Speakers at a function to pay tributes to poet Pattukkottai Kalyana Sundaram said that poets like him drew admirers by highlighting social issues and calling for societal reforms.
Pattukkottai Kalyana Sundaram, who died at the age of 29, left behind a legacy that is still recalled by many, said Rm. Veerappan.
“It is his 81st anniversary we are celebrating today. I am his friend and was the one to introduce him to MGR. He [the poet] was a good actor who remained apolitical and wrote songs to highlight social issues,” Mr. Veerappan said at the meeting organised here on Thursday.
Unforgettable poetry
Former judge of Madras High Court S. Jagadeesan who presented the Makkal Kavingnar Award instituted in the name of Pattukkottai Kalyana Sundaram to poet Dill Roopa Shanmugam said “He has given unforgettable poetry that were popularised through films. Poets like him had a vision and remain a guide till date for us. They questioned the ills of society and provided answers through their poetry.”
The award was received by Mr. Shanmugan's son Rajan.
The awardee had been associated with Pattukkottai Kalyana Sundaram, said M. Roosevelt, President of Makkal Kavignar Trust, which organised the function at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture.
Recalling Pushkin
On the occasion, speakers also recalled the works of the revolutionary Russian poet Alexander Pushkin.
Former judge of Madras High Court T.N. Vallinayagam said the poet had a literary bent of mind and used songs to propel altruism.
Director of Russian Centre of Science and Culture Vladimir V. Mariy said more than business art and culture helped bridge the distance between countries.
“My association with India spans 30 years. We share friendship, mutual common aims of understanding and supporting each other,” he said. Alexander Pushkin was a poet of the 18th century in Russia, who greatly influenced Russian literature through his writings on social reforms.
