Tamil Nadu - Thanjavur   

Books, video and audio cassettes on Annadurai's works released

G.Srinivasan

Thanjavur:

Is Anna relevant today? "Yes", said the speakers at a meeting organised by Anna Peravai at Thanjavur recently to release the books on the works of Annadurai, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and to felicitate M.S.Venkatachalam, who edited and compiled Anna's works and M.Nadarajan, publisher of the books.

"In fact it is irrelevant to ask whether Anna is relevant today. He is relevant for all times" said V.S.Ramalingam of Anna Peravai who was instrumental in organising the function.

Anna was an erudite scholar and a prolific writer both in Tamil and English. He was a democrat to the core. A rare politician who had the civility to appreciate other point of view. Had he lived for a few more years, course of the state and the country would have been different. As his works were not brought to the limelight for the past 32 years, it became our endeavour to popularise them, said Mr.Ramalingam.

Anna Parimalam, son of Annadurai and President of the Anna Peravai, said that he was running from pillar to post to publish the works of Annadurai but in vain. It was Dr.M.Nadarajan, Editor of Thamizharasi, who came forward to publish it, he said . Mr.M.S.Venkatachalam, who edited and compiled Anna's works in English was sub-editor of Homeland, English journal run by Annadurai. Anna himself selected Mr.Venkatachalam who is known for his mastery in English.

The books released on the occasion were `The Cuckoo Club-a commentary', select short stories of Arignar Anna, and Arignar Anna's essays, editorials, epistles and satires.

Dr.Nadarajan released the books and T.N.Ramachandran, Tamil Scholar received the books. Mr.Ramachandran said that Anna was an voracious reader. His orations had a magnetic spell on the audience. Many tried to imitate his style of oration in vain. It was sad that his works-writings, parliamentary speeches were not brought to lime light for the past 32 years. Quoting Anna he said that the leader asked "Heard of minister without portfolio. But ever heard of minister without pay" highlighting the plight that one can be a minister even without portfolio but not without pay.

Dr.Nadarajan said that Anna made a humble beginning and rose to the top. He was a staunch supporter of prohibition. His works will be digitised and released during Pongal, he said.

A video cassette of Annadurai's rare photographs was released at the function. Mr.Ramalingam said that a website www.arignaranna.info was also available and an audio cassette of Anna's speeches was also released by Anna Peravai.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

``Thanjavur art plate designs can be used to add value to products''
Books, video and audio cassettes on Annadurai's works released

Copyright © 2005, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu