1930 - 1959

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Who was Kalyanasundaram?

Kalyanasundaram was born to Arunachalanaar and Visalatchi Ammaiyaar in a humble farming family on April 13, 1930. Nobody witnessed any sign of a poet-in-the-making in young Kalyanasundaram. Neither did he have a formal education, nor did he complete his schooling. However, as it may be unfair not to expect a poet from a family that had a tradition of poets, Kalyanasundaram will transform to be a poet and will come to be known as 'Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram'. Kalyanasundaram's father is known to have written a treatise called Musukundanaattu Vazhinadaik Kummi. This book was written in traditional Kummi, a distinct Tamil poetical style. His surviving brother Mr. Ganapathisundaram, a poet and a playwright, played the role of a constructive critic and helped Kalyanasundaram grow into what we know him as today. Therefore, it may not be inappropriate to say that young Kalyanasundaram was basically 'equipped' with talents and expressed them at his earliest opportunity. 

In his mid-teens, perhaps around fifteen, his first song, based on a real event, was composed. One fine evening, Kalyanasundaram was returning from the paddy field and was walking along the bank of Thuraiyankulam, a pond in his village. Something beneath the ripples caught his attention. The observation transformed into words, 

It was not just the moment of birth of a song, but of a poet. He would soon embark upon building a bridge between common people and literature. His first song was not written down then, but was simply orally recited and became familiar among his friends. The song does have Monai in it, which gives it rhythm, even though it does not have complex grammar! 

Kalyanasundaram soon grew into a tall handsome young man. His family was not an influential one and he had only limited alternatives to contemplate. He himself did not seriously consider poetry for his career. His attention turned towards acting. Yes, acting, indeed! In the mean time he had many opportunities to learn first-hand, the sufferings of common folk, who toiled dawn to dusk tilling their tiny pieces of lands. He himself worked alongside them. His labors and struggles were not just physical, but a kind of resource that enriched his thoughts, which will later transform into immortal lyrics. It may be a wild guess, but what if Kalyanasundaram had been born in a wealthy family in the same village and educated in formal Tamil literature? Perhaps, a typical feudal lord, or a poet of higher order who never cared for common folks' miseries! 

He had an inclination for the 'Self-respect Movement', which was storming across the length and breadth of the extreme south of the erstwhile Madras Presidency and was spearheaded by the legendary EVR Periyar. Young men were gravitated towards Periyar's thought provoking speeches, which did make sense to those who had been let down for too long in the name of destiny. No wonder then that Kalyanasundaram too was attracted by it. During this time he also had opportunities to listen to the fiery speeches of Self-respect Movement's indisputable pillar, Pattukkottai Azhagiri. 

Also, miseries of his childhood made him pay special attention to Communism.  Local Communist revolutionaries like Iraniyan, Sivaraman, Kalappal Kuppu and Ambalapattu Arumugam were almost a mythical inspiration for the younger generation in Pattukkottai area in 1940s. This was the time the British were savagely hunting down Communists. The trend continued even into post-independence India as socialists were taking control of the administrative and political machineries at the higher echelons. The revolutionaries were shot down successively in villages surrounding Pattukkottai in 1951. This had an impact on Kalyanasundaram and pushed him towards Communism. He was, in fact, an emerging politician! 

It appears that Kalyanasundaram had sung several stimulating songs in the public propaganda meetings of both Self-respect Movement and Communist organizations. As the Indian government was tightening its noose on Communists, several of them went underground. Perhaps, this might have been one of the reasons why Kalyanasundaram opted for an alternative career. 

An actor from Pattukkottai named T. S. Durairaj was then with Modern Theaters, a movie making company in Salem (This company used to make cowboy-style movies as late as 1970s. The Eastern Ghats around Salem was well suited for this kind of movies). Upon approach, Mr. Durairaj suggested Kalyanasundaram to join drama before attempting for movies and sent him to 'Sakthi Naataka Sabha' in Madurai. He started out not as an actor, but as a crew member. One of his earliest dramas was 'Kaviyin Kanavu'. He played the role of Rajaguru in Kaviyin Kanavu. This was in October 1951. It is not clear what his first drama was, as this company was managing quite a few dramas around that time, such as, 'D.S.P.', 'En Thankai', 'Muthal Rowdy'. During this period he was known as A.K. Sundaram, a shortened form of his lengthy name - Arunachalam Kalyanasundaram! He also pplayed comedy roles. The drama troupe moved from place to place. Thus Kalyanasundaram came to Pondicherry along with the troupe. His moving to Pondicherry would have bearings in his future endeavors. 

He had a chance to meet 'Paavendhar' Bharathidasan in Pondicherry, during the first half of 1952 and became well acquainted with him. During his association with Bharathidasan, copying his poems and documenting them properly were his chores. In other words, he was a student of Bharathidasan. Kalyanasundaram even wrote poems with the pseudonym 'Akalya', an acronym coined from his lengthy name! Bharathidasan was then writing dialogues and lyrics for Modern Theaters. This enabled Kalyanasundaram to visit movie production companies along with his mentor. Later Bharathidasan quit writing for Modern Theaters, but Kalyanasundaram stayed on for a while. However, the latter himself does not appear to have written songs for movies at this juncture. For a while, he also worked for Bharathidasan's magazine 'Kuyil'. 

His sojourn with Bharathidasan sharpened his poetry skills. Though both were poets, technically Paavendhar and Kalyanasundaram were poles apart. Bharathidasan was known for handling sophistication, in the modern tradition of Bharathiyar, while Kalyanasundaram was interested in simplicity and incorporated plenty of dialectical Tamil words. Though their styles differed, their works catered to the demands of both common folk as well as literate Tamils. 

Soon 'Sakthi Naataka Sabha' was dissolved. Kalyanasundaram moved to Madras and joined 'Sivaji Naataka Mantram' and continued acting. This was probably in 1953 (exact time is not traceable). After an initial phase of financial hardship, writing songs to this and other drama companies and acting, eased his monetary constraints. 

Kalyanasundaram's stay in Madras brought him several new contacts. One of them was 'comrade' Jeeva, who was then the editor of the communist mouth-piece 'Janasakthi'. Kalyanasundaram's first published poem appeared in 'Janasakthi' in 1954 under the name 'Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram'. 

His first songs were written for a drama, 'Kannin Manikal'. The story of this drama revolved around labor issues and voiced communist principles. Jeeva recommended Kalyanasundaram to write songs for 'Kannin Manikal'. 

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Career had been chosen and no turning back

His second movie was 'Maheswari' in 1955. He wrote five songs for this movie and it was released prior to 'Paditha Pen'! Hence 'Maheswari' was the first movie that carried Kalyanasundaram's songs. This was a windfall for Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram. From here, he never looked back, both professionally and financially. He quit acting and devoted all his time to composing lyrics. 

 

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The 'promotions' in Kalyanasundaram's personal life

In 1958 Tamil cinema magazine, 'Pesum Padam', chose Kalyanasundaram as the best lyricist of the year. The title 'Makkal Kavignar' was conferred on him by Coimbatore Labor Union (?) sometime in 1959. Poems reflect the principles held by poets. With Kalyanasundaram, sympathizing with the poor and the under privileged, and exposing those who predate on them, were the governing principles. There is a high frequency of such ideas, in the form of giving advice to the common man, in his lyrics. Thus he wrote and lived for common folk. He indeed deserves to be called 'Makkal Kavignar'. 

Within five years (1954 - 1959) he made remarkable ascent in the filmdom of southern India. This may be termed as an accomplishment. His meteoric rise was not any chance, but his preparedness to make use of opportunities well. The candle was burning brighter as days passed by. However, nature had for him and the Tamil country an altogether different agenda. Yes, it all started with a minor headache that progressed into severe migraine. It was sometime around late September 1959. Pattukkottaiyaar underwent a surgery on his nose. It was supposed to have been a minor surgical operation. But the wind was determined to show its strength. Pattukkottaiyaar got into post-operative complications. Bleeding due to the surgery became more severe. It appeared he did indeed recover from bleeding shortly after, but a sudden massive bleeding took its toll on October 8, 1959.  The bright roaring meteor went into tranquillity at the same velocity that it came. The man who was made to leave marks in history, did so within a short period of three decades and became immortal by his lyrics. 

After the untimely demise of Pattukkottaiyaar, there were several movies released that had his lyrics, thus stretching his legacy for another half-a-decade. The last movie was 'Mahane Kel', released in 1965. In total he had written lyrics for 58 movies. 

First compilation of Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram's songs appeared in 1965 in print form. This was possible by the tireless work of P.E. Balakrishnan and his publisher 'NCBH'. Later various authors took up the cause and worked on it. Some of them were dedicated to bring out complete or near complete versions of Pattukkottaiyaar's works. P.E.B. and K. Jeevabharathi have done their best. Comparative studies and criticism have also been published in the form of books by several authors, like Irakuladasan, M.P. Manivel, Tha. Pandian, Su. Solamon Pappaiah, Ki. Sembiyan, Paa. Veeramoni,  Paa. Udayakumar and others. Such books by experts are much needed. In such books, researchers weigh poets against other comparable poets and criticize their poems and bring forth justifications for it, which reveal hidden meanings of the poets' verses. In other words, poets and their poems are 'exposed'! A personal documentary with special reference to Pattukkottaiyaar has been published by 'Dilrooba' Shanmugam. This book provides insight into Pattukkottaiyaar's personal dimensions. Also, innumerable articles on Pattukkottaiyaar have been published, since his death, in various Tamil magazines. University of Madras has an endowment that funds research projects on Pattukkottaiyaar's works. 

Tamilnadu Murpokku Ezhuthalar Sangam, Pattukkottai, brought out souvenirs on 50th, 56th and 60th birth anniversaries of Pattukkottaiyaar. A bronze statue was unveiled at a busy junction in Pattukkottai town and a special souvenir was released on the statue unveiling ceremony in 1995. (See 'References' for complete information).

The Government of Tamil Nadu has fittingly done its part by recognizing Pattukkottaiyaar. In 1981, then Chief Minister of the state, Mr.M.G. Ramachandran conferred posthumously the prestigious Bharathidasan Award to Pattukkottaiyaar. Later in 1993, then Chief Minister Ms. Jayalalitha Jayaram declared nationalization of Pattukkottaiyaar's literary works. A memorial structure, Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram Manimandapam, has been erected in Pattukkottai and was inaugurated by then Chief Minister Mr. Muthuvel Karunanidhi in 2000.

Kalyanasundaram was a simple rustic lad from an obscure hamlet, who launched himself into the spotlight of literary circles and became one of the very few luminaries who cared for the illiterate and the oppressed. He was compassionate to the downtrodden and despised the unfaithful. He treated friends with extreme respect and maintained lasting friendship with several of them. He was a progressive thinker and expected the society to be so. He criticized the shackles of rigid caste practices. He sarcastically questions God, 

In yet another song, he lambastes the 'creators' of the caste barriers and wonders about the consequences of these (in)visible barriers. 

When it comes to marriage, for the Tamil society, blind faith in traditions overwhelm rationality. As time cascades and society evolves, there are certain rituals and formalities which need to be jettisoned, as they become obsolete, in order to strengthen the foundation for the future generations. As 'Mahakavi' Bharathi said 'Ini Oru Vithi Seivom', Pattukkottaiyaar too chalks out his plan to meet the time-demanded changes. Here it goes, 

Raja Ram Mohan Rai brought about the liberation of widows by legally putting an end to the infamous 'Sati'. But this did not protect widows from fire, the social fire. Widows are considered a social burden, even today. Bharathidasan lashed out at this in several of his poems.  Pattukkottaiyaar too contributes his share, 

His ideas were revolutionary. But revolutionaries alone cannot make big changes to the society. It is the followers, who have the responsibility to bring about the development. But this part  largely remains undone. 

• Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram. Aranthai Narayanan, 1998. Sahitya Academy, New Delhi, pp. 86.
• Malarum Ninaivukalil Makkal Kavignar. Edited by K. Jeeva Bharathy, First Edition, 1998. Karpakam Puttakalayam, Chennai, pp. 206. 
• Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram, Oru Paarvai. Pattukkottaiyarai Patri Velivanta Mutal Aayvu Nool, Su. Solamon Pappaiya, First Edition, 1997. Kannapiran Noolakam, Chennai, pp.176. 
• Pattukkottaiyar Paadalgal.  Compiled by K. Jeeva Bharathy, First Edition, 1997. Vairam Pages, Chennai. pp. 256.
• Pazhaya Paadalum Pudiya Paarvaiyum. M.P. Manivel, Fourth Edition, 1997. New Century Book House Private Ltd. Madras. pp. 83, (ISBN: 81-234-0293-7).
• Pattukkottaiyaarin Paattuthiram - Oru Samooka Paarvai. Paa. Veeramoni, First Edition,  1997.  New Century Book House Private Ltd. Madras. pp. 297, (ISBN: 81-234-0550-2).
• Makkal Kavignar Pattukkottai Kalyana Sundaram Paadalkal. Compiled by P.E. Balakrishnan, (Compact edition) 1996.  New Century Book House Private Ltd. Madras. pp. 355, (ISBN: 81-234-0431-X).
• Paattukkottai. K. Jeeva Bharathy, 1995. New Century Book House Private Ltd. Madras. pp. 188, (ISBN: 81-234-0430-1).
• Makkal Kavignar Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram Silai Thirappuvizha Sirappu Malar. 1995. Tamilnadu Murpokku Ezhuthalar Sangam, Pattukkottai.
• Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram Paatalkalil Marxiya Thaakkam (influence of Marxism), Na. Kiruttinamurthi. First Edition, 1993. Vizhichudar Pathippakam, Chennai, pp. 104.
• Panbaalar Pattukkottaiyaar. Isaikkavignar Kalaimaamani Dilrooba Shanmugam, 1993. Dilrooba Pathippagam, Madras. pp. 188.
• Makkal Kavignarin Manivizha Malar. 1990. Tamilnadu Murpokku Ezhuthalar Sangam, Pattukkottai.
• Jeevavin Thamilppanikal:  Makkal Kavignar Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram Arakkattalai Sorpozhivukal. A. Srinivasan, First Edition, 1988, New Century Book House, Chennai, pp. 135.
• Kaalamarindu Koovia Seval. K. Jeeva Bharathy, 1988.  Sneha Publications, Thanjavur. pp. 131.
• Iyakkathai Isaitha Pulavan Pattukkottai. Tha. Pandiayan, 1985. New Century Book House Pvt. Ltd. Madras.
• Makkal Kavignar Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram 56vathu Pirantha Naal Vizha Malar. 1985. Tamilnadu Murpokku Ezhuthalar Sangam, Pattukkottai.
• Makkal Kavignar Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram Ponvizha Malar. 1980. Tamilnadu Murpokku Ezhuthalar Sangam, Pattukkottai.
• Pattukkottaiyin Paattuthiram: Oppaaivu. Ki. Sembiyan, First edition, 1981. Thinkal Pathippagam. Melappathi, Mayuram. pp. 208.
• Pattukkottaiyum Kannadasanum: Oru Vivaatham. Irakuladasan, First edition, 1981. Akaram. Civakankai. pp. 82.
• Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram - Oru Paarvai. Su. Solamon Pappaiah, 1979. Arivoli Pathippagam, Madurai.
• Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram Paadalkal - Oru Thiranaaivu. Paa. Udayakumar, 1976. Kalaiselvi Pathippagam, Madras.

• 'Pattukkotttaiyaarin Sila Paadalkal' by Duraiswamy Navaneetham - Tamil text version
• 'Select Tamil Songs of Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram' by Dr. K. Kalyanasundaram - Tamil text version (Mylai Tamil font is needed to view this page properly).

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Acknowledgments

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©Pattukkottaiyaar (Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram): A brief biography.
Copyright 1999 - 2005 Duraiswamy Navaneetham.

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This page was created on July 17, 1999 and last updated on April 22, 2005.

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