THOOTHUKUDI
The birth anniversary of Tamil poet Umaru Pulavar was celebrated as a government function for the first time at Ettayapuram in the district on Monday. Information Minister Kadambur C. Raju, who presided over the function, paid floral tributes at the poet’s memorial.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Raju said the poet was well known for his literary work ‘Seerapuranam.’ His magnum opus, depicting the history of Prophet Mohammed in 5,027 verses, was considered to be one among the greatest works of Tamil poetry.
The Minister said K.A.M. Mohammed Abubacker, Kadayanallur MLA, placed a demand in the Assembly for organising the programme as a government function. Subsequently, recommendations were made to the government to declare it a ‘government function’.
In 1981, former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran, during the birth centenary celebration of poet Subramania Bharathi at Ettayapuram, announced that a ‘manimandapam’ would be constructed for Umaru Pulavar.
The State government had increased the pension for ulemas . It had also simplified the procedure to allow Haj pilgrims to visit Mecca, he said.
J. Jeyasingh Thiyagaraj Natterjee, Thoothukudi MP, Mr. Abubucker, former Minister S.T. Chellapandian, U. Khaja Mydheen, president, Umaru Pulavar Sangam, Ettayapuram, and Ramamurthi, temple priest, Sindhalakarai, were present.
Earlier, P. Anitha, Kovilpatti Revenue Divisional Officer, welcomed the gathering. T. Nawaz Khan, Public Relations Officer, proposed a vote of thanks.
