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A function on Subramania Bharati and Kalki Krishnamurthy always brings the lump to one's throat. The December 5 function at the Asthika Samajam in Chennai to release Kalki's book of poems 'Amarar Kalki Paadalgal' on the occasion of hs death anniversary too had the same effect.

At a stirring and emotional function organised by the Kalki Krishnamurthy Memorial Trust, the book was released in an austere, unostentatious yet dignified manner in keeping with the ideals for which Kalki fought and cherished all his life.

As ever, Seetha Ravi, editor of Kalki (his grand-daughter) compered the function in masterly fashion, effectively linking one speaker with the next, using Kalki's works themselves to provide the chain. She referred to the vacuum caused by the death of senior Carnatic vocalist Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. The audience observed a minute's silence to pay homage to his memory.

Leading textile merchant Nalli Kuppuswami Chetty released the book, brought out by Vanathi Pathippagam, and the first copy was received by Sudha Ragunathan, the eminent Carnatic vocalist.

Sudha Ragunathan said she was overcome by emotion in having been asked to receive the first copy of such an illustrious writer and nationalist like Kalki. Quoting from Aldous Huxley, she said at such times silence was the best thing. Music was the next best thing. So, she preferred to sing a song based on Kalki's poem.

Noted writer Tiruppur Krishnan effectively brought out Kalki's multi-hued personality and his remarkable ability as a poet, though he was more known as a novelist. Kalki's association wth the nationalist movement and in support of Bhakti were clearly evident in this collection of poems, he pointed out. He complimented the publishers for keeping the price low, just Rs 35, as to enable the common man too to buy it. He also referred to the brilliant foreword of the veteran Carnatic musician D K Pattammal.

Referring to what Seetha Ravi called Tiruppur Krishnan's sacrifice in shaving off his beard to play the role of Kalki in a play a few years ago, the writer said, "Aathaadi, athenna periya thyaagama enna? Kalkiyaaga nadikka vaayppu kidaichithe!"

Anandhi Ramachandran, daughter of Kalki and one of the Trustees, referred to the educational scholarships provided by the Trust to the needy, and the encouragement provided by way of awards to musicians.

Kalki Rajendran presented mementoes to the special guests on the dais, including artist Veda and the publisher Vanathi Thirunavukkarasu.

The function was followed by a programme of Kathakalatchepam on Valli Thirumanam by Kamala Murthy.

RR