhi vs. Vijay: The Beginning of a New Rivalry

When the DMK came to power in Tamil Nadu many years ago, its members were young. At that time, the young DMK cadres launched a storm of ideas through writings, public speeches, films, and dramas, promoting rationalism, social justice, and self-respect. The youth of Tamil Nadu rallied behind them, and the people of Tamil Nadu brought about a major political transformation.

Since then, many of those same DMK members have grown old, and the party today includes numerous ministers who are well into their old age. In this election, however, the youth of Tamil Nadu have brought about a change in government. The people have not given the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) an overwhelming victory. Nor does it appear that they possess a firm or deeply confident belief in the party. It seems that, by giving it only a partial victory, they have chosen to grant it an opportunity to prove itself.

Even in Chennai, traditionally considered a DMK stronghold, the electorate defeated many of the old guard while ensuring the victory of the younger Udhayanidhi Stalin.

TVK, which came to power without presenting any substantially new ideological framework and largely by invoking the names of Periyar, Anna, and Ambedkar, appears to have understood one thing clearly. As long as three major parties continue to compete in Tamil Nadu, achieving a decisive majority will remain difficult. Therefore, if TVK leader Vijay, who has risen as a representative of image-based politics, succeeds in fully merging the AIADMK into his party, Tamil Nadu politics may evolve into a two-sided contest between the DMK and TVK. Such a development would benefit TVK's long-term future. Time will reveal how successful TVK will be in attempting to attract AIADMK figures such as Sengottaiyan into its fold.

Veteran Journalist D.B.S. Jeyaraj Passes Away! - V.N. Giritharan -

I learned through Facebook of the passing of veteran journalist D.B.S. Jeyaraj. I was deeply saddened. My heartfelt condolences to his family members, relatives, friends, and readers who are grieving this great loss.

I did not meet him often. I had met him in person only once or twice. However, he remained in touch with me through Facebook Messenger. Since 2019, every year on my birthday, he would send me birthday wishes through Messenger. He would also send links to his English articles and their Tamil translations. The last message he sent me in that manner came on March 24. It was a post about the singer T.M. Soundararajan. On one occasion, when I wrote to him regarding his article about Brigadier Balraj, he not only responded on his blog but also sent me a detailed reply through Messenger.

The Singer and Technological Development

In the early stages of  cinema, only those who possessed singing talent could act as heroes and heroines. This situation was changed by the introduction of playback singing (dubbing technology), where voices were recorded separately and used for actors on screen.

Today, with the arrival of advanced technology, this condition is undergoing further transformation. Artificial intelligence now has the capability to compose music and even sing songs. It can also replicate and sing in a specific person’s voice.

AI technology has made it easier for songs to be rendered directly in the voices of actors. Additionally, some individuals may have a pleasant voice but lack singing ability, while others may be skilled singers but do not have an appealing voice. In such cases, it has become possible to select the best voices and use them to produce songs effectively.

Internet technology has also given rise to a wide range of individuals—social media analysts, writers, journalists, actors, publishers, and editors. Now, a situation has emerged where having just a voice is enough to sing. As artificial intelligence continues to advance, this will soon become completely normal.

“The arrival of the new and the fading of the old” is an inevitable aspect of the passage of time.

Digital Illustration – Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT)

Poem: Crescent Earth! By V.N.Giritharan

 

I saw the crescent Earth.
The result of humanity's
most glorious chapter!
Let the future proceed
under the guidance of scientists.
Let the rule of fools, warmongers,
and fanatics who ruin humanity change!
Oh, crescent Earth,
that foretells this!

Photo courtesy: NASA

Gnanapith Award for writer Vairamuthu! - V.N.Giritharan

The Jnanpith Award is presented by the family that runs 'The Times of India' newspaper group. It is not like the Sahitya Akademi Award given by the Indian government, but it is considered a prestigious award. This time, it has been awarded to writer Vairamuthu. He is a well-known Tamil cinema lyricist. He has received it for his lifelong contributions to art and literature, and not for a specific individual work. 

Many individuals, including writer Jeyamohan, also present awards through various organizations. They select deserving recipients based on their own perspectives. State governments also confer similar awards. However, the Jnanpith Award is presented by a family.

I have occasionally listened to Poet Vairamuthu's film songs. Many of his songs have captivated me with their language. I haven't read all of his fiction, but I have read 'Kallikkattu Ithikasam' (The Epic of the Cactus Forest). It is certainly an award-worthy novel. It is not only rich with the scent of the soil, but also powerfully expresses the tragedy of how the government, authority, and the construction of a new dam turn the people of Kallipattu village into refugees in their own land, and the resulting pain. The novel reveals how meticulously the novelist has observed the land, the people, and nature. He has written the dialogues with vivid realism.

V.N. Giridharan's Song: Scene and Illusion!

V.N. Giridharan's Song: Scene and Illusion!

 Music & Voice - SUNO AI | Art - Google AI

Is all the time and space
Unfolding before my eyes,
An illusion created by my mind?

If it's the mind's illusion,
Is this wondrous, vast world all false?
Is it right that our life on Earth
Is lived by believing falsehoods as truth?

Is all the time and space
Unfolding before my eyes,
An illusion created by my mind?

A review of V.N. Giridharan's novel 'America' based on its English translation by 'Google NotebookLM'!

 

'Google NotebookLM' is a very useful software from Google. When I needed to get a review of the English translation of my short novel 'America' by the writer Latha Ramakrishnan, I submitted it to Google NotebookLM. The review presented in this video was conducted by both male and female reviewers through the software. Please listen to it completely and share your thoughts."

Let's innovate! Let's reduce impacts! Let's coexist!

As new technologies are introduced from time to time, new environmental activists emerge on social media. AI consumes a large amount of electricity. As this electricity is generated by burning fuels like coal, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases. In this manner, many begin to raise their voices. Their activism is commendable. However, their claims of intending to reduce the use of these technologies are hypocritical. They will certainly not refrain from using its benefits. If preventing environmental damage is their primary objective, then what they should do is reject all the following technologies.

    Avoid using refrigerators. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in refrigerators deplete the ozone layer and generate excessive heat. They also consume a lot of electricity from fuels like coal, thereby sending more carbon into the atmosphere. Furthermore, when they are not properly recycled, the toxic substances within them mix with soil and air, causing pollution.

Attention Writers - The Power of the Internet!

My novel, 'Kudivaravaalan,' has been translated into English by writer Latha Ramakrishnan as 'An Immigrant.' You can read it on the Noolaham website. I recently came across some information about this novel during a Google search: Dr. P. Muthulakshmi, an Assistant Professor from Tamil Nadu, presented an English critical analysis of this novel at an international literary conference. The title of her research paper is 'Ethnic Conflict in V.N. Giritharan’s An Immigrant.'

It is also noteworthy that Dr. Dharani Akhil has previously written two English research papers about this novel. The details are as follows:

A Historic Speech by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney!

This speech by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Garney is going to be historic.He resembles George W. Bush Jr. somewhat.[Digital Art using Google AI bu VNG]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btqHDhO4h10

Let us salute for Alex Pretti's humanitarianism!

In Minneapolis, U.S. President Donald Trump's oppression against immigrants continues. The rampage of his ICE agenst continues. Without any humanity, they continue to shamefully arrest women, the elderly, and children, and to use excessive force against them.

In one such instance, one of the aforementioned ICE agents pushes a woman onto the roadside. Following him, several more ICE agents rush to assist, like hunting dogs. Alex Pretti, a white male nurse, runs to save that innocent woman. Although he had a legal firearm at his waist, he does not attempt to use it under any circumstance. As soon as one of the ICE agents sees it and takes it, Alex Pretti is shot and killed.

Let us salute for Alex Pretti's humanitarianism.

[Digital Art -using  Google AI  by VNG ]

Manthirimani Must Be Preserved! It's Not Too Late! Let's Protect It! Let's Preserve History! - V.N.Giritharan -

The Jaffna 'Manthirimani' building, which was already in a state of disrepair due to insufficient maintenance, has suffered further damage from recent heavy rains. These visuals reveal its condition. We had the power to prevent this situation from befalling 'Manthirimani', but we failed to act. This is regrettable.

Buildings need to be preserved for many reasons. As structures belonging to a specific period, as expressions of architectural styles, as they are connected to historical events, and as the historical identity of a race – buildings must be preserved. In that sense, all these reasons apply to Manthirimani.

The architectural features of this building include both Dravidian and European architectural elements, the building materials used, and the period in which it was built. All these factors emphasize the necessity for this building to be considered and maintained as a historical monument. According to information on the facade of this building, it was constructed in 1890.

It is said that there was an underground passage belonging to this building, which has now been closed off. Further research on this should be conducted.

The land on which this building is located is named 'Sangilithoppu'. I observed this when examining the land survey department maps for this area. The fact that the land where this building stands is named Sangilithoppu and the building itself is called Manthirimani highlights its historical significance. Given the proximity to other historically important areas like Pandarakkulam, Sangiliyan Street, and Arasakesari Valavu, it appears to me that the area where this building is located must have held significance during the Tamil Kings' era in the following ways: