HIGHLIGHTS-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the Tamil scholar on his birth anniversary.
- U.V. Swaminatha was a key contributor to the enriching of Tamil literature.
- Iyer was a Tamil scholar and a researcher.
Fondly called as ‘Tamil Thatha’ which means “Tamil grandfather”, U V Swaminatha Iyer was a Tamil scholar and a researcher. He also made significant contributions in terms of Tamil music. U.V. Swaminatha was a key contributor to the enriching of Tamil literature. His significant contribution resulted in the expansion of Tamil literature, for which he is regarded as a legend in today’s world. His contributions to Tamil literature are still remembered across the world. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the Tamil scholar.
“Admired for his contribution to Tamil culture and language, he popularised works from the Sangam era and helped conserve precious heritage”, says PM Modi
The Iconic writer
Uttamadhanapuram Venkatasubbaiyer Swaminatha was a Tamil scholar. He was born on February 13th, 1855 in Uthamadhanpuram, Tamil Nadu, near Kumbakonam. Iyer wrote over 100 books, including Tamil Classics, Poems, and Devotional Books. He published a number of notable novels in Tamil literature that went unnoticed. He recognised the significance of such writings and brought them to light.
His Accomplishments and Honors
Swaminathan Iyer was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Madras in 1906. He was also granted the title Mahamahpathiyaya, which translates as “Greatest of Great Teachers.” In 1925, he was bestowed the title of Dakshinathya Kalanidhi. The Madras University also conferred an honorary Ph.D. on the Tamil literary expert in honour of his contributions to Tamil literature. From January 1940 to May 1942, U. V Swaminathan serialised his autobiography, En Saritham, in the Tamil monthly Ananda Vikatan.
U. V Swaminathan Iyyer’s autobiography
His memoirs was released as a book in 1950. The book has 762 pages and is written in Tamil. The book is quite informative and wonderful. It describes the life and times of a village, namely Thanjavur. The book also describes Iyer’s literary path.
