Sujatha (May 5, 1935 – Feb 27, 2008) was one of my favorite writers. And I am positive that he was the favorite of many of you also. He passed away last night (27-02-2008) at Apollo, Chennai due to cerebral haemorrhage and kidney failure.
He was a prolific writer in Tamil and he has written a number of novels and short stories. He was really multi-faceted. He was strong in ancient Tamil literature (Sanga Thamizh) and also in Vaishnavite literature. His forte was Science fiction and he has written many Sci-Fi novels and stories in Tamil. Having a background of Science and Technology – he had a Master’s Degree in Electronics – he wrote with authenticity. In fact he introduced many scientific ideas and thoughts to the ordinary Tamil people also.
Almost all of his writings are quite famous. Like, his “Srirangathhu Devathaikal” a collection of short stories. No one can ever forget the characters Ganesh and Vasanth who appeared in many short stories. “Thoondil Kathaikal” was a series of short stories with an unexpected twist at the end. “Puthiya Neethik Kathaikal” was another. His “Appa, Anbulla Appa” a short story he wrote when his father passed away in 1932 is a gem. “Kolaiyudhir Kaalam”, “Nylon Kayiru”, “Madhyamar Kathaikal” (stories about middle class families).
His Sci-Fi stories include “Genome” in which Sujatha has explained the complex science of Genes and DNA in very simple Tamil. “Karpanikkum Appaal” (Beyond Imagination) is a writeup on our Universe, Big Bang theory, Achievements in last two centuries in the fields of Astronomy, Astrophysics and allied topics. “Aduththa Nootraandu” is his prediction of how would the next century be! “En Iniya Iyanthiraa” is an amazing Sci-Fi story and people came to know about many technological marvels that were taking place elsewhere, “Gino” and “Meendum Gino” were about a robot-dog (real thrilling) introducing robotics to Tamilians.
“Thalaimai Seyalagam” (The Head Quarters) was a fabulous write-up on the working of the human Brain, the complexities involved etc.
His writeups on Vaishnavism and Tamil literature include “Thamizh Andrum Indrum” where he discusses Aganaanuru, Puranaaru, 4000-Thivviya Prabantham.
“Kanavuth Thozhirchalai” (The Dream Factory) is all about the movie world, all technical details. “Karaiyellam Shanbegappoo” was a masterpiece novel on Tamil folk songs.
He used to write for almost all the Tamil weeklies, and his “Katrathum Petrathum” in Vikatan was very famous. Q & A in Kungumam and Junior Vikatan were also popular.
He wrote encyclopedia-like “En Eppadi Etharku” answering questions on all things scientific.
Most significantly, he introduced Computers, its jargons, etc to ordinary Tamilians. He was the architect and forerunner in developing Tamil Unicode, TSCII (Tamil Script Code for Information Interchange, like ASCI), Tamil fonts etc. If you write and read in Tamil today (in web pages), thank Sujatha also – he has contributed a lot towards the “kanini mayamaakkal”. In fact, till he was felled by the ailments, he was actively engaged in this work.
I shall not write about his cinema field activities (Screen Play / Dialogue) which I did not like at all.
SUJATHA with his wonderful writing has given me immense joy and pleasure; May his Soul Rest in Peace.
Thank you Sujatha.
Rajappa
2 PM on 28 Feb
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