On his 137th birth anniversary, India’s Prime Minister paid tribute to the acclaimed poet-reformer Subramania Bharathi. The political leader emphasized Bharathi’s stature as a significant symbol of patriotism, illustrating the national relevance of this historical figure. Born on 11 December 1882, in Ettayapuram village of Tirunelveli District in Tamil Nadu, Bharathi is fondly remembered and celebrated as a poet, freedom fighter, and social reformist.
Life and Works of C. Subramaniya Bharathi
Commonly referred to as Mahakavi Bharathiyar, Bharathi’s contributions to the realm of Indian literature are immense. His soul-stirring poetry, such as “Kannan Pattu, Nilavum Vanminum Katrum, Panchali Sabatam and Kuyil Pattu”, often encapsulated themes of nationalism and freedom. His verses served as a beacon of the Indian Independence Movement in Tamil Nadu, inspiring the masses to support the cause. In 1908, he published “Sudesa Geethangal”, which further highlighted his revolutionary zeal.
Bharathi as a Journalist (Red Paper ‘India’)
Bharathi’s contributions were not just confined to poetry. His interests lay in journalism as well. To voice his revolutionary ideas, he printed a weekly newspaper named ‘India’ on red paper. This newspaper was Tamil Nadu’s first to feature political cartoons, a significant step towards new-age journalism. He also published and edited other journals like “Vijaya”, exhibiting his journalistic prowess.
| Name of work | Type of work |
|---|---|
| Kannan Pattu, Nilavum Vanminum Katrum, Panchali Sabatam and Kuyil Pattu | Poetry |
| Sudesa Geethangal | Prose |
| ‘India’ | Newspaper |
| ‘Vijaya’ | Journal |
Bharathi in Indian National Congress
Being a freedom fighter, Bharathi also played a crucial role in the political sphere. He attended the annual sessions of the Indian National Congress and engaged in discussions on national concerns with extremist leaders like Bipin Chandra Pal, B.G. Tilak and V.V.S. Iyer. His active involvement in the Benaras Session (1905) and Surat Session (1907) of the Indian National Congress left an indelible impression on many national leaders, who were moved by his fervor for patriotism.
Bharathi’s varied contributions make him an integral part of India’s historical narrative. His life and works remain a guide for future generations, illustrating the strength of literacy and politics in mobilizing and inspiring the masses during the struggle for independence.
