Subramaniya Bharathiyar

Why in news?

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 11^th 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

1. DD News | PM Modi pays tribute to Subramania Bharati on his birth anniversary

PIB | Subramaniya Bharathiyar