Bharati in the political domain
BHARATHIKKU THADAI — A Political Biography of Poet Bharathi: V.Venkatraman; Sudandhira Publications, 52 A, Nattukal Raja Street, Rajapalayam-626117. Rs. 250.
OVER THE past 75 years, numerous editions of Bharati's poetry have appeared. His works have been translated extensively, and both he, as a "character" and his works have been featured in a number of films. However, the writer pinpoints that the expansion of public access to Bharati's works has been matched by a decline in the quality of publication, from both technical and critical points of view.
While this is the concern of all, this book, written on the basis of accurate data and factual information, selectively gathered through assiduous research for well over a decade, provides a deep insight into the trial and tribulations undergone by Bharati not only in running newspapers and magazines during the freedom struggle but also in making his fiery articles see the light of the day.
In this 500-page volume which include some rare pictures, political cartoons that earned the wrath of the British rulers, and official orders proscribing the books of the poet, the author without much of ornamentation deals with facts and figures culled from records in government archives and renowned libraries.
His simple presentation takes the reader into the domain of Bharati as the editor of India, Bala Barath and many other magazines, as a committed soldier in the struggle for freedom, the unswerving disciple of Balagandara Tilak and above all a versatile poet who left an immortal treasure for the benefit of those in free India although he did not live to enjoy the fruits of his selfless toil.
The author has vividly narrated the untiring efforts of the poet to cement unity among Indians to stand as one man against the rulers by deftly using an episode from the Mahabaratha. The poet's treatment of Panchali Sabatham (the vow of Draupadi), projecting her as Mother India and comparing Kurushekthra war with the struggle for freedom, remains evergreen in the minds of the people as an unparalleled literary creation with a national message.
N. KALYANASUNDARAM
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