The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : He publishes defunct literary magazines out of passion

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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

He publishes defunct literary magazines out of passion

— Photo: R.Ragu

G. Masilamani.

There is nothing little about little magazines for they enriched modern Tamil literature. If idealism-driven individual or group efforts gave birth to these magazines, lack of patronage and financial back-up led to their demise. Manikodi, Saraswathi, Kalamohini, Prasanda Vikatan, Cauvery, Deepam, Kanaiyazhi, Vasantham, Kasadathapara and others have become part of history. However, G. Masilamani of Kalaignan Pathipagam has re-published 15 such magazines and is working to bring out others. He shares his thoughts with B. Kolappan.

“We have broad guidelines for publishing these magazines. We have culled out poetry, short stories, essays and other works that have some relevance today. Well-known literary figures were given the task of compiling these magazines with a broad introduction,” explains 78-year-old Masilamani, who came to Chennai from Nagapattinam in 1955 with a sole objective of setting up a publishing house.

He had read all the books in the municipality library in Nagapattinam and the connoisseur in him decided the subjects of the books he published. “Just like a drop of poison in water proves fatal, bad books will damage the character of the society,” he says.

Found favour

His philosophy of book publication found favour with the readers as well as the library movement of the Tamil Nadu. “Officials and others associated with the government libraries in 12 districts themselves were lovers of books,” he recalled. He ventured into publishing defunct literary magazines out of passion.

Mr. Masilamani says that the evolution of modern Tamil literature will unfold before a reader if he reads these magazines.

“Though national poet Bharathi had penned short stories, the form eluded him, but those who wrote for Manikodi magazine, including Pudumaipitthan, Ku.Pa. Rajagopalan, T.Janakiraman and others succeeded in mastering the technique of short stories. Many great short stories were published in Manikodi,” he says.

In fact, Manikodi is the first in the series of magazines he compiled. “The reception was very good. We were able to sell many copies through general sales apart from library orders. Then I decided to publish other magazines too,” he explains.

While reading the preface to Saraswathi magazine one will come across the unpalatable truth that led to its closure. Who is ready to believe that legendary communist leader Jeeva literally killed the magazine because of ideological differences.

Not just literature. Every magazine has a lot of other interesting stories. Not many know that India’s first finance minister R.K.Shanmugam Chettiar was the honorary editor of Vasantham. One has to read Kanaiyazhi to know that late nagaswaram maestro T.N.Rajarathinam Pillam was against the idea rettai nayanam (playing as a pair). A small write-up by late MGR tells how he kept on postponing the idea of buying a new car.

What is his next project?

“We are planning to publish Senthamizh published by the king of Ramnad Pandidurai Thevar. Legendary Tamil scholar Mu. Raghava Iyengar was the editor of the journal.

First we will publish the letter correspondence between Pandidurai Thevar, Raghava Iyengar, U.Ve. Swaminatha Iyer and many others with a detailed introduction,” he says.

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