The demise of V.I. Subramaniam, the first Vice-Chancellor of Tamil University, Thanjavur is a loss to the world of Tamil teaching and learning. He died in Thiruvananthapuram. He was 84.
VIS hailed from Nagercoil in Kanyakumari District. He was at home with Malayalam, Hindi and English too! He built the Tamil University, the Dravidian University and the Institute of Tamil Studies. He founded the Dravidian Linguistic Association and published the International Journal of Dravidian Linguistics. His pioneering work of preparing the linguistic map of the regional community in Thiruvananthapuram on the lines of English works published in England and America bears testimony to his nose for details.
He was the Head of the Tamil Faculty in the Kerala University. He had not even once taken his seat meant for the position, since his own Guru S Vaiyapuri Pillai and Mahavidwan MU Raghava Iyengar had occupied the seat! He used to have another chair in close proximity. Isn’t it true Guru Bhakthi?
Since the day he took over charge as the Vice Chancellor of the Tamil University, he had kept an undated, but signed letter of resignation addressed to the Governor. There used to be an accompanying note which read, “If anyone feels that I do not deserve to occupy this position, he or she can fill in the date and mail it to the Governor.” The letter remained un-mailed till he completed his second term in office. That was VIS!
During the week, I chanced to meet and interact with K S Chitra, the renowned play-back singer. The occasion was provided by Airtel and Vijay TV, in connection with their Star Singer Junior show. I found the legendary six time National film awards winning singer totally unassuming and informal. Her husband Vijayashankar, an engineer-cum-businessman was also equally friendly and warm.
Chitra was reminiscent of another Press Conference a decade ago. When she returned to the recording theatre from the Press Conference venue, Ilayaraja told her that S Janaki was practicing her songs since morning for the day’s evening live show, whereas Chitra had taken time to participate in a Press Conference! By pointing it out, Ilayaraja was underlining the importance of practicing the songs just before the show, though the artists might have sung it umpteen times!
In a novel way of expressing support for the Women's Reservation Bill pending in Parliament, Tamil Nadu Assembly had an all women-debate.
Designated women MLAs alone were allowed to speak on the discussion for grants for Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme, headed by a woman minister, Geetha Jeevan.
Congress MLA Yashoda occupied the seat of the Speaker for some time during the debate. Sankari Narayanan and Rani (DMK), Bader Saeed and Selvi Ramajayam (AIADMK), Rani Venkatesan and Dr.Gayathiri Devi (both Congress), Sakthi Kamalambal (PMK), Padmavathi (CPI) and R Leemarose from CPI-M participated in the womanly debate.