M.R.Jambunaathan
Ma.Pa. Periyasaami Thooran was a Scholar who compiled the first modern encyclopaedia of Tamil, Pioneer in analysing Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharati’s works, Classical poet, Translator, Publisher, Lyricist of Tamil music, Composer of children’s songs. As the principal editor of both the first encyclopaedia of Tamil and the children’s encyclopaedia, which is the foundation of modern Tamil science. (courtesy: Kalki magazine)
Yes, Manjakkaattuvalasu PazhaniVelappa Gounder Periyasaami Thooran (referred as Thooran henceforth) was an admirable personality. As mentioned in brief in the opening, he was a great achiever and at once humility personified. Without much preamble, let us briefly dwell upon his memories.
Thooran was born on September 26, 1908 in a village called Manjakkaattuvalasu near Modakurichi in Erode district. (The surname Thooran refers to a sub-caste of Kongu Gounders.) Thooran lost his mother Baavaatmaal at a young age.
He did his primary education in his hometown, Modakurichi. Thanks to his teacher, Tirumalichami Iyengar he imbibed the love of reading in general and for Tamil in particular. He did his higher education at Mahajan Sabha High School, Erode. In 1927 he completed Intermediate in Science subjects from Madras State College and in 1929 he obtained his LD (Teacher Training) degree in Mathematics.
Although he enrolled in the degree program in 1930, he did not write the final year examination of his bachelor’s degree because he participated in the student revolt against the execution of Indian freedom struggle heroes Bhagatsingh, Sugadev and Rajaguru on 23rd March 1931. Does it matter that he didn’t complete his graduation till the end of his life, considering the cause for he quit his college premises?
Thooran began his career as a school teacher in 1929 in Gopichettipalayam Diamond Jubilee High School. After giving up his graduation, he joined as a teacher in the Ramakrishna High School, which operated in Pothanur and Periyanayakan Palayam areas from 1931. He went on to serve the institution, was promoted as Head Master and took leave of them in 1948. The founder of Ramakrishna Vidyalaya Institutions in the then Coimbatore district and later Education Minister of Madras (presently Tamil Nadu state) mentions the great services rendered by Thooran. In his memoirs, Avinasilingam Chettiar states that while working there, Thooran lived like an ascetic on a meagre salary, following the principle that educational institutions should be run at low cost.
Kalki Krishnamurthy adds yet another proof of Thooran’s selfless service. At one point of time to save the expenditure incurred in the hostel kitchen he took the task of cutting- breaking the woods. He chose that option over playing football as the former serves twin purpose of personal fitness and institutional cause!
His dedicated services made Avinasilingam Chettiar to appoint Thooran as Editor-in-Chief of the monumental encyclopaedia project of Tamil Valarchi Kazhakam (Development Corporation). The dream project was announced On 15th August 1947. Thooran started this great work started on 20.10.1947 on Visayadasami day in Chennai University campus. He painstakingly collected, cross-checked and edited the details in co-ordination with eminent scholars totalling 207! The first volume came out in 1954, second in 1955 so on and so forth to get completed with the tenth volume in 1968. The fifth volume of the encyclopaedia was released by the then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Thus such a comprehensive ten-volume encyclopaedia of Indian languages was first published in Tamil.
Of many of his stellar contributions, we have to make a special mention of the musical compositions in Tamil, in praise of Hindu deities such as Muruga, Krishna, Devi etc. He has penned Desh Bhakti songs too. Legendary singer M.S.Subbalakshmi played a major role in propagating his songs through her concerts. The tradition is being continued by Dr. S.Sowmya and other singers in every appropriate occasion in general and in Margazhi music season. Every time we hear his songs, we are bound to bow our heads in respect of the bhava (spirit) of his songs.
