Inkulab
Encyclopedia
Makkal Pavalar Inkulab is a rationalist Tamil
poet
/writer
, activist, and Communist with Marxist Leninist
inclination. He retired as a professor
of Tamil
at The New College, Chennai
, Tamil Nadu
. His birth name is Shahul Hameed and a known follower of Periyar.
His poems espousing rationality have been critically acclaimed,. Kanmani Rajam, his most famous poem criticizes the moral bankruptcy
of politician
s.
His song/poem "Naanga Manushangada" (We are human beings) is a famous dalit-freedom song that is still played in many dalit gatherings. Avvai, his drama
is considered to be the first modern Tamil drama, and a prescribed textbook for many colleges. In this revisionist account, the historical/mythic poet Avvai
, contrary to the prevalent image of her as an old, wise, celibate woman, is rendered as a young, sensuous, creative, 'free' person, a wandering bard. The play also challenges the patriarchal view which has marginalized the female voice.
His other famous literary works include modern versions of Manimekalai
and Kurinji Paatu.
He was also involved in vocal expression of discontent of removal of statue of a Tamil legendary icon Kannaki in 2002 by the then All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
(AIADMK) government of Tamil Nadu.
Tamil people
Tamil people , also called Tamils or Tamilians, are an ethnic group native to Tamil Nadu, India and the north-eastern region of Sri Lanka. Historic and post 15th century emigrant communities are also found across the world, notably Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, South Africa, Australia, Canada,...
poet
Poet
A poet is a person who writes poetry. A poet's work can be literal, meaning that his work is derived from a specific event, or metaphorical, meaning that his work can take on many meanings and forms. Poets have existed since antiquity, in nearly all languages, and have produced works that vary...
/writer
Writer
A writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images....
, activist, and Communist with Marxist Leninist
Marxism-Leninism
Marxism–Leninism is a communist ideology, officially based upon the theories of Marxism and Vladimir Lenin, that promotes the development and creation of a international communist society through the leadership of a vanguard party over a revolutionary socialist state that represents a dictatorship...
inclination. He retired as a professor
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
of Tamil
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
at The New College, Chennai
The New College, Chennai
The New College is an institution of higher education in Chennai, South India. Established in 1951, the institution is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Madras, with autonomous status...
, Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
. His birth name is Shahul Hameed and a known follower of Periyar.
His poems espousing rationality have been critically acclaimed,. Kanmani Rajam, his most famous poem criticizes the moral bankruptcy
Moral bankruptcy
Moral bankruptcy is a synonym for immorality that has gained popular usage in the fields of business and politics, in which it specifically implies some instance of political corruption or corporate crime...
of politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
s.
His song/poem "Naanga Manushangada" (We are human beings) is a famous dalit-freedom song that is still played in many dalit gatherings. Avvai, his drama
Drama
Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "action" , which is derived from "to do","to act" . The enactment of drama in theatre, performed by actors on a stage before an audience, presupposes collaborative modes of production and a...
is considered to be the first modern Tamil drama, and a prescribed textbook for many colleges. In this revisionist account, the historical/mythic poet Avvai
Avvaiyar
The Avvaiyars "respectable women" was the title of more than one poet who was active during different periods of Tamil literature. The Avvaiyar were some of the most famous and important female poets of the Tamil canon. Abithana Chintamani states that there were three female poets titled...
, contrary to the prevalent image of her as an old, wise, celibate woman, is rendered as a young, sensuous, creative, 'free' person, a wandering bard. The play also challenges the patriarchal view which has marginalized the female voice.
His other famous literary works include modern versions of Manimekalai
Manimekalai
Manimekalai or Maṇimekalai , written by the Tamil Buddhist poet Seethalai Saathanar is one of the masterpieces of Tamil literature. It is considered to be one of the five great epics of Tamil literature. Manimekalai is a poem in 30 cantos...
and Kurinji Paatu.
He was also involved in vocal expression of discontent of removal of statue of a Tamil legendary icon Kannaki in 2002 by the then All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is a state political party in the states of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, India. The party was founded by M. G. Ramachandran and is now headed by J. Jayalalithaa. The party headquarters is in Royapettah, Chennai, and was gifted to the party in 1986 by its...
(AIADMK) government of Tamil Nadu.