Firebrand writer Jayakanthan, considered a colossus in Tamil literature,
died here on Wednesday night after a prolonged illness.
He was 81 and is survived by wife, two daughters and a son. He won both the Jnanpith and Sahitya Akademi Awards
Born in 1934 in Cuddalore, Jayakanthan ran away from home to Madras and
became a member of the Communist party at a very young age. In the Communist party, he was close to K. Baladhandayutham. JK, as he
was known, said in his autobiography that it was Baladhandayutham, just
released after serving a life term, who drew him to politics with his
thunderous speeches
He later joined the Tamil Desiya Katchi launched by E.V.K. Sampath and
both of them, along with poet Kannadasan, went over to the Congress
subsequently.
Tamil novelist, short-story writer and essayist Jayakanthan
significantly enriched modern Tamil literature by portraying the lives
of those on the fringes society.
He shocked the same society with
his nonconformist views, often questioning long-held views on women and
chastity.
He took enormous pride in his skills as a writer and fiery orator. He spoke his mind candidly, undaunted by anyone or anything
His first short story appeared in a little known magazine
Sowbakiyavathi. He went on to become a prolific writer, authoring over
35 novels and novellas, innumerable short stories and two
autobiographies—Oru Ilakkiyavathiyin Arasiyal Anubavangal and Oru
Arasiyalvathiyin Ilakkiya Anubavangal—besides writing articles and
composing poems.
His novels Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal, Oru Nadigai Nadagam
Paarkiral, Yaarukkaga Azhudhaan and Cinemavukku Pona Chithalu were
adapted as films.
He himself experimented with film-making and
directed - Yarukkaka Azhudhaan, Unnai Pol Oruvan and Paathai Theiryuthu
Paar.
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