Eminent Tamil writer, poet, translator and two-time Sahitya Akademi Award recipient Puviyarasu passed away at his residence near Periyanaickenpalayam in Coimbatore on Tuesday. He was 96.
Coimbatore: Eminent Tamil writer, poet, translator and two-time Sahitya Akademi Award recipient Puviyarasu passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 96. He breathed his last at around 10.30 a.m. at his residence in Siva Nagar, Press Colony, near Periyanaickenpalayam in Coimbatore.
Born in 1930 in Udumalpet, his birth name was Jagannathan. He later adopted the name Puviyarasu, choosing a Tamil equivalent in place of his Sanskrit name. He completed his Intermediate studies at the Government Arts College, Coimbatore, before earning a Pulavar degree from the Perur Tamil College, where he was among the institution's first batch of students.
Puviyarasu emerged as one of the leading voices of the Vaanampadi literary movement, which played a pivotal role in steering Tamil poetry from traditional forms towards modern free verse. The movement brought together several distinguished poets and scholars, including Abdul Rahman, Mu. Metha, Sirpi Balasubramaniam and Chidambaranathan.
A prolific literary figure, Puviyarasu authored more than 120 books and made significant contributions to Tamil literature through translations from English, Russian, Hungarian, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi, enriching generations of Tamil readers with access to world literature.
Beyond literature, he was an accomplished playwright, activist and film personality. He actively participated in the movement led by Ma. Po. Sivagnanam during the linguistic reorganisation of states, advocating for Tamil Nadu's border rights. He also contributed to Tamil cinema as a dialogue writer and actor, with credits in films including *Mahanadhi*, *Virumaandi* and *Housefull*.
His distinguished literary career earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award on two occasions—once for an original collection of poetry and again for a translated work—making him one of the few Tamil writers to receive the honour in both categories.
Puviyarasu had been residing at his home in Press Colony near Periyanaickenpalayam in his later years. According to family members, his final rites will be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, at the Brick Kiln Crematorium in Periyanaickenpalayam.
The passing of Puviyarasu marks the end of an extraordinary literary journey spanning several decades, during which he left an indelible imprint on modern Tamil literature through his poetry, translations and unwavering commitment to the language.
Born in 1930 in Udumalpet, his birth name was Jagannathan. He later adopted the name Puviyarasu, choosing a Tamil equivalent in place of his Sanskrit name. He completed his Intermediate studies at the Government Arts College, Coimbatore, before earning a Pulavar degree from the Perur Tamil College, where he was among the institution's first batch of students.
Puviyarasu emerged as one of the leading voices of the Vaanampadi literary movement, which played a pivotal role in steering Tamil poetry from traditional forms towards modern free verse. The movement brought together several distinguished poets and scholars, including Abdul Rahman, Mu. Metha, Sirpi Balasubramaniam and Chidambaranathan.
A prolific literary figure, Puviyarasu authored more than 120 books and made significant contributions to Tamil literature through translations from English, Russian, Hungarian, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi, enriching generations of Tamil readers with access to world literature.
Beyond literature, he was an accomplished playwright, activist and film personality. He actively participated in the movement led by Ma. Po. Sivagnanam during the linguistic reorganisation of states, advocating for Tamil Nadu's border rights. He also contributed to Tamil cinema as a dialogue writer and actor, with credits in films including *Mahanadhi*, *Virumaandi* and *Housefull*.
His distinguished literary career earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award on two occasions—once for an original collection of poetry and again for a translated work—making him one of the few Tamil writers to receive the honour in both categories.
Puviyarasu had been residing at his home in Press Colony near Periyanaickenpalayam in his later years. According to family members, his final rites will be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, at the Brick Kiln Crematorium in Periyanaickenpalayam.
The passing of Puviyarasu marks the end of an extraordinary literary journey spanning several decades, during which he left an indelible imprint on modern Tamil literature through his poetry, translations and unwavering commitment to the language.