KA. NAA. SU

KA.NAA.SUBRAMANYAM

Biography 

Subramanian was born on 31 January 1912 in Valangaiman in Thanjavur District. His first noted published work was the novel Poithevu (1946). He also wrote poems under the pseudonym Mayan. He published many literary journals like Ilakkiya vattam, Sooravali and Chandraodayam. He became a literary critic in the 1950s, publishing reviews first in the magazines Swadesamitran and Saraswathi. He was a friend and contemporary of fellow literary critic C. S. Chellappa with whom he was involved in a long literary feud. He was considered as a right-winger and Anti-Marxist by left-leaning Tamil writers. In 1965, he moved to New Delhi and started writing articles for English-language newspapers. For the next twenty years he lived in Delhi and moved back to Chennai only in 1985. In 1986, he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for Tamil for his literary criticism Ilakkiyathukku oru Iyakkam (lit. A Movement for Literature). After his return to Chennai, he started writing for Tamil magazines like Kungumam, Mutharam, Dina mani Kathir and Thuglak. Pondicherry University made him an honorary professor. He died in 1988. The Government of Tamil Nadu nationalised his works in 2006

Ka. Naa. Subramanyam, born in 1912, remains an iconic figure in Tamil literature. His novels like "Poi Thevu," "Oru Naal," "Asuraganam," and "Pithappoo," marks a wave of experimental writing that showcased his versatility and innovation. As a literary polymath, Subramanyam's oeuvre spans novels, short stories, essays, and translations. Subramanyam's translations, including works by George Orwell, Knut Hamsun, and Albert Camus, highlight his dedication to bridging cultural divides. His novels, "Oru Naal," "Asuraganam," and "Pithappoo," are innovative departures from conventional norms, exploring new narrative styles with a psychological depth akin to Carl Jung and Freud. His writings, characterized by a philosophical and psychological style, continue to be studied and celebrated. As a pioneer, he inspires successive generations of writers and critics, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape of Tamil Nadu. 

Awards

Awards - Sahitya Akademi Award, Government of Tamil Nadu state award

Outstanding works - Poi Thevu, Vaazhdhavar Kettal, Asuraganam