Overcoming the setbacks, controversies and threats over the past three years over his novel Madhorubhagan (One Part Woman), poet and author Perumal Murugan is looking forward to the publication of his latest novel.
Kazhimugam (delta or the place where a river meets the sea) is expected to hit the stands shortly. “Final editing work is going on and the novel — published by the Kaalachuvadu Publishers — will be out on the stands shortly,” a beaming Mr. Murugan told The Hindu here on Sunday. He was speaking on the sidelines of the 250th weekly book review meeting organised by the Readers Circle of the Paalam the Book Meet, a shop exclusively for Tamil books, in Salem on Sunday.
“I have been closely observing the happenings and problems confronting middle class families after the advent of the modern gadgets and appliances. The novel is based on this issue,” said the award winning novelist, who seems to have weathered the right wing assault and legal battles over his earlier critically acclaimed novel.
Hounded by Hindutva and caste outfits, Mr. Murugan had shocked the literary world three years ago by announcing, “Perumal Murugan, the writer is dead.”
Now the Head of the Department of Tamil at the Government Arignar Anna Arts and Science College in Attur, Mr. Murugan is back in the world of literature and writing, visibly happy.
On the Paalam literary meetings, Mr Murugan voiced satisfaction that literary meetings, seminars and workshops had now become regular feature in both urban and semi-urban areas in the State. Adding that the situation was encouraging, he said the participation of youth in such events in good numbers augured well for the future of the Tamil literature.
‘Make reading routine’
Mr. Murugan said the senior writers, authors, poets etc should take advantage of the present favourable conditions and ensure that the publication of books and reading become routine. Activities related to books should become a part of everyday practice he said, adding that this alone will help to produce a bright future generation.
Welcoming the entry of several young writers into the Tamil literary scene since 2010, Mr. Murugan said these writers have excelled in literature across genres — novels, short stories, poetry and also translations. The author also voiced satisfaction that the younger generation are using their skills to bring about transformation in society as a whole.
