TAMIL
The immortal Bharati
P. SUNDARESAN
BHARATHIARIN THAMIZH MOZHIPPATRU: K. Gowri; International Institute of Tamil Studies, Tharamani, Chennai-600113. Rs. 50.
IN THIS well brought out book based on a lecture delivered by the author at the International Institute of Tamil Studies, the visionary nationalist leader, Subramania Bharati comes alive right from the start. While highlighting how Bharati's writings enabled Tamil to gain momentum in the freedom movement, the book brings into sharp focus the radical ideas of one who used literature as an integrating force. A polyglot, Bharati knew Sanskrit, Hindi and English and learnt French, Bengali, Urudu, Telugu, and Malayalam too. Besides throwing light on his writings in various genres including children's literature, the author succinctly presents Bharathi's ennobling thoughts.
How his enforced 10-year exile in Pondicherry proved a blessing for Bharati in that he could get to know and move with Sri Aurobindo is delineated by the author. His endeavours as a journalist and his vigorous campaign for the emancipation of women get adequate treatment. During his stay in Varanasi, he wrote to his wife advising her to concentrate on studying Tamil so that she would not feel the pangs of separation. All these and more make this book a worthy tribute to a national hero whose love for Tamil is without parallel.
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