More women students are coming forward to learn Puducherry-born poet Bharathidasan’s works as he was among the earliest of Tamil leaders to speak about women’s rights and education, said K. Kanakaraj, director, Department of Art and Culture.
The poet’s 124 birth anniversary was marked by day-long celebrations beginning with floral tributes at the Bharathidasan Museum. Some children dressed up as the poet took part in it.
Copies of his popular poems were also distributed among them. Political leaders garlanded the poet’s statue at the Bharati Park.
“We assist many research scholars in their work on Bharathidasan. We have a vast collection of his writings which is open to everyone. There is a definite interest in his work among scholars,” said A. Kanakarasu, research assistant at Pavendar Bharathidasan Museum and Research Centre.
The evening saw a cultural programme organised by the Department of Art and Culture and the South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur, at the Gandhi Thidal.
Students from Bharathiar Palkalai Koodam performed while scholars spoke about Bharathidasan’s writings on education, nature, science, philosophy and women’s rights.
“We want to sensitise people to Bharathidasan and his work. As many people come to the beach in the evening, we held the programme here to draw their attention,” said Mr. Kanakaraj.
