THIRUKKURAL EXPRESS
1.9.24
Fortnightly Published every first and third Sundays
Honorary Editors: Thirukkuralar Dr. R. Prabhakaran- Dr.Chandrika Subramanian & Dr. Mrs. C. Rajeswari
Executive Editor: Dr.Maraimalai Ilakkuvanar
Thiruvalluvar Era: 2055 Aavani–17
C.E.:2024- September-1
121st Birth anniversary of
Uraiventhar Avvai S.Duraisamy
(September 5, 1903-April 3, 1981)
Parents: Thiru. Sundaram Pillai, Thirumathi Chandramathi
Spouse: Thirumathi Logaambaal
Avvai Duraisamy! The name itself brings me to an elated mood as I am one among his ardent students.
An abode of scholarship, an embodiment of wisdom and an ocean of knowledge!
He ever remains in my mind as my Professor, philosopher and guide.
During my postgraduate studies, he taught us Tholkappiyam in the first M.A.class and Saiva Siddhantha(m) in the II M.A. class.
His computer like memory,
sharp wit and quick references to the apt allusions relevant to the subject were great gifts to the students.
His English lecture on Thirukkural, delivered at the Lions Club, Madurai, shows not only his English knowledge but also his exemplary critical acumen which highlights the unique features of Thirukkural which prove it as a universal scripture and the guiding star to a heaven in this earth itself.
Uraiventhar Avvai S. Duraisamy had contributed his commentaries to the Tamil world as teasure-troves of knowledge.
Be it for Ainkurunuru, Maimekalai, Silapthikaram, Pathitruppaththu, or Puranaanuuru every commentary reveals new information and precious elucidations which kindle a new light in the reader’s mind.
The neo-Aryan explanations of the traditional commentators in the past are shattered by Avvai’s wonderful interpretations in accordance with our ancestors, Sangam scholars and Tholkappiyar.
His commentaries and research works portray him as an indomitable hero in
the war against Aryan infiltration ad the menace of mischievous distortion with a malicious motivation to diminish Tamil pride.
Tamilnadu is indebted to Avvai not only for his intellectual outputs but also for the worthy offspring as a boon to us.
His son, the silver-tongued orator Dr. Avvai Natarajan who shocked us by his sad demise, a couple of years before, will ever remain as an international luminary widely known for his scholarship and enlightening lectures.
His sons Dr.Avvai Meikandan and late Dr Avvai Nedumaran are performing medical miracles and are acclaimed with many laurels and accolades for their dedicated and untiring service.
Dr.N.Arul, son of Dr.Natarajan and grandson of Avvai is the Director of Tamil Development
Government of Taminadu.
“Avvai Duraisamy (Tamil: ta: ) (September 5, 1903-April 3, 1981) is a Tamil scholar.
He has the pride of leaving the job of Sanitary Inspector for his love of the language of Tamil.
He then learnt Tamil, after which he became a scholar.
Avvai Duraisamy was born 5 September 1903 to Sundaram Pillai – Chandiramathi in a small village called Avvaiyarkuppam, located nearer to Dindivanam of Villupuram district.
He had his primary education in his village. Then he continued in Arcot Charitable High School, Tindivanam where he completed his school education with distinction.
He joined Voorhees College in Vellore for his intermediate studies.
But owing to prevailing poverty in his family, he could not continue his education.
He joined the job of Sanitary Inspector to help his family. As he had no likes for that job, he had to resign in just 6 months.
TAMIL EDUCATION
Avvai Duraisamy had the ambition of learning Tamil from a proper source.
Thamizhvel Umamaheswaran appointed him as teacher in Karanthai Tamil Sangam School.
He learnt Tamil simultaneously after which he cleared the “Vidvan” examination conducted by Madras University.
POSTS HELD
He began his career as Sanitary Inspector.
Then he worked as Tamil teacher in Kalavai Ranipet (Karai) Primary School.
He worked as High School Tamil teacher in schools located at Kaveripakkam, Cheyyar, Chengam and Polur from 1929 to 1941.
He wrote research articles on Tamil literature and grammar in magazines like Tamizhpozhil, Senthamizhchelvi and Senthamizh.
He joined as researcher in Tirupati Thiruvengadavan Eastern College in
1942.
Then he worked as lecturer in the research department of Annamalai University for eight years since 1943.
He joined as Professor in Madurai Thiyagarajar College in the year 1951.
TAMIL LITERARY CONTRIBUTIONS
After Navalar Na. Mu. Venkatasamy Nattar who was involved in writing commentary for the epic Manimekalai, died suddenly,
Avvai Duraisamy completed the work writing commentary for the final four kaathais of Manimekalai, as per the wish of ‘Karanthai Kaviarasu’ Venkatachalam Pillai.
He wrote rare books like Literary History of Shaivism and Gnanamirtham, while working in Annamalai University. They were published as Annamalai University Publications.
UNPUBLISHED WORKS
1. Name of Village – Research of History
2. Puthuneri Thamizh llakkanam (2 Volumes)
3 Marulneekkiyaar Natakam
4 Puthu Neri Thamizh Ilakkanam
Children:
1. Late Balakujam (daughter),
2. Late Avvai Natarasan (son),
3. Manimegalai (daughter),
4. Thilagavathi (daughter),
5. Tamilarasi (daughter),
6. Avvai Thirunavukarasu (son),
7. Late Avvai Gnanasambanthan (son),
8. Dr.Avvai Meikandan, (son),
9. Late Dr Avvai Nedumaran (son).
HONOURS
Madurai Tiruvalluvar Kazhagam read a Letter of Appreciation called “Palthurai Mutriya Pulavar” in the year 1964.
Dr.Radha Thiyagarajanar appreciated her teacher’s high qualities and honoured him with the title “Uraiventhar” and awarded him a gold medal.
The Governor of Tamil Nadu Prabhudas Patwari awarded him with the title “Thamizh Pervai Chemmal” in the year 1980.
Tamil Writers Association honoured him with the title “Thamizh Thondu Seitha Periyar” and awarded him a shield.”
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