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Online edition of India's National Newspaper Sunday, Feb 03, 2008 ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version |
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Tamil Nadu
A V. Rajagopalan 
He was one of those who popularised ‘patti mandram’ in Tamil Nadu in the seventies as a platform to spread literary spirit through interesting and heated debates on minute details about a character or verse from the ‘Kamba Raamayanam’ and other epics. Utilising his in-depth knowledge of ancient Tamil literature, A.V. Rajagopalan, who is 75 now, fearlessly cross-examined every scholar of eminence — one of whom was former Chief Justice of the Madras High Court M. M. Ismai l — and even disputed their arguments. Disenchanted over the “dilution” in the standards of ‘patti mandram,’ he narrates to M. Balaganessin the circumstances that forced him to retire from the platform that catapulted him to fame. He was inspired by eminent Tamil scholars such as Kundrakudi Adigalar, A.Sa. Gnanasambandam, Srinivasa Raghavan, who showed him the right technique to present a point at a ‘patti mandram.’ He recalls with humility how great savants and erudite scholars such as Sa. Ganesan, Ki.Va. Jagannathan and Baskara Tondaiman provided the essence of an epic to the masses in an easily understandable manner. “In those days, we had to provide as much information as possible within a short span of time to prove our mettle. No comedy was entertained,” he says in a serious tone. At a ‘patti mandram,’ he fearlessly put forth a point by quoting a verse from the ‘Kamba Raamayanam.’ Even Justice M.M. Ismail openly expressed his ignorance of the verse. According to him, ‘patti mandram’ is a platform to exhibit one’s knowledge of Tamil literature — ancient and Sangam period, ‘Silapathigaram,’ Bharathiar’s works and so on. Participants should provide as much information as possible and should be capable of presenting counter-arguments within split seconds. “This could be possible only if one possessed sound knowledge and commitment towards literature. Even the slightest comic tinge would weaken one’s strength,” he says narrating an anecdote. In contrast, the scenario has undergone a drastic change now, with ‘patti mandram’ being dominated by jokes. He says the audience always prefer quality ‘patti mandrams’ and wants restoration of seriousness to the debates. He considers ‘patti mandram’ as a service to Tamil language and Tamil people. At one stage, when he realised that the quality of ‘patti mandrams’ was on the wane, he retired from the scenario and shifted to community service by starting a matriculation school named after Meikandar in Mannachanallur near Tiruchi. He says this is the best service, which will be remembered by posterity. “Tamil scholars are not remembered for long. We have all forgotten Pulavar Keeran, a giant in Tamil literature,” Mr. Rajagopalan says, justifying his community service.
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