Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

“Soundara Kailasam had most liberal outlook”

FOND MEMORIES:(From left) Poet Vairamuthu, former Minister R.M. Veerappan, Finance Minister K. Anbazhagan, actors Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth at a function in memory of Soundara Kailasam in Chennai on Saturday.

CHENNAI: Rich tributes were paid to eminent poet and writer Soundara Kailasam at a memorial meeting organised by various Tamil organisations, including Kamban Kazhagam, Bharathiyar Sangam and Tamil Mozhi Academy.

Finance Minister K. Anbazhagan, who unveiled her portrait, said though she closely followed political developments and had close association with political leaders, she steered clear of politics because she did not want to embarrass her husband, a judge.

Describing her as “always encouraging, positive and transparent,” N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu, who knew her for over four decades, said her deep devotion went hand-in-hand with tremendous commitment to secularism and national values.

She had the most liberal outlook, Mr. Ram said, and pointed out that she never spoke harshly against anyone though she followed public affairs with remarkable consistency.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Anna University V.C. Kulandaisamy, a junior to her in school, said though her education stopped with 9 {+t} {+h} standard, she was a self-taught woman who mastered both Tamil and English.

Lyricist Vairamuthu urged the family members of Soundara Kailsam to set up a literary award on a par with Jnanpith Award.

Actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan also spoke.

Former Minister R.M. Veerappan presided over the meeting.

Actor Sivakumar, former Vice-Chancellor of Tamil University Avvai Natarajan, Union Home Minister and Soundara Kailsam's son-in-law P. Chidambaram and senior advocate R. Gandhi were among those who participated in the function.

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