The first volume of Soundara Kailasam published under the title” The Poems of Soundara Kailasam” had special messages of greetings from many dignitaries and national leaders. Neelam SanjeevaReddy, Morarji Desai, Indira Gandhi, R.Venkataraman and C.Subramaniam had given their best wishes and their regards for the poetic talents of Soundara Kailasam.
The poems in this volume are classified in five divisions viz. Divinity, Nation, Society, Great Personalities and Variety.
The first division i.e. Divinity is a larger one consisting of a major portion of this volume thereby showing the deep involvement of Soundara Kailasam in Religion and worship.
SanjivaReddy
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy in his message points out that Bhakti is a special and salient feature in her poems.
“I know Mrs.Soundara Kailasam for the past 25 years.
She is a devout lady deeply interested in religion and spirituality.
The fundamental truths of all religions are one and the same and they have been revealed by different pious persons in various climes and countries in different languages.
I am happy to know that Smt.Kailasam is publishing her prayerful Compositions in Tamil.I hope the book will not only inspire the younger generation but will also serve as a common bond to promote righteous living.”
Morarji Desai
Morarji Desai, in his message, stresses the fact that her devotional poems have a special place in Indian literature.
“I am happy to know that Smt.Soundara Kailasam has
composed Bhajans in Tamil in a prayerful mood. I trust these Bhajans will be a good addition to those, which have come down to us and offer us the necessary incentive to lead our lives without attachment to needless worldly desires in complete surrender to God.”
Her passionate appeal to God in her poems attracts the readers. Her sincere faith and strong belief in God add a soul-stirring sentiment to her devotional poems.
When she praises Narayana she reminds us of Andal and when she dedicates her poems in the praise of Siva she reminds us of Karaikal ammai.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Soundara Kailasam is an admirer of Nehru and his family.
She had a close friendship with Indira Gandhi for a very long time.
The dedication to the country’s welfare and the determination in carrying out welfare policies are the remarkable qualities of Smt.Indira Gandhi, which are always admired by Soundara Kailasam.
The poem given below was composed and presented to Indira Gandhi, during one of her birthdays.
On Indira Gandhi
Even if the whole world
Gets united to oppose you
You will never worry.
With a full confidence
That success is yours
You will achieve
Whatever you desire
Oh! Leader of the masses!
Many happy returns of the day.
Prattlers may blabber
You will never bother
Ugly peoples’ slander
Never make you stranded
Hungry peoples’ welfare
Is your prime concern.
Helping the helpless
You always remain selfless.
A worshipful image passes
In the minds of masses.
Enmity never makes you stumble
You will laugh away the trouble.
Conspiracies and disturbances
Will be crushed by your strategies.
The love and admiration for you
Will make you leap forward.
Active and alert you march ahead
Arousing a big astonishment
Some foolishly think
With frowning and blink
That rising sun will
Bring darkness.
Such a meaningless crowd
You evade and march
To give them a
Suitable lesson
You strain your
Every nerve
Attack and betrayal
Never stops your
Lofty march
Whenever troubles come
Victory in your
Noble tasks get multiplied.
Oh! Lord Muruga!
I pray for the well being
Of this unique leader!
Bless her with every success!
Homage to martyrs in Army
The poem mentioned below is a befitting homage to the martyrs in the Indian army.
The fine sentiments with a devoted sense of gratitude are well portrayed in the poem.
We bow down with all reverence
Oh! Beloved sons ofOur mother Bharat!
Noble men who added Glory to our land
With wide open eyes
You were defending our border!
In the melting snow chilling the bones
You were alert and vigilant
Attending duty without any rest.
Ignoring your health
Unmindful of your precious lives
You rendered your service.
With abundant dedication
You assailed and assaulted
The deceitful enemywith full determination.
Without thinking of
The loving wife
And dearest children
You intensified the war;
Trouble never troubled you
You neither wavered
Nor quivered in the
Combat to drive away
The treacherous enemy
From our border
You hit them a deadly blow
Made them tremble with fear.
You were as dreadful
As the fire itself.
Alas! The foolish Yama grabbed your lives.
You lost your lives to defend our land
You are the celebrities of this noble land
You are not alive today
But you will be ever living in our hearts.
Let us shower flowers at your feet
We bow down our heads with all reverence.
A Voice of Patriotism
A voice of patriotism
Soundara Kailasam is born in a family of nationalists. Her grandparents were very close friends of many National leaders.In all her poems national spirit will be in abundance with a capacity to motivate younger generation.During the Chinese aggression she composed many poems to motivate our fellow-citizens.
Her poem given below is a befitting example for her patriotism.This poem has all the intellectual and emotional elements to motivate the citizens.
Let us make our country rise high
Our country welcomes every one
We love every one who visits here
But with an evil motive
The aggressors intrude our land
Without minding their precious lives
Our soldiers fight in the border
They never hesitated to sacrifice
For the cause of our safety
Let us salute our soldiers
Let us render our help to them
We never intended to create disasters
We never wanted to wage wars
We never moved in the direction of
Wiping out human lives
With an ambition to loot our land
Our enemy wants to stab in our back
Teach a lesson to the dishonest neighbor
Destroy them without any delay.
They befriended like beloved brothers
Cheated us like a cunning fox
We have now understood their true colors
No need of any hesitation
It is high time to defend our nation
With the grace of Goddess Kali
We will drive away our enemies
Let our country shine with pride
Soundara Kailasam is born in a family of nationalists. Her grandparents were very close friends of many National leaders.In all her poems national spirit will be in abundance with a capacity to motivate younger generation.During the Chinese aggression she composed many poems to motivate our fellow-citizens.
Her poem given below is a befitting example for her patriotism.This poem has all the intellectual and emotional elements to motivate the citizens.
Let us make our country rise high
Our country welcomes every one
We love every one who visits here
But with an evil motive
The aggressors intrude our land
Without minding their precious lives
Our soldiers fight in the border
They never hesitated to sacrifice
For the cause of our safety
Let us salute our soldiers
Let us render our help to them
We never intended to create disasters
We never wanted to wage wars
We never moved in the direction of
Wiping out human lives
With an ambition to loot our land
Our enemy wants to stab in our back
Teach a lesson to the dishonest neighbor
Destroy them without any delay.
They befriended like beloved brothers
Cheated us like a cunning fox
We have now understood their true colors
No need of any hesitation
It is high time to defend our nation
With the grace of Goddess Kali
We will drive away our enemies
Let our country shine with pride
Soundara for religious Harmony
Indian Muslims
Indian Muslim News and Information
Tamil scholar Soundara Kailasam pens poems in praise of Allah
Submitted by kashif on Mon, 04/09/2007 - 15:07.
Art/Culture
By Syed Ali Mujtaba
Chennai: Those who are lowering the coffins of the composite culture in India and writing obituaries about it, please wait, Tamil scholar Soundara Kailasam has proved all such pundits wrong, publishing her latest book `Yellai Illa Arulalaa,' on the teachings of Allah.
"It all started with my contributions to the `Samarasam' a Tamil magazine. I wrote poems on Allah and his teachings. Friends appreciated my poems and publishers wanted to bring out a book of my poems, Soundara Kailasam a popular Tamil poet told IndianMuslims.info
I was reluctant to give it to a non-Muslim publisher. When the Islamic foundation Trust, Chennai, came forward to publish the book, I was happy,� the eighty year old poetess said with a spark in her eyes becoming the first non-Muslim woman poet to have her work published by the Foundation.
The Islamic Foundation Trust so far has published 185 books. `Yellai Illa Arulalaa,' on the teachings of Allah, is the first book on poetry written by a non-Muslim woman that the Trust has brought out.
"I also wanted a Muslim poet to write the foreword and I am glad that poet Mu. Metha wrote the foreword,she added.
Soundara Kailasam is a popular poet in Tamil language and her literary works include essays and short stories. Till date, she has brought out 13 poetry collections and three books. For the past few years, she has confined herself to attending literary meetings.
"I am eighty years old but I still feel the urge to write, for me, poems are a way of expressing myself," the poetess said.
Soundara Kailasam comes from a family of socially conscious people. She is the granddaughter of Rathnasabapathi Gounder, the main person behind the Thiruchengode Gandhi Ashram, founded by Rajagopalacharya and formally opened by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy Naicker. She is the wife of former Supreme Court judge P.S. Kailasam and has three daughters and a son.
Ms. Kailasam has held various positions in several government as well as non-governmental organizations. She held the post of senatorship of the Madras, Annamalai and Tanjore Tamil Universities. She was awarded the Asan Prize for poetry in 1989. She was also awarded Rs.10,000 by the Islamic literary conference at Kilakkarai, Tamil Nadu in 1990.
By writing poetry on the teachings of Allah, Soundara Kailasam has proved that there is no dearth of practitioners of religious and cultural harmony in India.
Indian Muslim News and Information
Tamil scholar Soundara Kailasam pens poems in praise of Allah
Submitted by kashif on Mon, 04/09/2007 - 15:07.
Art/Culture
By Syed Ali Mujtaba
Chennai: Those who are lowering the coffins of the composite culture in India and writing obituaries about it, please wait, Tamil scholar Soundara Kailasam has proved all such pundits wrong, publishing her latest book `Yellai Illa Arulalaa,' on the teachings of Allah.
"It all started with my contributions to the `Samarasam' a Tamil magazine. I wrote poems on Allah and his teachings. Friends appreciated my poems and publishers wanted to bring out a book of my poems, Soundara Kailasam a popular Tamil poet told IndianMuslims.info
I was reluctant to give it to a non-Muslim publisher. When the Islamic foundation Trust, Chennai, came forward to publish the book, I was happy,� the eighty year old poetess said with a spark in her eyes becoming the first non-Muslim woman poet to have her work published by the Foundation.
The Islamic Foundation Trust so far has published 185 books. `Yellai Illa Arulalaa,' on the teachings of Allah, is the first book on poetry written by a non-Muslim woman that the Trust has brought out.
"I also wanted a Muslim poet to write the foreword and I am glad that poet Mu. Metha wrote the foreword,she added.
Soundara Kailasam is a popular poet in Tamil language and her literary works include essays and short stories. Till date, she has brought out 13 poetry collections and three books. For the past few years, she has confined herself to attending literary meetings.
"I am eighty years old but I still feel the urge to write, for me, poems are a way of expressing myself," the poetess said.
Soundara Kailasam comes from a family of socially conscious people. She is the granddaughter of Rathnasabapathi Gounder, the main person behind the Thiruchengode Gandhi Ashram, founded by Rajagopalacharya and formally opened by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy Naicker. She is the wife of former Supreme Court judge P.S. Kailasam and has three daughters and a son.
Ms. Kailasam has held various positions in several government as well as non-governmental organizations. She held the post of senatorship of the Madras, Annamalai and Tanjore Tamil Universities. She was awarded the Asan Prize for poetry in 1989. She was also awarded Rs.10,000 by the Islamic literary conference at Kilakkarai, Tamil Nadu in 1990.
By writing poetry on the teachings of Allah, Soundara Kailasam has proved that there is no dearth of practitioners of religious and cultural harmony in India.
In Praise of Allah
Radiance Viewsweekly
7th August 2008
IFT Releases Soundara Kailasam's Poems in Praise of Allah
The Tamil book Ellia Illa Arulalaa by Mrs. Soundara Kailasam was released at a programme organised recently by the publisher, Islamic Foundation Trust at Chennai.
Justice Chokkalingam of Madras High Court released the first copy, which was received by Mr. Meeran of Professional couriers. He reviewed the book and wondered while he was reading the book whether the author is a Hindu or a Muslim.
The book is characterised by lucidity of thought and felicity of expression. It has poems about Allah, Prophet Muhammad (peace be to him), his holy wives Khadeeja and Ayisha, his daughter Fatima, Surah Yaseen, etc.
The IFT has so far published 185 books. Ellia Illa Arulalaa, on the teachings of Allah, is the first book written by a non-Muslim that the Trust has brought out.
Mrs. Nalini Chidambaram, senior advocate, Supreme Court and daughter of the author, addressed the function, which was presided over by Mr. H.Abdur Raqeeb, Chairman, IFT. Former Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Sadiq, Nalli Kuppusamy Chetty, Moulavi Niyaz, S.N. Sikkandar, K. Jalaludeen, Joint Sec. IFT, Imran Lateef Sait, Treasurer, IFT also participated in the function.
A large gathering including women attended the meeting.
During the function two other Tamil books published by IFT, Ulagamayamaakkalum Muslim Ilaignarkalum (Globalisation and Muslim Youth by Saadathullah Hussainy), Shyeik Shah Waliyullah Dehlavi's book Nabi Mozhi Naarpathu (Chehal Hadeeth) were also released.
Mrs. Soundara Kailasam, 80, comes from a family of socially conscious people. She is the granddaughter of Rathnasabapathi Gounder, the main person behind the Thiruchengode Gandhi Ashram, founded by Rajagopalacharya and formally opened by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy Naicker. She is wife of former Supreme Court Judge Late Mr. Kailasam and mother-in-law of Union Finance Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram. Mrs. Kailasam has held various positions in several government as well as non-governmental organisations. She held the post of senatorship of the Madras, Annamalai and Tanjore Tamil Universities. She was awarded the Asan Smaraka Kavitha Puraskaram in 1989. She was also awarded Rs.10,000 by the Islamic literary conference at Kilakkarai, Tamil Nadu in 1990.
7th August 2008
IFT Releases Soundara Kailasam's Poems in Praise of Allah
The Tamil book Ellia Illa Arulalaa by Mrs. Soundara Kailasam was released at a programme organised recently by the publisher, Islamic Foundation Trust at Chennai.
Justice Chokkalingam of Madras High Court released the first copy, which was received by Mr. Meeran of Professional couriers. He reviewed the book and wondered while he was reading the book whether the author is a Hindu or a Muslim.
The book is characterised by lucidity of thought and felicity of expression. It has poems about Allah, Prophet Muhammad (peace be to him), his holy wives Khadeeja and Ayisha, his daughter Fatima, Surah Yaseen, etc.
The IFT has so far published 185 books. Ellia Illa Arulalaa, on the teachings of Allah, is the first book written by a non-Muslim that the Trust has brought out.
Mrs. Nalini Chidambaram, senior advocate, Supreme Court and daughter of the author, addressed the function, which was presided over by Mr. H.Abdur Raqeeb, Chairman, IFT. Former Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Sadiq, Nalli Kuppusamy Chetty, Moulavi Niyaz, S.N. Sikkandar, K. Jalaludeen, Joint Sec. IFT, Imran Lateef Sait, Treasurer, IFT also participated in the function.
A large gathering including women attended the meeting.
During the function two other Tamil books published by IFT, Ulagamayamaakkalum Muslim Ilaignarkalum (Globalisation and Muslim Youth by Saadathullah Hussainy), Shyeik Shah Waliyullah Dehlavi's book Nabi Mozhi Naarpathu (Chehal Hadeeth) were also released.
Mrs. Soundara Kailasam, 80, comes from a family of socially conscious people. She is the granddaughter of Rathnasabapathi Gounder, the main person behind the Thiruchengode Gandhi Ashram, founded by Rajagopalacharya and formally opened by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy Naicker. She is wife of former Supreme Court Judge Late Mr. Kailasam and mother-in-law of Union Finance Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram. Mrs. Kailasam has held various positions in several government as well as non-governmental organisations. She held the post of senatorship of the Madras, Annamalai and Tanjore Tamil Universities. She was awarded the Asan Smaraka Kavitha Puraskaram in 1989. She was also awarded Rs.10,000 by the Islamic literary conference at Kilakkarai, Tamil Nadu in 1990.
An admirable Philologist
This year (2008),the Government of Tamilnadu, announced Bharathiyar award for Kavikkuyil Soundara Kailasam.
On that occasion she was interviewed by 'The Hindu' the leading English daily.
Without any change,the interview is published below.
.An admirable philologist
By Suganthi Krishnamachari
(Feb 01,2008)
(Soundara Kailasam, this year’s Bharatiar Award recipient, talks about her sojourn on literary terrain)
The stark simplicity of the living room is striking. It has a sofa, a couple of chairs and a shelf that holds family pictures. In tune with the room there stands on the mantelpiece a papier mache figure of Gandhi, lifelike in its features. "I am devoted to Gandhian principles," says Soundara Kailasam. "My grandfather, Ratnasabapathi Gounder, was a staunch Congressman. Rajaji was his legal advisor. It was my grandfather who donated land for the Tiruchengode Gandhi Ashram established by Rajaji."
Soundara is this year’s recipient of the Bharatiar award, given by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Her interest in Tamil literature began with a wedding gift. When Soundara got married at the age of 15, Periasamy Thooran presented her with a collection of Bharatiar poems. She read the poems so many times that she soon had them by heart. She then took to reading other literary works such as ‘Kamba Ramayanam,’ ‘Tevaram’ and ‘Tiruvachagam.’
As a child she was moved to tears when her father recited ‘Tevaram’ verses. "The verses have a cadence, a musicality that makes them appealing even to a child," she observes. In later years, when Soundara had become an accomplished speaker and writer, letters from father to daughter were often about something interesting he had read.
Judge at 17
When Soundara was 17 years old, she was asked to judge a poetry contest in Pachaiyappa’s college. The other two judges were Muktha and Dandapani Desigar. Over-awed by the standing of these established musicians Soundara refused the invitation. "But my husband coaxed me into accepting it. I consider my husband, my guru. He encouraged me to become a public speaker and writer. When I spoke at Pachaiyappa’s, the students applauded heartily."
Encouraged by the response, she began to accept invitations to speak at other colleges. "Kamaraj would tease me saying, ‘Students usually clap when they want a speaker to wind up his speech. But in your case, they clap at the end to indicate they want more.’" Her first short story was published in Dinamani. Her stories had a rural flavour. "I grew up in Chettipalayam, a village near Karur, and I was familiar with village life."
Experiences with AIR
In 1947, All India Radio asked her to speak on ‘Sollin Vanmai’ (‘The power of words’). "Later on I became a regular speaker on their morning programme - ‘Arulvaakku.’ Although it was a religious programme, I always ended with ‘Vaazhiya Sentamizh.’"
She recalls the popularity of the programme. She had gone to Kumbakonam on a pilgrimage, with her husband Justice Kailasam. As they came out of the hotel, where they’d had breakfast, they saw a temple priest, and Soundara asked him if the temples had opened for worship. The priest said, "You are Soundara Kailasam, aren’t you? I know that voice. I begin the day by listening to your programme!" She has also given lectures on the ‘Tiruppavai’ over the radio.
Despite the TV having displaced the radio in most homes, it has the pride of place in Soundara’s house. Rather than watch television news, she prefers to listen to news on the radio. She used to lecture at the Kovai Nanneri Kazhagam, where Justice Sengottuvelan and D.Ramawamy Iyengar were regulars. Soundara is not just a scholar or one given only to philosophical speculation. Cinema, music, dance and theatre interest her. I was president of the Film Fans’ Association and I was on the Board of Film Censors for 12 years.
A recent film she liked? I loved ‘Periyar.’ Periyar was a family friend, and when I saw Satyaraj in the film, it was as though Periyar had come back to life! So good was Satyaraj’s acting.
She is a great admirer of lyricist and poet Kannadasan. Kannadasan said he would never sing in praise of a human being. I felt there were many who deserved to be praised. So I wrote a rejoinder in Kumudam, in which I praised Kannadasan himself - ‘Thadumaarum bodaiyilum kavi paadum medhai avan’ - ‘One who writes excellent poetry even when he is intoxicated.’
Ten books of her poems have been published. Do any of her children write? "Nalini recently tried her hand at ‘Pudhu Kavidhai.’ None of the others has written anything."
When the Congress party asked her to contest elections, she refused. "Annadurai even offered not to field a candidate opposite me. But I was afraid that in the long run, participation in politics would alienate my friends in other political parties. Tamil brought us all together. I didn’t want politics to come between us."
Daughters Vimala Ramalingam is a well known doctor, Nalini Chidambaram is a lawyer and Padmini Sivasubramanian is a businesswoman, and Sadaiyavel, her only son, is an orthopaedic surgeon. But Soundara doesn’t live with any of her children. She likes being independent, and spends most of the day in contemplation and meditation. "There is pleasure in solitude too," says the worldly-wise orator and writer.
On that occasion she was interviewed by 'The Hindu' the leading English daily.
Without any change,the interview is published below.
.An admirable philologist
By Suganthi Krishnamachari
(Feb 01,2008)
(Soundara Kailasam, this year’s Bharatiar Award recipient, talks about her sojourn on literary terrain)
The stark simplicity of the living room is striking. It has a sofa, a couple of chairs and a shelf that holds family pictures. In tune with the room there stands on the mantelpiece a papier mache figure of Gandhi, lifelike in its features. "I am devoted to Gandhian principles," says Soundara Kailasam. "My grandfather, Ratnasabapathi Gounder, was a staunch Congressman. Rajaji was his legal advisor. It was my grandfather who donated land for the Tiruchengode Gandhi Ashram established by Rajaji."
Soundara is this year’s recipient of the Bharatiar award, given by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Her interest in Tamil literature began with a wedding gift. When Soundara got married at the age of 15, Periasamy Thooran presented her with a collection of Bharatiar poems. She read the poems so many times that she soon had them by heart. She then took to reading other literary works such as ‘Kamba Ramayanam,’ ‘Tevaram’ and ‘Tiruvachagam.’
As a child she was moved to tears when her father recited ‘Tevaram’ verses. "The verses have a cadence, a musicality that makes them appealing even to a child," she observes. In later years, when Soundara had become an accomplished speaker and writer, letters from father to daughter were often about something interesting he had read.
Judge at 17
When Soundara was 17 years old, she was asked to judge a poetry contest in Pachaiyappa’s college. The other two judges were Muktha and Dandapani Desigar. Over-awed by the standing of these established musicians Soundara refused the invitation. "But my husband coaxed me into accepting it. I consider my husband, my guru. He encouraged me to become a public speaker and writer. When I spoke at Pachaiyappa’s, the students applauded heartily."
Encouraged by the response, she began to accept invitations to speak at other colleges. "Kamaraj would tease me saying, ‘Students usually clap when they want a speaker to wind up his speech. But in your case, they clap at the end to indicate they want more.’" Her first short story was published in Dinamani. Her stories had a rural flavour. "I grew up in Chettipalayam, a village near Karur, and I was familiar with village life."
Experiences with AIR
In 1947, All India Radio asked her to speak on ‘Sollin Vanmai’ (‘The power of words’). "Later on I became a regular speaker on their morning programme - ‘Arulvaakku.’ Although it was a religious programme, I always ended with ‘Vaazhiya Sentamizh.’"
She recalls the popularity of the programme. She had gone to Kumbakonam on a pilgrimage, with her husband Justice Kailasam. As they came out of the hotel, where they’d had breakfast, they saw a temple priest, and Soundara asked him if the temples had opened for worship. The priest said, "You are Soundara Kailasam, aren’t you? I know that voice. I begin the day by listening to your programme!" She has also given lectures on the ‘Tiruppavai’ over the radio.
Despite the TV having displaced the radio in most homes, it has the pride of place in Soundara’s house. Rather than watch television news, she prefers to listen to news on the radio. She used to lecture at the Kovai Nanneri Kazhagam, where Justice Sengottuvelan and D.Ramawamy Iyengar were regulars. Soundara is not just a scholar or one given only to philosophical speculation. Cinema, music, dance and theatre interest her. I was president of the Film Fans’ Association and I was on the Board of Film Censors for 12 years.
A recent film she liked? I loved ‘Periyar.’ Periyar was a family friend, and when I saw Satyaraj in the film, it was as though Periyar had come back to life! So good was Satyaraj’s acting.
She is a great admirer of lyricist and poet Kannadasan. Kannadasan said he would never sing in praise of a human being. I felt there were many who deserved to be praised. So I wrote a rejoinder in Kumudam, in which I praised Kannadasan himself - ‘Thadumaarum bodaiyilum kavi paadum medhai avan’ - ‘One who writes excellent poetry even when he is intoxicated.’
Ten books of her poems have been published. Do any of her children write? "Nalini recently tried her hand at ‘Pudhu Kavidhai.’ None of the others has written anything."
When the Congress party asked her to contest elections, she refused. "Annadurai even offered not to field a candidate opposite me. But I was afraid that in the long run, participation in politics would alienate my friends in other political parties. Tamil brought us all together. I didn’t want politics to come between us."
Daughters Vimala Ramalingam is a well known doctor, Nalini Chidambaram is a lawyer and Padmini Sivasubramanian is a businesswoman, and Sadaiyavel, her only son, is an orthopaedic surgeon. But Soundara doesn’t live with any of her children. She likes being independent, and spends most of the day in contemplation and meditation. "There is pleasure in solitude too," says the worldly-wise orator and writer.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Justice P.SKailasam
At her 14th year,Soundara got wedded to Thiru.P.S.Kailasam an advocate who practiced under the guidance of V.L.Ethiraj.Thiru Kailasam encouraged Soundara’s literary activities. She used to attend many literary meetings held in Pachaiyappa’s college. The students requested her to act as a Judge in an oratorical competetion. She was compelled to give a lecture on that occasion and her maiden speech enthralled the audience.
By the encouragement given by her Husband Thiru.Kailasam and appreciation from Tamil scholars, she spoke in many functions and gained international acclaim as one of the best orators in Tamil.Her literary discourses throughout the world are a monumental evidence. Tamil Diaspora in U.S., U.K., Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore and Srilanka many times invited her to give lectures in Tamil literature. She deserves a special place among contemporary poets. Her deep involvement in devotion and strong love towards our motherland are well-expressed ion her poems. She is praised as a ‘Twentieth century Avvaiyaar.’She had participated in thousands of poetic symposia. Her presentation will be unique with perfect pronunciation, clear accents and lively intonations with a fine sense of humor.Her poems had been published in Eight volumes. The first volume titled ‘Poems of Soundara Kailasam’got published in 1987 after the demise of Justice P.S.Kailasam.The book was dedicated to him. The poem ‘Proudly dedicating it; please accept’ is the first among all other poems and it definitely illustrates the abundant love and sincere gratitude of Soundara towards her husband whom she considers as her mentor and leader.
While I was just a child playing games
You married and held me in your grip
A queenly honor as the lady of your house
Provided me with practical wisdom.
Taught me the current affairs and views
To enlighten and educate me.
Hailing Gita and Ramakrishna’s teachings
You always stood for justice.
Divinity was your path and purview
Maturity of mind was your asset.
You lived your life unperturbed
Always enchanting’Om Narayana”
"Let the Whites tease us to any extent
Let our stomachs go unfilled
Let our legs loose their strength and
Let my frail body fall down
I will never swerve from Truth
I am ready to die for our rights."
Thus told Gandhi to motivate us
He suffered a lot for us
You made me know the grace of
Our Father of Nation! ‘
In my heart you placed
The light of Gandhian thought.
While the aliens commit atrocities
By evil designs and cruel laws
Why should we bow down our heads?
Let us stand erect to make our
Motherland free and fair’
Patriotism filled up my heart
By the logical arguments you taught.
You brought and taught me as a Father
Fondled and nourished me as a mother
Added a lot of knowledge as a Teacher
Each and every minute you
Guarded me like a God and all the
Care, affection and love you gave
Can never be put in a simple word’Husband.’
You are the perennial source of
My thought, word and action
My life, laugh and life of laugh
Everything belongs to you and
Everything begins with you.
The long poem is a fine expression of the high regards Soundara is having towards her husband Justice P.S.Kailasam and at the same time it is a fine piece of literature.
Queen of Poetry
How did a girl who had studied only up to ninth standard in High school gain fame and name as a prolific writer and a popular poet? How did an innocent girl from an agricultural family metamorphose into an eloquent orator who enthralled the audience by her literary discourses?
The credit goes to her husband-Late Justice P.S.Kailasam and her father Sundara Gounder.
Tmt.Soundara was born in a village by name Chettipalaiyam which is near Karur, in the banks of River Amaravathi.She was the eldest daughter of Thiru.C.S.Sundara Gounder and Tmt.Kaliammal.Her maternal grandfather Thiru.Rethnasabapathy gounder was a close associate of Rajaji.When Rajaji founded Gandhi Ashram in Pudhuppalaiyam near Thiruchengode it was Rethnasabapathy Gounder who gave the land for that ashram. PERIYAR E.V.R., who was the President of Tamilnadu Congress Committee at that time, opened the ashram.
Mahatma Gandhi, Kasthurbai Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and other prominent leaders of Freedom Movement have visited the ashram. Soundara’s mother Tmt.Kaliyammal was a close friend of Rajaji’s daughter Tmt.Lakshmi Devadas Gandhi.They had woven a Khadhi Sari, which adored Tmt.Kaliyammal as her marriage dress.
The affiliation to national movement and association with great leaders of the freedom movement of her grandparents built up a strong national outlook
In the mind of Soundara.Her father Sundara Gounder taught her poems from Periyapuranam, Thevaram, Silappadhikaram and Manimekalai.This added a deep love of Tamil Language and literature.
At her 14th year she got wedded to Thiru.P.S.Kailasam an advocate who practiced under the guidance of V.L.Ethiraj.Thiru Kailasam encouraged Soundara’s literary activities. She used to attend many literary meetings held in Pachaiyappa’s college. The students requested her to act as a Judge in an oratorical competetion. She was compelled to give a lecture on that occasion and her maiden speech enthralled the audience.
By the encouragement given by her Husband Thiru.Kailasam and appreciation from Tamil scholars, she spoke in many functions and gained international acclaim as one of the best orators in Tamil.Her literary discourses throughout the world are a monumental evidence. Tamil Diaspora in U.S., U.K., Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore and Srilanka many times invited her to give lectures in Tamil literature.
She deserves a special place among contemporary poets. Her deep involvement in devotion and strong love towards our motherland are well-expressed ion her poems. She is praised as a ‘Twentieth century Avvaiyaar.’
She had participated in thousands of poetic symposia. Her presentation will be unique with perfect pronunciation, clear accents and lively intonations with a fine sense of humor.
Soundara Kailasam
Soundara Kailasam is born in a family of nationalists. Her grandparents were very close friends of many National leaders. In all her poems national spirit will be in abundance with a capacity to motivate younger generation.
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