Cloud over Jayakanthan’s ‘last letter’ to Vairamuthu

A controversy over a letter purportedly from Tamil writer Jayakanthan lauding the short stories of lyricist Vairamuthu, published in the latest issue of Tamil magazine Kumudham , has shocked the literary world as the late writer was not in a position to speak or write for months during the last phase of his life.

Raising questions about the authenticity of the letter, which praised the short stories currently being serialised in the weekly, Jayakanthan’s daughter Deepa Lakshmi on Monday rejected the argument that it could be documented as his last piece of writing. It would be unfair for anyone who loved his writings to make such a claim, she said.

However, Mr. Vairamuthu told

The Hindu that he had indeed received a letter, and it was now in his possession. “I immediately phoned Jayakanthan to thank him for the gesture. He reciprocated my words. When I told him that I would meet him one day, he said “

Vaango (Please come).”

The letter in the name of Jayakanthan said Mr. Vairamuthu had dispelled the doubts of those who could not believe that a poet could also excel as a short story writer.

“I enjoy reading and listening to the short stories of my friend Padma Bhushan Kavipperarasu Vairamuthu. I am proud that his stories, written in a simple, sweet and grand style, showed great concern for society,” Jayakanthan had said.

Ms. Deepa Lakshmi, however, said in a posting on Facebook that it could not be treated as her father’s last work, as anyone who visited him in his last days would know that he was not in a position to speak or write for many months. Jayakanthan died on April 8. She was recording her thoughts, as silence on such a matter would be a crime, Ms. Deepa Lakshmi said.

“When someone called on him, he would hold their hands affectionately and speak to them, but he was not in a position to express any opinion or dispute any argument,” she recalled. It was possible that a letter was prepared in his name and his permission taken to use an old signature of his, as he was unable to affix his signature at that time.