Gnani Sankaran remembered

Gnani Sankaran, journalist, playwright and political commentator, never hesitated to say or write what he felt, said former Madras High Court judge K. Chandru here on Thursday.

Speaking at a function to launch seven volumes of facsimile editions of Dheemtharikida (1982 - 2006) that were edited by the late Gnani, he said that as a young journalist, Gnani Sankaran broke all rules and reported about what was going on in the Madras High Court.

He recalled a report by Gnani about a mini bus for district judges lying unused. This report had apparently angered senior judges.

Actor Nasser, who was Gnani’s schoolmate, recalled how his views on nuclear energy had changed after listening to Gnani. “Until then, I thought the Kalpakkam plant was something good for Chengalpattu,” he said.

He suggested that Gnani's film reviews be brought out in a book.

Gnani’s wife A. S. Padmavathi recalled how none of those who worked for

Dheemtharikida did so for money; they were with Gnani out of their love and affection towards him. She said these volumes were brought out with Gnani’s savings and she was thankful to

Dinamalar for paying him well.

She said three fonts called Gnani Poster, Gnani Regular and Gnani Teen were being developed.

Friends of Gnani including former vice-chancellor of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Vasanthi Devi, Viduthalai Rajendran, Trotsky Marudhu, Kanayaazhi Ma. Rajendran and Pon Dhanasekaran, who compiled the volumes along with Ms. Padmavathi, were present on the occasion.