Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

Rich tributes paid to Masthaan

PHOTO: R. M. RAJARATHINAM

LITERARY GREAT: Sahitya Akademi awardees ‘Sirpi’ Balasubramaniam, right, and Thoppil Mohammed Meeran ,left, at a symposium on Gunangudi Masthaan’s works at Jamal Mohamed College in Tiruchi on Thursday. —

TIRUCHI: Glowing tributes were paid to the life and works of noted Tamil scholar and poet Gunangudi Masthaan at a one-day symposium sponsored by Sahitya Akademi here on Thursday.

Speakers described the literary works of Masthaan as a great contribution to Tamil literature and linking the philosophy of Islam and Hinduism.

Noted writer and Sahitya Akademi awardee Thoppil Mohammed Meeran, in his introductory address, said that Masthaan’s works attracted people beyond linguistic barriers.

Many writers and youths in Kerala had a high regard for Masthaan’s works, he said.

Pointing out that literature formed the root and mirror of a country’s culture and civilisation, Mr. Meeran hoped that the symposium would help the youths understand Masthaan’s rich contribution.

Quoting several poems of Masthaan, Akademi’s Tamil Advisory Board convenor, ‘Sirpi’ Balasubramanian, said that Masthaan’s works were a treasure.

Centre for Bharathidasan Studies Head S.S. Ramar Ilango described Masthaan as not only a great poet but also as an eminent philosopher who formed a vital link between the two faiths.

Akademi Programme Officer A. S. Ilangovan and Member of Tamil Advisory Board Thangam Moorthy spoke.

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