Chennai: The launch event for the book Virinthinargalil Oruvan, a collection of 20 short stories by writer Soodamani, was held yesterday at the Anna Centenary Library in Kotturpuram, Chennai, on behalf of the R. Soodamani Memorial Trust.
At the event, Hindu editor N. Ram participated as the chief guest and released the book. Former Kalki editor Seetha Ravi and writer J. Rajagopalan also took part as special guests. Those who translated writer Soodamani’s books, those who gave them artistic forms such as paintings and films, and publishers were honored.
Retired Chennai High Court judge K. Chandru, R. Soodamani Memorial Trust administrator Bharathi, and others participated in the event.
Speaking at the event, ‘The Hindu’ N. Ram said: I have read some of Soodamani’s works in Tamil and most of them in English. They are running this trust excellently without wasting even a single rupee. Although this trust functions with the primary aim of providing assistance, they have also preserved Soodamani’s works and created the possibility for Soodamani to remain a living writer even today.
There are some similarities between writer R.K. Narayan and Sudamani. Both of their writings contain profound ideas. Due to her physical condition, Sudamani did not get to see much of the outside world. But it is surprising how she brought so many subtle, deep ideas into her writings.
As far as I am concerned, Sudamani is a courageous writer who does not aim to create a big impact, but carefully handles serious ideas and does not exaggerate anything. I have confidence that Sudamani's writings will endure for a long time. He spoke thus.
Speaking at the event, Kalki former editor Seetha Ravi said, “Although there are many women writers, Soodamani has her own distinct style. She brought the stories of many families into her writing in a way that is close to reality. The heroes of her stories are ordinary people.”
Continuing, writer Rajagopalan said, “He brought the ideas of modern literature into his works through the form of commercial literature. Sudhamani cannot be viewed from just one particular angle. His life was like that of an angel; he never married. But he has beautifully expressed the nuances of families in his writings. He wrote about all the oddities of human life,” he said.