Tamil Nadu CM Vijay condoles Sahitya Akademi awardee Poomani's demise, announces state honours for final rites
Chennai, July 13
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Monday expressed grief over the demise of noted Tamil writer and Sahitya Akademi Award recipient Poomani and announced that state honours would be accorded during his final rites.
In a post on X, Vijay mourned the passing of Poolithurai Manickavasagam, popularly known by his pen name Poomani, and described him as one of the most significant voices in Tamil literature.
"The news of the passing of Thiru. Poolithurai Manickavasagam, known in the literary world as Poomani, a writer who received the Sahitya Akademi Award and a significant creator in the Tamil literary sphere, brings immense sorrow," Vijay said.
Paying tribute to the celebrated author, the Chief Minister said Poomani's works, rooted in the lives of ordinary people and the history of Tamil Nadu's dryland regions, had made an enduring contribution to Tamil literature.
"His works, filled with the scent of the soil of dry lands, the nuanced realities of the lives of the common people, and profound testimonies of history, established him as an important creator," he said.
Vijay also recalled that Poomani received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel Annati and noted that the acclaimed film Asuran, based on his novel Vekkai, introduced his literary work to a wider audience.
"Receiving the Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel *Annati* stands as the highest recognition of his literary stature. Furthermore, the film *Asuran*, based on his novel *Vekkai*, brought the reach of his writing to the world's attention," he added.
Describing Poomani's death as an "irreplaceable loss" to the Tamil literary world, Vijay conveyed his condolences to the writer's family, relatives, friends and members of the literary community.
Announcing state honours for the late writer's final journey, the Chief Minister said, "In tribute to Thiru. Poomani's contributions to the field of literature, state honours will be accorded to his final journey."
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who studied Tamil literature in college, Poomani's writing was truly unique. His portrayal of the arid regions and their people was so vivid. The film adaptation of Vekkai as Asuran was brilliant, but the novel has a depth that film couldn't capture fully. Sad day for literature.
While I appreciate the gesture, I wish the state would do more for living writers instead of just honours after death. So many Tamil authors struggle financially. Poomani deserved recognition while he was still with us. But yes, a great loss nonetheless.
I discovered Poomani through Asuran and then read Annadhi. The way he wrote about caste oppression and rural poverty was so raw and honest. He didn't sugarcoat anything. This is a huge loss for Tamil literature and social commentary. May his soul rest in peace.
Arise, arise, Poomani sir's legacy will live through his words. The soil of Tamil Nadu will remember his pen. State honours are a fitting tribute to a man who gave voice to the voiceless. #Poomani #TamilLiterature
I remember reading Annadhi for my literature class. The way Poomani described the drought-hit villages and the resilience of people there was unforgettable. He was a chronicler of the Tamil soil. Condolences to his family. His works will continue to inspire generations. 📚
R We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.