Chennai: As showers brought a welcome relief to the city, a group of Tamil writers from Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka got together on Wednesday evening here and discussed how Tamil language knit the diaspora and how effectively the language was used to portray the poignant tales of suffering of the Tamils in the island nation.
It culminated in the presentation of Poovarasi life time achievement awards instituted by Poovarasi Trust here. “Despite being so close, I could never visit Sri Lanka,” said actor screenwriter Charuhasan who was born in Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district in the state. Writer and Sahitya Akademi awardee Prapanchan who spoke on the occasion said honouring writers and recognising their talents shows the respect society has on such personalities.
He lauded the efforts of Ilavaani of Poovarasi Trust for the gesture in honouring the writers and personalities from various fields. Film directors Meera Khadiravan and Jagannathan and Kalki editor R. Venkatesh were also among those who spoke.
Kalaimamani V. Muthu, president of Puduvai Tamil Sangam, Bhagirathi Ganesha Durai, Sri Lankan writer Mu Ponnambalam, writer Krishnapriya, Kalki assistant editor Amritham Surya, Sri Lankan writer Desa Ilangai Mannan, A. T. Mathan, editor of Colombo-based Tamil Mirror. and director Sherine Xavier were among those who received the Poovarasi lifetime awards.
