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Undying passion
 There are few in Tamil literary circles who would not have heard of Tirupur Krishnan who ran a series called 'Suvadugal' in Kalki magazine. He worked for more than a quarter of a century in 'Dinamani' as assistant editor and then in ambalam.com and
chennaionline.com.
He got a doctorate in Tamil for his research into the dramas of writer Indra Parthasarathy. Here is what he had to say on a wide variety of subjects when we met up with him.
What instigated your love for Tamil?
I was attracted by the writings and speeches of 'Deepam' Na Parthasarathy (Na Pa) from my college days. I wished to become a writer. In spite of my family not backing me in this pursuit, I completed my M A in Tamil literature with the permission of my parents. Then I joined the 'Deepam' magazine run by Na Pa. I considered it a great honour to work with a man I admired so much.
Na Pa had a grand view of Tamil literature. He was more than a writer. He was a literary power who gave writers a launchpad like the 'Deepam' magazine.
You also worked with writer
Sujatha?
After 'Deepam', I worked for the 'Dinamani' newspaper for about a quarter century. Then I joined the 'Ambalam' portal of Sujatha. I deem it a great opportunity to have worked under a man who is versatile in several fields and very active.
Then I joined Chennaionline's Tamil portal and enjoyed working there.
Because of my wife's work, I had to spend a lot of time in Pune for about one-and-a-half years. Now that she is back in Chennai, I have become a full-time writer and speaker.
My friend N C Sridhar, an educationist and entrepreneur, runs a magazine called 'Vaname Ellai' where I work as advisor.
I am also a political critic for Podhigai TV with a weekly programme in its morning programme 'Kaalaith
Thendral'.
How did you feel when your first poem and first short story appeared in print?
My first poem 'Nanum, Nanum' appeared in Ananda Vikatan when I was doing my B A second year. I got a letter from the magazine within a week of my posting the poem. I was thrilled when they said they would like to print my poem and asked for my photo!
In the same way, I had sent my first short story, 'Nyayangal Marupadum', to 'Thamarai' magazine and it got pulished. My teacher, Muppal Mani, who showed great interest in my work, read the whole story in front of my classmates in college.
It was encouragement like this that made me continue in this profession.
How many short stories have you written and tell me something about your poems.
I have written 250 short stories and about 5,000 'marabu kavithaigal'. In spite of this, I was not recognised as a 'marabu kavignan'. There was no scope then in the magazines I worked for marabu kavithaigal. But now magazines like 'Kalki' publish my 'marabu
kavithaigal'.
What other literary forms are you attracted to?
I enjoy writing poems, short stories and novels. I also wrote a biography of my guru Na Parthasarathy, called 'Vazhvum Paniyum', for Sahitya Akademi. I also wrote another biography of writer Y Mu Kothainayagi. I am in awe of her ideas on freedom, the country and women's rights. She was a good singer and a freedom fighter.
I wrote for 42 weeks my literary experience under the title 'Suvadugal', for Kalki magazine. The magazine also published a series called 'Aravinda Amudham'.
I have written the series 'Mana Saritham' for Kumudham Junction. I plan to publish all these as books.
About readers....
It is a good sign that though few in number, they show great literary inclination and are avid readers of religious writings.
About Tamil literature today....
It is unfortunate that writers operate in small groups. It is not wrong for the groups to promote their writers but they seem to be spending all their time trying to dub the other writers as wrong. This is an unhealthy trend and so will not last long.
There are several styles in today's literature - this is bound to help the language grow. But we must be able to pick out the best in every style.
Who are your favourite writers?
I like the beauty of T Janakiraman, Azhgirisamy's style of narration, Pudumaipithan (everybody agrees he is a great writer)...
What are you plans?
I have launched a publishing house called Tirupur Kumaran Pathipagam. I published the 'Suvadugal' serial as a book through this house. I was surprised at the response for the book. I am writing a series of articles on my friendship with leading writers. The series of articles that appeared in Dinamani, called 'Ilakkiya Vulagil', about old writers, is to be published as a book.
I got my doctorate for my research of the plays of Indra Parthasarathy, under the guidance of Dr A Ramaswamy. I am also inclined to publish that work as a book. I will also be publishing my short story and marabu kavithai collections.
I am also deeply interested in religion. I have written religious articles and am wriring more.
With the help of my friends, I hope to launch a literary magazine soon. It is one of my long-cherished dreams.
What about the awards you have won?
I won the 'Ilakiya Chinthanai' award for short stories. I have also won the Panchajanyam award, Ananthachari award, Lily Devasigamani award and the first prize for my poem in AIR's national competition.
KT Sri
Translation by S Chitra
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