The Prime Minister of India recently addressed the International Bharati Festival 2020, a virtual event organised by the Vanavil Cultural Centre in Tamil Nadu. The event marked the 138th birth anniversary of the esteemed Tamil poet and writer, Mahakavi Subramanya Bharati on 11th December 2020. This year’s Bharathi Award was bestowed upon Scholar Shri Seeni Viswanathan.
Subramanya Bharati: The Father of Modern Tamil Style
Subramanya Bharati, also known as ‘Mahakavi Bharathiyar’, was born on 11th December 1882, in Ettayapuram, Madras Presidency. Celebrated as an exceptional Indian writer during the nationalist period (1885-1920), he is often considered the pioneer of the modern Tamil style. His profound sense of social justice drove him to champion self-determination.
Bharati’s Involvement During Nationalist Period and Exile to Pondicherry
Bharati joined the Tamil daily newspaper ‘Swadesamitran’ post-1904, leading to his engagement with the political radical wing of the Indian National Congress (INC) party. His fervid revolutionary spirit marked his publication of ‘India’, a weekly newspaper printed on red paper, signifying its fiery content. Bharati was also a force behind other journals like “Vijaya”.
Bharati engaged actively in INC’s annual sessions, discussing national issues with leaders like Bipin Chandra Pal, B.G. Tilak and V.V.S. Iyer. His participation in the Benaras Session (1905) and Surat Session (1907) infused many national leaders with his infectious patriotism. One of his remarkable works, “Sudesa Geethangal” was published in 1908.
Post the Russian Revolutions of 1917, Bharati penned a poem titled “Pudiya Russia” (“The New Russia”) exhibiting his political philosophy. Bharati’s nationalistic fervour led to his exile in Pondicherry (now Puducherry), a French colony from 1910 to 1919. It was here that his essays and poems on nationalism became huge successes.
Bharati’s Important Works
Bharati is celebrated for works such as Kaṇṇan pāṭṭu (1917; Songs to Krishna), Panchali sapatham (1912; Panchali’s Vow), Kuyil pāṭṭu (1912; Kuyil’s Song), Pudiya Russia and Gnanaratham (Chariot of Wisdom). His English works were compiled in Agni and Other Poems and Translations and Essays and Other Prose Fragments (1937). Bharati passed away on 11th September 1921.
Bharati’s Significance in Present Times
A recurring theme across Bharati’s works was progress and the pivotal role women play in achieving it. Bharati encouraged women to exude confidence, meeting the gaze of others without hesitance. Inspired by this vision, the government is striving towards women-led empowerment. Bharati also professed the significance of bridging the gap between the past and the present by developing a scientific temper and fostering a spirit of inquiry to propel progress.
The Bharathi Award
The Vanavil Cultural Centre initiated the Bharati Award in 1994, granted annually to individuals who have significantly contributed to socially relevant fields aligned with Bharati’s dreams.
