The Vice-President recently commemorated the 100th death anniversary of Mahakavi Subramania Bharati. Renowned for his contribution to the nationalist period as an Indian writer, Bharati is also fondly referred to as ‘Mahakavi Bharathiyar’. Born on 11th December 1882 in Ettayapuram, Madras Presidency, he is reverently looked upon as the father of modern Tamil style.
Bharathi’s Profile and Social Involvement
Mahakavi Bharathi was a vocal advocate for social justice and strongly campaigned for self-determination. His career as a writer and social reformer began in earnest in 1904 when he started working for the Tamil daily newspaper Swadesamitran. His work at the paper gave him a direct insight into political affairs. This exposure paved the way for his active involvement with the extremist wing of the Indian National Congress (INC) party.
Political Activism and Journalism
A firm believer in radical expressions of political sentiment, Bharathi used the medium of print journalism to voice his revolutionary ideas. He had the weekly newspaper ‘India’ printed on red paper to signify the fiery spirit of revolution. Making a mark as a trendsetter, it was the first paper in Tamil Nadu to publish political cartoons. Furthermore, he published and edited other journals, including “Vijaya”. Alongside his journalism career, he actively participated in the annual sessions of INC, interacting with extremist leaders such as Bipin Chandra Pal, B.G. Tilak, and V.V.S. Iyer. His patriotic fervor and contributions to the Benaras Session (1905) and Surat Session (1907) of the INC won admiration from many national leaders.
Notable Works and Contributions
Bharati’s writings during his lifetime, including his response to the Russian Revolutions of 1917 in a poem called “Pudiya Russia” (“The New Russia”), provide insightful examples of his political philosophy. He gained immense popularity through his nationalistic poems and essays, which he started writing during his exile in Pondicherry, a French colony, from 1910 to 1919. His notable works encompass “Kaṇṇan pāṭṭu” (1917; Songs to Krishna), “Panchali sapatham” (1912; Panchali’s Vow), “Kuyil pāṭṭu” (1912; Kuyil’s Song), and “Gnanaratham” (Chariot of Wisdom). Many of his English works were assembled in “Agni and Other Poems and Translations” and “Essays and Other Prose Fragments” (1937).
Bharathi’s Death and Legacy
The illustrious life of Mahakavi Bharathi ended on 11th September 1921. However, his legacy continues to inspire generations. To honor his contributions, the International Bharati Festival 2020 was organized by the Vanavil Cultural Centre in Tamil Nadu, marking his 138th birth anniversary. Scholar Shri Seeni Viswanathan was the recipient of the Bharathi Award for the year 2020. His life and works continue to hold significant relevance, celebrating the spirit of nationalism and social justice.