Ramakrishnan dedicates award to Nadhaswaram players

“I am into literary field for 25 years and this award is a recognition to me and to the native nadhaswaram musicians”, said Ramakrishnan, who was on cloud nine after he was declared the winner of Sahitya Akademi Award for, 2018.

Born in Mallankinaru village, in Virudhunagar district, Ramakrishnan began his writing career during his college days. Though he obtained a doctorate in English literature, his Dravidian family background enthused him to venture into the field of Tamil literature.

He shot to fame through his column in a reputed Tamil weekly magazine and his work ‘Thunai Ezhuthu’, which won accolades from his fraternity. He expanded his work into various other fields such as writing dialogues formovies and translating foreign works. ‘Sandakozhi’ and ‘Baba’, were some of his notable works in the film world.

In his novel, ‘Sancharam’ he had described the life of Nadhaswaram and the contradictory treatment in the society by pointing to the respect they received in temples and the mean treatment in the society because of their caste status.

Along with the dwindling farming profession, the pathetic life of Nadaswaram musicians, in rainfed areas, was captured in a realistic fashion. “I am proud that I received the award for a work that captured the life of the native musicians and their struggle in the society”, said Ramakrishnan.

Renowned writer, Nathan Sridhar said that Ramakrishnan is an extensive traveller and the base that he had created for his works was huge.

Chief Minister, Edappadi K.Palaniswami, and MDMK leader, Vaiko, also lauded Ramakrishnan for winning the award.