TK Ramanuja Kavirajar
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'Kavithendral' T.K. Ramanuja Kavirajar B.A., B.L. (1905–1985) was a Tamil poet, Gandhian, playwright,[1] lawyer and humanitarian.
This Indian writer had mastery in both English and Tamil. He wrote 14 books in Tamil and five in English. He is known for his voluminous creations, chaste language and poetic skills.
He followed the principles of Mahatma Gandhi to the word and practised truthfulness. Even though he has written many books, his magnum opus is considered to be 'Mahatma Gandhi Kaaviyam', an epic on the life of Mahatma Gandhi penned in 12285 verses. This massive creation along with his other devotional works earned him the 'Kavithendral' award from the Nammakkal Kavingar award Committee.
Kavirajar, as he is fondly called, went on to translate this work in English as "Bharath reborn".
He led a simple and pious life and died at the age of 80.
T.K. Ramanuja Kavirajar was born in Tirunelveli on 28 December 1905 to Kallapiran and Arasalwar. He started writing poems when he was around twelve years of age. He took to literature as fish to water and was proficient in both English and Tamil. It has been noted that he was capable of writing commentaries on the works of Shakespeare, at around the same time. His mother died early and he was adopted by his maternal uncle.
Family life
Kavirajar married Chellamal when he was very young. He was blessed with five children. His wife died quite early and he married Visalakshi after a couple of years. The poet was tested again as this lady and two of his daughters died soon. He then spent most of his life in performing his duties in a saint-like manner and producing literary works that embodied high values, philosophy and truth.
Mahatma Gandhi Kaaviyam
In the years between 1975 and 1979, Kavirajar released his Master piece, 'Mahatma Gandhi Kaaviyam', an epic in Tamil, in four volumes. This work, which is hailed by purists, was modelled after poet Kamban's Ramayanam. Kavirajar received many glaring reviews for this work from all major Indian magazines and newspapers. Forums, competitions and literary reviews on this work are being conducted to the day.