Today, on the memorial day of Tho. Paramasivan, we fondly remember this eminent scholar and people's leader who dedicated his life to the Tamil cultural heritage and its documentation

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Today, on the memorial day of Tho. Paramasivan, we fondly remember this eminent scholar and people's leader who dedicated his life to the Tamil cultural heritage and its documentation. Born in 1950 in the small town of Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli district, Tho. Pa overcame early struggles in life to emerge as a celebrated writer, professor, and social reformer, bringing global attention to Tamil heritage and culture.

His seminal works, such as Azhagarkoil and Ariyappadatha Tamilagam, cast a profound light on the history, artistic treasures, and cultural traditions of the Tamil people. Tho. Pa's insightful documentation of the Mukulathor community’s traditions and the essence of Tamil daily life is both authentic and remarkable.

Aligning with the ideologies of Periyar, Tho. Pa advocated for temples to be transformed into spaces for the people, transcending religious barriers. His writings and ideas paved new paths in the research and study of Tamil science and heritage. As a distinguished professor and head of the Tamil Department at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, he served as a guiding light for countless students and scholars.

Tho. Pa's influence extended beyond academia and into the realm of arts and cinema. His profound impact on legendary actor Kamal Haasan is noteworthy. Kamal Haasan has often credited Tho. Pa’s works and ideologies as a source of inspiration for his progressive outlook, cinematic narratives, and commitment to cultural and social reformation. The essence of Tho. Pa's vision can be seen in Kamal Haasan’s portrayal of Tamil culture and his efforts to uphold rationalism and humanism through his films and public life.

On this day, we honor his contributions and cherish the enduring legacy he has left in illuminating Tamil culture, as well as the inspiration he continues to provide across generations.

Venkataramanan Ramasethu
24 December 2024

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