Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | History
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharati on his birth anniversary, recalling his lasting contributions to India’s cultural, literary and national life.
- He was a revolutionary poet, journalist, and social reformer, remains an iconic figure in Indian literature and history.
Early Life
- He was born on 11th December, 1882 in Ettayapuram, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.
- His childhood name was Subbiah.
- Gifted with remarkable talent in poetry and debate since childhood, he was conferred the title “Bharathi” after defeating eminent scholars in an educational debate at the Ettayapuram Durbar.
Nationalist Poet
- He was known as Mahakavi Bharathiyar (Great Poet) and Father of Modern Tamil Literature.
- Literary works – Like Kannan Pattu, Nilavum Vanminum Katrum, Panchali Sabatam, and Kuyil Pattu blended patriotism, devotion, and mysticism.
- English collections includes Agni and Other Poems and Translations and Essays and Other Prose Fragments (1937).
- He published Sudesa Geethangal (1908), rallying masses towards independence.
Journalism & Political Activism
- He worked as a translator and later joined the Tamil daily Swadesamitran as sub-editor (1904).
- He founded India (1906), adopting the French Revolution’s slogans: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
- He introduced political cartoons in Tamil journalism.
- He exiled to Pondicherry (French territory) in 1908, lived there till 1919, to escape British persecution, where he collaborated with leaders like Aurobindo, Lajpat Rai, V.V.S. Aiyar.
- He was arrested upon re-entry to British India in 1918; continued writing even in prison.
Association with National Leaders
- He engaged with Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, V.O. Chidambaram, Subramanya Siva, and others.
- He participated in Benaras (1905) & Surat Session (1907) of the Indian National Congress.
- He met Mahatma Gandhi in 1919 at Rajaji’s home in Madras.
Social Reformer
- He opposed caste system, declared only two castes: men and women, child marriage and dowry.
- He advocated temple entry for Dalits, widow remarriage, women’s rights and caste abolition.
- He practiced inclusivity by sharing meals across communities and attending churches.
Legacy
- Died on 11 September 1921.
- Remembered as a poet, journalist, freedom fighter, and reformer whose vision of a free and egalitarian India continues to inspire.
- International Bharati Festival - An annual event organized by the Vanavil Cultural Centre in Chennai to celebrate his life and ideals.
References
- DD News | PM Modi pays tribute to Subramania Bharati on his birth anniversary
PIB | Subramaniya Bharathiyar
