Author: Namakkal Kavignar
Translator(s)/ Editors(s): Shashikala Raja
Publisher: Sahitya Akademi
Year: 2009
Language: English
Pages: 286
ISBN/UPC (if available): 9788126026296
Description
Poet and freedom fighter Ramalingam Pillai’s Autobiography En Kathai is considered to be the best autobiography in Tamil. Many scholars like Dr. Kamil Veith Zvelbil, author of Tamil literature, have highly acclaimed this work.
The autobiography is not only a fascinating life story written like a novel, but also a revealing study of political, educational and cultural climate of the country during the early part of the twentieth century; written in a simple language with humility and honesty.
COMMENTS:
The Seed Sown by Tilak has sprouted itself into poet Bharathi while the seed strewn by Gandhi has grown into the Namakkal Poet.
--- C. Rajagopalachari
Bale, Pandia! Pillai! You are indeed a poet. There is no doubt about that.
--- Mahakavi Subramania Bharathiar
Namakkal Kavignar is the poetic voice to the principles of Gandhji. He is the conch shell which blows Gandhism in all its sweetness… Gandhian ideals attain the from of unique music in the verses of Namakkal Kavignar.
--- P. Thooran
Namakkal Kavignar is agreat artist; a great patriot who has made many sacrifices; has suffered imprisonment; morally impeccable, one who has gained the love and affection of his friends; amn of pure and innocent heart; one who never yearned for money and glory; one who whole-heartedly detested ostentations; the poet who sang “Aturate culandratu ratte” and made the Whole Tamil Nadu to swing round in ecstasy.
--- Kalki
ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR:
Shashikala Raja has translated several books from English, Tamil and Hindi into Kannada. Last year Karnataka Anuvada Sahitya Akademy, Bangalore has Published her translation of En Kathai into Kannada. Shed ahs penned several poems both in English and Kannada. She is marries to Kavignar’s youngest son Ramalingam Raja and currently lives in USA.
Contents
Preface
Purpose
My Story
1. Mother and Father
2. Iluppa Mara Pisasu
3. Childhood
4. School Days and Drawing Habits
5. Misfortune
6. Looking for a Job
7. A Good Fortune
8. Delhi Trip with Manicka Naicker
9. Drama and Poetry
10. Kittappa
11. Political Life
12. Head constable Krishnaswamy Naidu
13. Petthachi Chettier
14. “Gandhi is Gandhi”
15. Can You Believe?
16. I Become a ‘Poet’
17. Poetry and Poverty
18. New Commentary for Thirukkural
19. Parimelalagar’s Commentary
20. My Interpretation
21. Meeting with Bharathi