T.N. govt. celebrates ‘Kaviko’ Abdul Rahman’s birth anniversary as State event in Madurai

The birth anniversary of the Tamil poet ‘Kaviko’ Abdul Rahman was celebrated as an official State event at Thiagarajar College of Arts and Science here on Wednesday. The ceremony, organised by the Department of Tamil Development, was inaugurated by the Minister for Tamil Development and Information, M.P. Saminathan.

Presided over by District Collector Thiru. K.J. Praveen Kumar, the event underscored the Tamil Nadu government’s commitment to honoring literary icons who shaped the State’s cultural and social landscape.

In his keynote address, Mr. Saminathan praised the late poet as a “Poet of Poets” who seamlessly bridged the gap between traditional verse and modern poetry.

“Following the guidance of the Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, our department is proud to celebrate Abdul Rahman’s legacy in Madurai—the educational capital of Tamil Nadu,” he said.

The State government has recently nationalised 45 of Abdul Rahman’s books, ensuring his intellectual contributions remain accessible to all. As a pioneer of the Vaanampadi movement, he revolutionised Tamil poetry, he highlighted.

“The poet’s Sahitya Akademi Award-winning work, Aalapanai, is a crown of modern Tamil literature,” he pointed out. Also, to honour his selfless service to Tamil, the Government of Tamil Nadu has previously conferred upon him the Bharathidasan Award, Kalaimamani Award, and Umaru Pulavar Award.

Quoting the poet’s famous lines—“Not everything sown sprouts, but everything that sprouts was once sown”—he urged the youth to fearlessly cultivate their own talents.

Mr. Praveen Kumar spoke on the enduring relevance of Abdul Rahman’s work, noting that the poet’s roots in Madurai make the celebration even more significant for the city.

“Poetry is the mirror of society. While not everyone can be a poet, we must all be protectors of our mother tongue,” he remarked.

A poetic symposium (Kaviyarangam) titled “Kavikko: A Great Poet!” was held under the leadership of Kavichudar Kavithaipithan, followed by a seminar led by Parveen Sultana.

Madurai North MLA G. Thalapathi and Madurai South MLA M. Boominathan were present.