Legendary Tamil writer Jayakanthan passes away

Legendary Tamil writer D Jayakanthan, who charted a new course in Tamil literature with his bold and progressive works, died here tonight following a prolonged illness. He was 81.

Jayakanthan had not been keeping well for quite some time, his son Jayasimhan told PTI.

A prolific writer of novels and short stories, Jayakanthan is survived by his wife, two daughters and son.

He has written around 40 novels and 200 short stories and used his pen effectively against social injustices and economic inequality.

His popular novel, ‘Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal’, which was later made into a film, won him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1972. He was also a recipient of the Jnanpith Award in 2002.

Born in Manjakuppam in Cuddalore on April 24, 1934, Jayakanthan was a school drop out who moved to Chennai, where he joined the undivided Communist Party of India.

He was associated with communist leaders such as Jeevanandham and Baladandayutham, who encouraged him to take to writing. He started writing for communist magazines.

Jayakanthan, known as JK among his friends, focussed on the marginalised sections in his writing and several of his characters reflect their suffering.

Besides ‘Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal’, his other novels ‘Oru Nadigai Nadagam Paarkiral’ and ‘Yaarukkaga Azhudhaan’ were also adapted into films.

He co-produced ‘Unnai Pol Oruvan’, a film on the travails of a poor woman, which was screened in Russia with sub-titles.

The Russian government conferred the Order of Friendship award on him in 2011.

A Padma Bushan awardee, Jayakanthan was also the founder of the Indo-Russian Cultural and Friendship Society.

Jayakanthan had also received various other awards, including Soviet Land Nehru Award (1978), Raja Rajan Award, (1986) and the Tamil Nadu Government Award (1986). He was also a Fellow of Sahitya Akademi.

His short stories in weekly magazines such as ‘Ananda Vikatan’ were a big hit among the readers in the 1960s.

Though he was widely known for having taken up the cause of marginalised sections, he had also written for intellectuals.

Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association Deputy General Secretary ERA Muthu said it was Jayakanthan who brought recognition and respect to short stories among Tamils after Pudumai Pithan.

“People used to eagerly await his stories in magazines 50 years ago,” he said.

Indo-Russian Cultural and Friendship Society Secretary Thangappan said that Jayakanthan always showed his courage and conviction through his characters.

He recalled that late Chief Minister MG Ramachandran had called Jayakanthan after watching the film ‘Oru Nadigai Nadagam Parkiral’, which was based on his novel, and congratulated him for his brilliant work.

Leaders of Left parties condoled the death of Jayakanthan.

Tributes pour in

Tributes today poured in for legendary Tamil writer D Jayakanthan, with senior leaders, including DMK President M Karunanidhi, paying homage to the mortal remains of the author.

Karunanidhi, accompanied by his daughter Kanimozhi, paid homage to Jayakanthan and recalled his affinity with the author.

“Jayakanthan may have died but his works will remain etched in the hearts of many,” he said in a statement while expressing his sympathies with the family of the writer.

Karunanidhi’s son and DMK Treasurer, M K Stalin also paid homage to Jayakanthan, fondly addressed as JK by his friends,and termed his demise as an “irreparable damage” to the world of Tamil literature.

VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan asked the Centre to release a stamp in recognition of Jayakanthan’s contribution to literature and urged the state government to construct a memorial.

PMK founder S Ramadoss, MDMK leader Vaiko, TNCC President E V K S Elangovan and Dravidar Kazhagam President K Veeramanialso condoled Jayakanthan’s death, while hailing his writings.

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