Why is our language called ‘Tamizh’? Ki. Va. Jagannathan (Ki. Va. Ja.), the legendary Tamil scholar and literary visionary, once found himself in the divine presence of Periyava, when a question was posed that momentarily stilled his erudition: “Why is our language called ‘Tamizh’?” Taken aback, Ki. Va. Ja. admitted with humility that he had never contemplated that question deeply. He reflected, “If someone were to ask me about the greatness of Tamizh, I could speak for hours—on its antiquity, its grammar, its literature, its uniqueness among world languages. But why it is called ‘Tamizh’—I do not know.” With characteristic grace, Periyava smiled and said: “This is merely my thought—neither confirmed by scholars nor inscribed in any linguistic doctrine. But to me, the answer lies in one letter: ‘เฎด’ (zha).” He then proceeded, in that meditative rhythm only saints possess, to list words that hold this unique sound, each word soaked in beauty and depth: เฎฎเฎดเฎฒை (mazhalai) – the babble of a c...
The Pen That Immortalised Legends: Remembering Kamala Chandrakant ✍️๐ We bid farewell to Kamala Chandrakant (1940/41 – February 9, 2025), a pioneering storyteller who shaped the childhood of millions. As the first woman scriptwriter of Amar Chitra Katha (ACK), she played a crucial role in bringing India’s rich history, folklore, and mythology to life through her brilliant narratives. Her timeless works, including classics like Raman of Tenali, Tales from the Mahabharata, and Dasha Avatar, made history accessible and engaging for generations. Her meticulous research and vivid storytelling turned legends into household names, ensuring that India's cultural heritage remained alive in the hearts of millions. Kamala Chandrakant's work was more than storytelling—it was a bridge connecting young readers to India’s glorious past. She brought forgotten heroines like Savitribai Phule and Rani Lakshmibai into the limelight, ensuring their stories inspired generations. Her pas...