Much before the scheduled time that evening, the hall at TAG centre was filled and by 6.30 overflowing. It wasn’t a concert or a play it was only a felicitation function for the completion of 60 years of writing by writer Charukesi, and the common factor in all those present in the hall was the camaraderie they shared with this veteran.
Organised by the Tamil book lovers club, the evening began punctually and appropriately with a prayer song in raga Charukesi. Two books of Charukesi, ‘Mammooty Mudhal Manmohan Singh Varai’ in Tamil and ‘Jewels and Other Stories,’ a collection of his Tamil short stories translated by C.G. Rishikesh was released by V.Ramnarayanan, Editor-in-Chief, Sruti . Editor and writer Seetha Ravi and dance exponent Alarmel Valli received the first copies respectively. This was followed by the presentation of a citation by the book club members.
Speaking with deep affection born out of a longstanding association with him as an editor, Seetha Ravi beautifully summed up the persona of Charukesi as one who always lets the subject shine and not the self. She also shared insights about his professionalism, attention to details, commitment to deadlines, etc. Valli spoke about the simplicity and honesty of the man and his keen observation of human character and his sense of humour. Ramnarayan spoke about his growing up years reading many of Charukesi’s stories.
R.T. Chari and R.V. Rajan of the book club felicitated him. P.C. Ramakrishna brought out his rich experience as an actor reading out a story from the collection.
In his acceptance speech thanking everyone, Charukesi wondered whether he should take a pause as a writer moving to other things close to his heart. Ravi Thamizhvanan compered the show.