Draft:Poet Mugavai Rajamanickam

Born: 15 July 1915 Birthplace: Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, India Died: 01 June 2001 Occupation: Poet, Writer, Freedom Fighter, Social Activist Language: Tamil Education: B.A. in Mathematics, Madurai American College

Mugavai Rajamanickam was a Tamil poet, writer, and freedom fighter who dedicated his life to literature, social activism, and the Indian independence movement. He was known for his profound contributions to Tamil literature and his unwavering commitment to social justice. His works encompass poetry, essays, translations, and folklore studies.

Early Life and Education

Rajamanickam was born on 15 July 1915 in Ramanathapuram to Lakshmanan Pillai and Velliammal. After completing his schooling at Swartz School in Ramanathapuram, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at Madurai American College, graduating in 1935.

During an era when higher education was rare, Rajamanickam chose not to pursue government employment, despite his qualifications. Instead, he was drawn to the Indian independence movement, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's call for freedom.

Freedom Struggle and Activism

In 1932, he participated in the independence movement by reading the Declaration of Independence in Chennai and celebrating it as Independence Day. For his involvement, he later received a martyr's pension until his final days.

Rajamanickam also worked for the Indian Congress in Sri Lanka and delivered speeches in Malaysia to promote India's freedom cause. Following India's independence, he joined the Communist movement and was arrested during the "fire bath" era of 1948–1951. He served a brief prison sentence in Salem and Trichy jails but was released within a month on appeal.

Despite his political involvement, Rajamanickam eventually distanced himself from party politics, preferring to remain an independent thinker.

Literary Contributions

Rajamanickam’s literary career was marked by his versatility as a poet, translator, and folklorist. His works included essays, translations of international literature, and collections of folk stories. Some of his notable publications are:

• Essays on Art and Literature (1955)
• Lenin on Religion (1955)
• Chinese Poems - Modern (1960)
• Bulgarian Poems - Vapsarao (1960)
• Four Mangaiyar - Soviet Short Story (1965)
• Ukrainian Stories (1966)
• Tamil Nadu Nomadic Stories (1983)
• Poems That Fell Into the Ear (1985)

He also organized folk art programs in colleges and public venues, showcasing his passion for traditional music and storytelling.

Personal Life

Mugavai Rajamanickam married Maragatham Nachiyar in 1942, with whom he had eight children. His eldest son, Mr. Mohan, retired from Agro Pet, while his daughters Chandra and Vasantha pursued careers in the medical and music fields, respectively.

Despite his many achievements, Rajamanickam lived humbly in Puripo. His wife passed away in August 2000.

Legacy and Tributes

When Rajamanickam passed away, numerous prominent figures paid tribute to his life and work, including Tamil leader K. Veeramani, Tamil Poet Association President Mullaicharam Editor Poet Ponnadiyan, and Professor Poet Dr. Minnor Srinivasan. Writers, poets, and political leaders from various parties also visited his residence to honor his memory.

Rajamanickam’s unique combination of literary prowess and activism made him a celebrated figure in Tamil Nadu. He remains an inspiration for writers, social reformers, and freedom fighters alike.

References

Thennakak Kudaivaraik Koilkal Internet Archive​

Tamil Movie Songs written by Mugavai Rajamanickam

Translation work by Poet Mugavai Rajamanickam: