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அவ்வை
of
Anna Nagar
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Padmashri Awardee shares his experience with veteran leaders
– P T USHA
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Mention the name of Avvai Natarajan to many Tamil lover, they will immediately recollect his lour voice and brisk speeches. The author, orator and former Vice-Chancellor of Tamil University is a longtime resident of Anna Nagar. He has worked with leaders like Anna, Karunanidhi and Jayalalitha.
The Padmashri awardee, in an interview with Anna Nagar Talk, talks about experiences of working with veteran leaders and his limitless love for the Tamil language.
Question :
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How did you develop the love for Tamil language?
Answer :
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My father was Tamil professor Avvai Duraisamy Pillai was also a famour author. He wanted me to read science and be a part of new inventions. But somehow, from the movies I watched and people I became friends with, I developed a huge love and respect for Tamil.
Question :
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Who is your favourite writer ?
Answer :
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My all-time favourite, whose writing has always been a part of my life is Mu Varadharasanar. His writings had a wide reach among the people in those days. Kallo Kaaviyamo, Andha Naal, Sendhaamarai are some of his best collections. He was my biggest role model at that time and I had the dream of becoming a writer like him.
Question :
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Your first meet with Arignar Anna.
Answer :
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I am not a full-time writer but I am well-known for my Tamil debate speeches and oration. Even as a student, I gave out various speeches and oration. Even as a student, I gave out various speeches on big stages. During my college time, when I was about to give out a speech, Arignar Anna came to the function as a chief guest. He was impressed by my speech and once I even spoke along with him. People called me, ‘Paadhi Anna’, seeing my talent. Slowly, great leaders like MGR and Karunanidhi came to know about my talent.
Question :
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About being appointed as the director of translation a young age…
Answer :
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For six months I was working as a news reader in a radio station in Delhi. But I did not like that job much. So, I came back to Chennai. After some day, I was offered the post of deputy director under Press Information Bureau (PIB) by Karunanidhi. For everyone, including me it was a big shock as it takes many years to climb to that position. But I got the post at such a young age directly. Also, in another six months, I was appointed as the director for translation department.
Question :
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Tell us about your role as vice-chancellor of Tamil University.
Answer :
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After Karunanidhi’s ruling period, MGR was elected as Chief Minister. I told him that for the last 10 years, I have been in top position in this department and I wanted to get into social life. But, the then CM did not want to leave me and asked me what position I would prefer. At that time, my friend suggested us to integrate various Tamil departments under one umbrella named Tamil Tradition and Culture Department. Immediately, MGR accepted this and announced me as the Secretary of this newly formed department. After this, Jayalalitha was elected as CM and she appointed me as the Vice-Chancellor of Tamil University, Thanjavur.
Question :
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Share some of your personal experience with Kalaignar Karunanidhi.
Answer :
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Though I have been working with a number of leaders, I personally love Kalaignar a lot. I think this special bond between us is created by our mutual love for Tamil. We worked together for a long period and those were the best times of my life. He was very humorous and the way he writes any letter / document itself was adorable. One best example was, once I wrote to him in a letter, ‘Vidhi idam kodukkavillai’ and he replied ‘Vidhiyai Madhiyal Vellalavum.’
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