Jayakanthan-Pushkin academy to network lovers of literature

Monthly literary meetings, book exhibitions to be organised

Mayor of Ugilich Municipality Sheremeyteva Eleonara Mikhailovna hands over the first copy of a publication to writer D. Jayakanthan at the inauguration of the Jayakanthan-Pushkin Literary Academy in Chennai on Wednesday. Poet Thamizhachi Thangapandian, Academy secretary G.Natarajan (second from right) and president S. Ramakrishnan are in the picture. Photo: R. Ravindran

For admirers of Russian literature and those who love collecting the translated works of Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoyevsky, the Jayakanthan-Pushkin Literary Academy promises a chance to learn about Russian literature.

The Academy inaugurated here on Wednesday would host various programmes, including literary meetings every month and book exhibitions. Inaugurating the Academy, Mayor of Ugilich Municipality of Russian Federation, Sheremeyteva Eleonara Mikhailovna said it was the first step towards many more initiatives to encourage cultural exchanges between the countries.

The Academy, set up by Indo-Russian Cultural and Friendship Society (IRCFS), will network literature lovers, said S. Ramakrishnan, president of the Academy. A book titled ‘Checkhovin Meedu Pani Peikirathu,' authored by Mr. Ramakrishnan was launched.

Observing that Russian literature has inspired scores of Tamil writers, he said veteran writer and IRCFS founder D.Jayakanthan was a pioneer in introducing Russian authors to Tamil readers. Russian authors stood apart from other global literary figures for their knack of introducing complex ideologies in a lucid way. “They celebrate humanity and pay respect to human emotions and struggles through their writings,” he said.

In his address, Mr.Jayakanthan said authors such as Pushkin, Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky still remain literary idols for many Tamil writers. “The admiration for literature has been mutual. Tolstoy has quoted Tirukkural in one of his works. Chekhovian style of short stories triggered a new style of short story writing in Tamil,” Mr.Jayakanthan said.

Poet Thamizhachi Thangapandian said Tamil writers such as Mr.Ramakrishnan gave a new perspective to Russian literature through their works.

Consul General of Russia Nikolai Listapadov, the Academy secretary G. Natarajan and IRCFS Secretary P. Thangappan spoke.