VMPL
New Delhi [India], February 13: The book release function of "Ippadikku Thilagabama", authored by PMK Treasurer and Poet M. Thilagabama, was held at a private hotel in Egmore, Chennai. The book, published by Seithi Alai Publications, was released by Senior Journalist Maalan and received by Rangaraj Pandey, Founder and CEO of the Chanakyaa YouTube Channel.
Delivering a nice review of the book, senior journalist Maalan stated that Thilagabama has always surprised him in many ways. He mentioned that he was particularly startled upon seeing the book's cover, as he had never seen Thilagabama appear so intense or angry. According to him; she is someone who usually expresses even her differing opinions with a smiling face. He recalled an incident at Fathima College, where he was invited to inaugurate the library and address the faculty. During his speech, he mentioned that a student of the college was writing impressive poetry and assumed that she belonged to the Tamil department. He thanked the Tamil faculty, but another professor clarified that Thilagabama was actually a student of the Commerce department. He noted that her poetry collections have always stood out uniquely from other poets.
Maalan also highlighted that despite belonging to a wealthy family, Thilagabama actively participated in protests demanding the removal of liquor shops and prison despite. He remarked that she could have easily lived a comfortable life, like many who simply discuss politics privately after reading newspapers, but she choose a path of active public engagement. He challenged the notion that litterateurs avoid politics, citing Bharathiyar and all subsequent poets who engaged in it .He also stated that Thilakapama, carrying that tradition, entered the field directly, filling him with joy and pride.
Maalan viewed the book not as a mere collection of political articles but as "a document of a woman engaged in politics."He emphasized that the book contains statements and articles written even before she formally joined her political party.
He expressed disagreement with one of her articles concerning the claim that the Union Government withheld funds from Tamil Nadu due to its refusal to accept the three-language policy. He clarified that funds are generally provided only to those who adopt specific schemes of the Union Government. He cited the example of financial assistance given to inter-caste marriages, which is only available to those who meet the scheme's criteria. He acknowledged that the three-language policy is part of the New Education Policy but stated that it does not necessarily imply the imposition of Hindi. He praised her greatest strength as honesty, which earned her the party's treasury role. "She cannot hold back her views in literature or politics if they differ from others."
Senior journalist Rangaraj Pandey remarked that while Maalan viewed Thilagabama primarily as a literary figure, he had always seen her as a politician. He expressed surprise at discovering the depth of her literary contributions.He described her as someone who can humorously question others but remains firm and assertive in political debates. Pandey noted that Thilagabama has supported the important decisions taken by the PMK in the current political situation and dedicated the book to PMK Founder Dr.Ramadass and PMK President Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss.
He described the book as a compilation of diary entries, Facebook posts, and essays. He compared it to Kalaignar Karunanidhi's "Nenjukku Neethi" and also to the newspaper "Daily Thanthi," as the book records not only her opinions but also detailed accounts of daily events and perspectives on major incidents. He expressed admiration that she is a politician capable of referencing literary figures such as Pudhumaipithan.
He noted that over the past twenty years, she has written 222 articles documenting political and social developments. He highlighted her courage in opposing welfare freebies, advocating prohibition, and emphasizing the need to build a strong India.
Pandey also observed that politics remains a male-dominated field and that Thilagabama's rise to a significant leadership position is a notable achievement. He stated that only trustworthy individuals can hold the position of party treasurer, emphasizing the trust she has earned within the PMK.
Speaking at the event, Thilagabama stated that she embodies both politics and literature and does not view them as separate. She addressed questions about dedicating the book to both leaders of her party, explaining that although ideological differences may arise, she can never forget that she was recognized and brought into public life by Doctor Ramadoss. She emphasized that differences in opinion should never lead to personal hatred, a value she attributes to literature.She explained that the book contains public welfare statements and writings spanning from 2006 to the present. She stated that when organizations cease to serve people's welfare, they must be reformed or replaced, and such transformations are often led by socially conscious individuals. She described her writings as reflections of this social responsibility.
Recalling her upbringing, she said she was not taught caste identity while growing up in Pattiveeranpatti. However, during her travels across villages, she realized the existence of caste divisions and learned how society must move beyond them.
She raised concerns about social structures and associations, questioning their effectiveness in addressing social inequalities. She clarified that her literature has never taught her that politics is inherently wrong. Instead, she has written her political perspectives based on real incidents and experiences.She mentioned that when the DMK returned to power in 2021 after a decade, she hoped the government would bring positive changes for the public. However, she expressed disappointment, stating that she did not observe significant improvements over the five-year period.
She noted that after writing an article titled "Freebies are a Deceptive Practice," the government began replacing the term "free" with "cost-free," suggesting that her words had created an impact. She expressed her continued hope that her writings would inspire meaningful change.She also revealed that major publishing houses had once declined to publish her books, stating that publishing her work might discourage other authors from associating with them. She remarked that it would have been acceptable if they had simply disagreed with her ideas, but refusing publication out of fear of commercial loss reflected poorly on the literary field.
She emphasized that while humans may make mistakes, they must strive to move beyond them through writing, reading, and intellectual growth. She criticized the growing presence of dishonesty and pretence even in intellectual spaces. She expressed concern over reports of teachers allegedly paying large sums of money to secure jobs, questioning how such individuals could impart truth and values to students.She admitted that she often feels isolated and continues to write in search of individuals who resonate with her convictions. She stated that participating in television debates or protests alone does not satisfy her; she wants her words to take root in society and produce real change.
She recounted an incident where, despite official orders to close liquor shops, they were reopened. When she protested, she was told that women would flee if verbally abused. Angered by this, she threw stones and participated in setting fire to liquor bottles inside the shop. She noted that many women arrested alongside her were ordinary women unfamiliar with politics, some carrying infants. She claimed that they were arrested to deter women from entering political activism.
Thilagabama concluded by stating that she continuously seeks moments where words transform into action. She expressed her desire to become a catalyst for social change and emphasized her effort to sow her ideas in every platform she encounters.
She also recalled the story of Ponnammal, a woman who sacrificed her marital life for political activism but was later forgotten by both politics and society. Observing such instances, she said, motivates her to document events and experiences not to glorify, but to ensure that history is corrected and remembered through collective recording of voices. https://www.facebook.com/share/181LP8Jnxx/
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