1

1

Queen of Poetry

An appreciation and analysis of Select Poems of Soundara Kailasam By Maraimalai Ilakkuvanar Published in the Net for Free Circulation Copyright:Maraimalai Ilakkuvanar

2

2

1.Life Sketch Soundara Kailasam was born in a family of nationalists. Her grandparents were very close friends of many National leaders. In all her poems national spirit will be in abundance with a capacity to motivate younger generation. How did a girl who had studied only up to ninth standard in High school gain fame and name as a prolific writer and a popular poet? How did an innocent girl from an agricultural family metamorphose into an eloquent orator who enthralled the audience by her literary discourses? The credit goes to her husband-Late Justice P.S.Kailasam and her father Sundara Gounder. Tmt.Soundara was born in a village by name Chettipalaiyam which is near Karur, in the banks of River Amaravathi.She was the eldest daughter of Thiru.C.S.Sundara Gounder and Tmt.Kaliammal.Her maternal grandfather Thiru.Rethnasabapathy gounder was a close associate of Rajaji.When Rajaji founded Gandhi Ashram in Pudhuppalaiyam near Thiruchengode it was Rethnasabapathy Gounder who gave the land for that ashram. PERIYAR E.V.R., who was the President of Tamilnadu Congress Committee at that time, opened the ashram. Mahatma Gandhi, Kasthurbai Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and other prominent leaders of Freedom Movement have visited the ashram. Soundara’s mother Tmt.Kaliyammal was a close friend of Rajaji’s daughter Tmt.Lakshmi Devadas Gandhi.They had woven a Khadhi Sari, which adored Tmt.Kaliyammal as her marriage dress. The affiliation to national movement and association with great leaders of the freedom movement of her grandparents built up a strong national outlook In the mind of Soundara.Her father Sundara Gounder taught her poems from Periyapuranam, Thevaram, Silappadhikaram and Manimekalai.This added a deep love of Tamil Language and literature. At her 14th year she got wedded to Thiru.P.S.Kailasam an advocate who practiced under the guidance of V.L.Ethiraj.Thiru Kailasam encouraged Soundara’s literary activities. She used to attend many literary meetings held in Pachaiyappa’s college. The students requested her to act as a Judge in an oratorical competetion. She was compelled to give a lecture on that occasion and her maiden speech enthralled the audience. By the encouragement given by her Husband Thiru.Kailasam and appreciation from Tamil scholars, she spoke in many functions and gained international acclaim as one of the best orators in Tamil.Her literary discourses throughout the world are a monumental evidence. Tamil Diaspora in U.S., U.K., Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore and Srilanka many times invited her to give lectures in Tamil literature. She deserves a special place among contemporary poets. Her deep involvement in devotion and strong love towards our motherland are well-expressed ion her poems. She is praised as a ‘Twentieth century Avvaiyaar.’ She had participated in thousands of poetic symposia. Her presentation will be unique with perfect pronunciation, clear accents and lively intonations with a fine sense of humor.

3

3

2. Justice P.S.Kailasam

At her 14th year,Soundara got wedded to Thiru.P.S.Kailasam an advocate who practiced under the guidance of V.L.Ethiraj.Thiru Kailasam encouraged Soundara’s literary activities. She used to attend many literary meetings held in Pachaiyappa’s college. The students requested her to act as a Judge in an oratorical competetion. She was compelled to give a lecture on that occasion and her maiden speech enthralled the audience. By the encouragement given by her Husband Thiru.Kailasam and appreciation from Tamil scholars, she spoke in many functions and gained international acclaim as one of the best orators in Tamil.Her literary discourses throughout the world are a monumental evidence. Tamil Diaspora in U.S., U.K., Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore and Srilanka many times invited her to give lectures in Tamil literature. She deserves a special place among contemporary poets. Her deep involvement in devotion and strong love towards our motherland are well-expressed in her poems. She is praised as a ‘Twentieth century Avvaiyaar.

4

4

She had participated in thousands of poetic symposia. Her presentation will be unique with perfect pronunciation, clear accents and lively intonations with a fine sense of humor.Her poems had been published in Eight volumes. The first volume titled ‘Poems of Soundara Kailasam’got published in 1987 after the demise of Justice P.S.Kailasam.The book was dedicated to him. The poem ‘Proudly dedicating it; please accept’ is the first among all other poems and it definitely illustrates the abundant love and sincere gratitude of Soundara towards her husband whom she considers as her mentor and leader. While I was just a child playing games You married and held me in your grip A queenly honor as the lady of your house Provided me with practical wisdom. Taught me the current affairs and views To enlighten and educate me. Hailing Gita and Ramakrishna’s teachings You always stood for justice. Divinity was your path and purview Maturity of mind was your asset. You lived your life unperturbed Always enchanting’Om Narayana” "Let the Whites tease us to any extent Let our stomachs go unfilled Let our legs loose their strength and Let my frail body fall down I will never swerve from Truth I am ready to die for our rights." Thus told Gandhi to motivate us He suffered a lot for us You made me know the grace of Our Father of Nation! ‘ In my heart you placed The light of Gandhian thought. While the aliens commit atrocities By evil designs and cruel laws Why should we bow down our heads? Let us stand erect to make our Motherland free and fair’ Patriotism filled up my heart By the logical arguments you taught. You brought and taught me as a Father Fondled and nourished me as a mother Added a lot of knowledge as a Teacher Each and every minute you Guarded me like a God and all the Care, affection and love you gave

5

5

Can never be put in a simple word’Husband.’ You are the perennial source of My thought, word and action My life, laugh and life of laugh Everything belongs to you and Everything begins with you. (Translated by Maraimalai Ilakkuvanar) The long poem is a fine expression of the high regards Soundara is having towards her husband Justice P.S.Kailasam and at the same time it is a fine piece of literature.

6

6

3.An admirable Philologist

This year (2008),the Government of Tamilnadu, announced Bharathiyar award for Kavikkuyil Soundara Kailasam. On that occasion she was interviewed by 'The Hindu' the leading English daily. Without any change,the interview is published below. .An admirable philologist By Suganthi Krishnamachari (Feb 01,2008) (Soundara Kailasam, this year’s Bharatiar Award recipient, talks about her sojourn on literary terrain) The stark simplicity of the living room is striking. It has a sofa, a couple of chairs and a shelf that holds family pictures. In tune with the room there stands on the mantelpiece a papier mache figure of Gandhi, lifelike in its features. "I am devoted to Gandhian principles," says Soundara Kailasam. "My grandfather, Ratnasabapathi Gounder, was a staunch Congressman. Rajaji was his legal advisor. It was my grandfather who donated land for the Tiruchengode Gandhi Ashram established by Rajaji." Soundara is this year’s recipient of the Bharatiar award, given by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Her interest in Tamil literature began with a wedding gift. When Soundara got married at the age of 15, Periasamy Thooran presented her with a collection of Bharatiar poems. She read the poems so many times that she soon had them by heart. She then took to reading other literary works such as ‘Kamba Ramayanam,’ ‘Tevaram’ and ‘Tiruvachagam.’ As a child she was moved to tears when her father recited ‘Tevaram’ verses. "The verses have a cadence, a musicality that makes them appealing even to a child," she observes. In later years, when Soundara had become an accomplished speaker and writer, letters from father to daughter were often about something interesting he had read. Judge at 17 When Soundara was 17 years old, she was asked to judge a poetry contest in Pachaiyappa’s college. The other two judges were Muktha and Dandapani Desigar. Over-awed by the standing of these established musicians Soundara refused the invitation. "But my husband coaxed me into accepting it. I consider my husband, my guru. He encouraged me to become a public speaker and writer. When I spoke at Pachaiyappa’s, the students applauded heartily."

7

7

Encouraged by the response, she began to accept invitations to speak at other colleges. "Kamaraj would tease me saying, ‘Students usually clap when they want a speaker to wind up his speech. But in your case, they clap at the end to indicate they want more.’" Her first short story was published in Dinamani. Her stories had a rural flavour. "I grew up in Chettipalayam, a village near Karur, and I was familiar with village life." Experiences with AIR In 1947, All India Radio asked her to speak on ‘Sollin Vanmai’ (‘The power of words’). "Later on I became a regular speaker on their morning programme - ‘Arulvaakku.’ Although it was a religious programme, I always ended with ‘Vaazhiya Sentamizh.’" She recalls the popularity of the programme. She had gone to Kumbakonam on a pilgrimage, with her husband Justice Kailasam. As they came out of the hotel, where they’d had breakfast, they saw a temple priest, and Soundara asked him if the temples had opened for worship. The priest said, "You are Soundara Kailasam, aren’t you? I know that voice. I begin the day by listening to your programme!" She has also given lectures on the ‘Tiruppavai’ over the radio. Despite the TV having displaced the radio in most homes, it has the pride of place in Soundara’s house. Rather than watch television news, she prefers to listen to news on the radio. She used to lecture at the Kovai Nanneri Kazhagam, where Justice Sengottuvelan and D.Ramawamy Iyengar were regulars. Soundara is not just a scholar or one given only to philosophical speculation. Cinema, music, dance and theatre interest her. I was president of the Film Fans’ Association and I was on the Board of Film Censors for 12 years. A recent film she liked? I loved ‘Periyar.’ Periyar was a family friend, and when I saw Satyaraj in the film, it was as though Periyar had come back to life! So good was Satyaraj’s acting. She is a great admirer of lyricist and poet Kannadasan. Kannadasan said he would never sing in praise of a human being. I felt there were many who deserved to be praised. So I wrote a rejoinder in Kumudam, in which I praised Kannadasan himself - ‘Thadumaarum bodaiyilum kavi paadum medhai avan’ - ‘One who writes excellent poetry even when he is intoxicated.’ Ten books of her poems have been published. Do any of her children write? "Nalini recently tried her hand at ‘Pudhu Kavidhai.’ None of the others has written anything." When the Congress party asked her to contest elections, she refused. "Annadurai even offered not to field a candidate opposite me. But I was afraid that in the long run, participation in politics would alienate my friends in other political parties. Tamil brought us all together. I didn’t want politics to come between us." Daughters Vimala Ramalingam is a well known doctor, Nalini Chidambaram is a lawyer and Padmini Sivasubramanian is a businesswoman, and Sadaiyavel, her only son, is an orthopaedic surgeon. But Soundara doesn’t live with any of her children. She likes being independent, and spends most of the day in contemplation and meditation. "There is pleasure in solitude too," says the worldly-wise orator and writer.

8

8

4. In Praise of Allah

Radiance Views weekly FT Releases Soundara Kailasam's Poems in Praise of Allah The Tamil book Ellia Illa Arulalaa by Mrs. Soundara Kailasam was released at a programme organised recently by the publisher, Islamic Foundation Trust at Chennai. Justice Chokkalingam of Madras High Court released the first copy, which was received by Mr. Meeran of Professional couriers. He reviewed the book and wondered while he was reading the book whether the author is a Hindu or a Muslim. The book is characterised by lucidity of thought and felicity of expression. It has poems about Allah, Prophet Muhammad (peace be to him), his holy wives Khadeeja and Ayisha, his daughter Fatima, Surah Yaseen, etc. The IFT has so far published 185 books. Ellia Illa Arulalaa, on the teachings of Allah, is the first book written by a non-Muslim that the Trust has brought out. Mrs. Nalini Chidambaram, senior advocate, Supreme Court and daughter of the author, addressed the function, which was presided over by Mr. H.Abdur Raqeeb, Chairman, IFT. Former Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Sadiq, Nalli Kuppusamy Chetty, Moulavi Niyaz, S.N. Sikkandar, K. Jalaludeen, Joint Sec. IFT, Imran Lateef Sait, Treasurer, IFT also participated in the function. A large gathering including women attended the meeting. During the function two other Tamil books published by IFT, Ulagamayamaakkalum Muslim Ilaignarkalum (Globalisation and Muslim Youth by Saadathullah Hussainy), Shyeik Shah Waliyullah Dehlavi's book Nabi Mozhi Naarpathu (Chehal Hadeeth) were also released. Mrs. Soundara Kailasam, 80, comes from a family of socially conscious people. She is the granddaughter of Rathnasabapathi Gounder, the main person behind the Thiruchengode Gandhi Ashram, founded by Rajagopalacharya and formally opened by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy Naicker. She is wife of former Supreme Court Judge Late Mr. Kailasam and mother-in-law of Union Finance Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram. Mrs. Kailasam has held various positions in several government as well as non-governmental organisations. She held the post of senatorship of the Madras, Annamalai and Tanjore Tamil Universities. She was awarded the Asan Smaraka Kavitha Puraskaram in 1989. She was also awarded Rs.10,000 by the Islamic literary conference at Kilakkarai, Tamil Nadu in 1990.

9

9

5.Soundara for religious Harmony

Indian Muslims Indian Muslim News and Information Tamil scholar Soundara Kailasam pens poems in praise of Allah Submitted by kashif on Mon, 04/09/2007 - 15:07. Art/Culture By Syed Ali Mujtaba Chennai: Those who are lowering the coffins of the composite culture in India and writing obituaries about it, please wait, Tamil scholar Soundara Kailasam has proved all such pundits wrong, publishing her latest book `Yellai Illa Arulalaa,' on the teachings of Allah. "It all started with my contributions to the `Samarasam' a Tamil magazine. I wrote poems on Allah and his teachings. Friends appreciated my poems and publishers wanted to bring out a book of my poems, Soundara Kailasam a popular Tamil poet told IndianMuslims.info I was reluctant to give it to a non-Muslim publisher. When the Islamic foundation Trust, Chennai, came forward to publish the book, I was happy,� the eighty year old poetess said with a spark in her eyes becoming the first non-Muslim woman poet to have her work published by the Foundation. The Islamic Foundation Trust so far has published 185 books. `Yellai Illa Arulalaa,' on the teachings of Allah, is the first book on poetry written by a non-Muslim woman that the Trust has brought out. "I also wanted a Muslim poet to write the foreword and I am glad that poet Mu. Metha wrote the foreword,she added. Soundara Kailasam is a popular poet in Tamil language and her literary works include essays and short stories. Till date, she has brought out 13 poetry collections and three books. For the past few years, she has confined herself to attending literary meetings. "I am eighty years old but I still feel the urge to write, for me, poems are a way of expressing myself," the poetess said. Soundara Kailasam comes from a family of socially conscious people. She is the

10

10

granddaughter of Rathnasabapathi Gounder, the main person behind the Thiruchengode Gandhi Ashram, founded by Rajagopalacharya and formally opened by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy Naicker. She is the wife of former Supreme Court judge P.S. Kailasam and has three daughters and a son. Ms. Kailasam has held various positions in several government as well as non-governmental organizations. She held the post of senatorship of the Madras, Annamalai and Tanjore Tamil Universities. She was awarded the Asan Prize for poetry in 1989. She was also awarded Rs.10,000 by the Islamic literary conference at Kilakkarai, Tamil Nadu in 1990. By writing poetry on the teachings of Allah, Soundara Kailasam had proved that there is no dearth of practitioners of religious and cultural harmony in India.

11

11

6.Voice of Patriotism Soundara Kailasam was born in a family of nationalists. Her grandparents were very close friends of many National leaders. In all her poems national spirit will be in abundance with a capacity to motivate younger generation. During the Chinese aggression she composed many poems to motivate our fellow-citizens. Her poem given below is a befitting example for her patriotism. This poem has all the intellectual and emotional elements to motivate the citizens.

Let us make our country rise high Our country welcomes every one We love every one who visits here But with an evil motive The aggressors intrude our land Without minding their precious lives Our soldiers fight in the border They never hesitated to sacrifice For the cause of our safety Let us salute our soldiers Let us render our help to them We never intended to create disasters We never wanted to wage wars We never moved in the direction of Wiping out human lives With an ambition to loot our land Our enemy wants to stab in our back Teach a lesson to the dishonest neighbor Destroy them without any delay. They befriended like beloved brothers Cheated us like a cunning fox We have now understood their true colors No need of any hesitation It is high time to defend our nation With the grace of Goddess Kali We will drive away our enemies Let our country shine with pride

12

12

(Translated by Maraimalai Ilakkuvanar)

7.Homage to martyrs in Army

The poem mentioned below is a befitting homage to the martyrs in the Indian army. The fine sentiments with a devoted sense of gratitude are well portrayed in the poem.

We bow down with all reverence Oh! Beloved sons ofOur mother Bharat! Noble men who added Glory to our land With wide open eyes You were defending our border! In the melting snow chilling the bones You were alert and vigilant Attending duty without any rest. Ignoring your health Unmindful of your precious lives You rendered your service. With abundant dedication You assailed and assaulted The deceitful enemywith full determination. Without thinking of

13

13

The loving wife And dearest children You intensified the war; Trouble never troubled you You neither wavered Nor quivered in the Combat to drive away The treacherous enemy From our border You hit them a deadly blow Made them tremble with fear. You were as dreadful As the fire itself. Alas! The foolish Yama grabbed your lives. You lost your lives to defend our land You are the celebrities of this noble land You are not alive today But you will be ever living in our hearts. Let us shower flowers at your feet We bow down our heads with all reverence. (Translated by Maraimalai Ilakkuvanar)

14

14

8.Tribute to Indira Gandhi

Soundara Kailasam was an admirer of Nehru and his family. She had a close friendship with Indira Gandhi for a very long time. The dedication to the country’s welfare and the determination in carrying out welfare policies are the remarkable qualities of Smt.Indira Gandhi, which are always admired by Soundara Kailasam. The poem given below was composed and presented to Indira Gandhi, during one of her birthdays.

On Indira Gandhi Even if the whole world Gets united to oppose you You will never worry. With a full confidence That success is yours You will achieve Whatever you desire Oh! Leader of the masses! Many happy returns of the day. Prattlers may blabber You will never bother Ugly peoples’ slander Never make you stranded

15

15

Hungry peoples’ welfare Is your prime concern. Helping the helpless You always remain selfless. A worshipful image passes In the minds of masses. Enmity never makes you stumble You will laugh away the trouble. Conspiracies and disturbances Will be crushed by your strategies. The love and admiration for you Will make you leap forward. Active and alert you march ahead Arousing a big astonishment Some foolishly think With frowning and blink That rising sun will Bring darkness. Such a meaningless crowd You evade and march To give them a Suitable lesson You strain your Every nerve Attack and betrayal Never stops your Lofty march Whenever troubles come Victory in your Noble tasks get multiplied. Oh! Lord Muruga! I pray for the well being Of this unique leader! Bless her with every success! (Translated by Maraimalai Ilakkuvanar)

16

16

9.National Leaders on Soundara's Poems

The first volume of Soundara Kailasam published under the title” The Poems of Soundara Kailasam” had special messages of greetings from many dignitaries and national leaders. Neelam SanjeevaReddy, Morarji Desai, Indira Gandhi, R.Venkataraman and C.Subramaniam had given their best wishes and their regards for the poetic talents of Soundara Kailasam. The poems in this volume are classified in five divisions viz. Divinity, Nation, Society, Great Personalities and Variety. The first division i.e. Divinity is a larger one consisting of a major portion of this volume thereby showing the deep involvement of Soundara Kailasam in Religion and worship. SanjivaReddy Neelam Sanjiva Reddy in his message points out that Bhakti is a special and salient feature in her poems. “I know Mrs.Soundara Kailasam for the past 25 years. She is a devout lady deeply interested in religion and spirituality. The fundamental truths of all religions are one and the same and they have been revealed by different pious persons in various climes and countries in different languages. I am happy to know that Smt.Kailasam is publishing her prayerful Compositions in Tamil.I hope the book will not only inspire the younger generation but will also serve as a common bond to promote righteous living.” Morarji Desai Morarji Desai, in his message, stresses the fact that her devotional poems have a special place in Indian literature. “I am happy to know that Smt.Soundara Kailasam has composed Bhajans in Tamil in a prayerful mood. I trust these Bhajans will be a good addition to those, which have come down to us and offer us the necessary incentive to lead our lives without attachment to needless worldly desires in complete surrender to God.” Her passionate appeal to God in her poems attracts the readers. Her sincere faith and strong belief in God add a soul-stirring sentiment to her devotional poems.

17

17

When she praises Narayana she reminds us of Andal and when she dedicates her poems in the praise of Siva she reminds us of Karaikal ammai.

10.Ode to Martin Luther King Jr., (Original in Tamil by Soundara Kailasam Translated by Maraimalai Ilakkuvanar) The wonderful country America, The most powerful democracy Witnessed a historical change; Barriers in the name of race Blockades in the name of color Were shattered by the voters; When I heard the news that Barrack Obama is elected to power Tremendous joy filled my eyes with tears; I wish to narrate the sudden thought That flashed in my memory instantly; The great soul, Martin Luther King, Jr., Who had wishful dreams of the Black power Dedicating himself to Gandhi an way Willfully underwent trials and tribulations To achieve his target in a peaceful manner Bank of Justice is never bankrupt; Honorable voters of United States Whom I admire with great respect Proved today the democracy's might; T hey never cared for color of the skin; Content of the character they always prefer ; The dream of Martin Luther King,Jr. The disciple of Mahatma Gandhi, Have come true in the sweet land of liberty! His soul will rest in peace!

18

18

Thank God almighty! His soul will rest in peace!