Writer Kalki remembered on his death anniversary

 Marking the death anniversary of writer Kalki Krishnamurthy, a programme titled ‘Kalki Ninaivugal,’ (Kalki’s Memories) was organised here at Kalaignar Centenary library on Friday.  

Writer P. Thirumalai, addressing the audience, said, “The name Kalki immediately recalls Ponniyin Selvan.”  

“Because he authored the historical novel Ponniyin Selvan, he continues to be read even three generations later. However, Kalki is not known only for this reason. He was a pioneer journalist, fiction writer, art critic, essayist, lyricist, and one who had direct experience participating in the struggle for nation’s liberation. Kalki was a person of multiple dimensions,” he added.  

“He established that Tamil magazines could be sold in tens of thousands. He created respect for the serial story format in magazines. He delighted readers with his high-quality humour. One can go on and on about Kalki’s multifaceted nature, such as him building a memorial hall for Bharathi,” Mr. Thirumalai stated.  

Kalki laid down the guidelines on how novels, short stories, and essays should be written, and he was an icon for how a journalist should function. 

“The reason his writings are still read today with vitality and interest is that he wrote in a simple style. His writing was mixed with humour. In his stories, he emphasised women’s education, women’s rights, and women’s progress. He sowed the seeds for social change through his writings,” he noted.