more-in It was an evening to celebrate the poetic eloquence and humane approach to social issues of Tamil scholar and poet Erode Tamilanban at the launch of his books here on Tuesday. ‘The Essential Erode Tamilanban’ and ‘Still a Few More Questions’ — two compilations of his poems translated into English and other languages — were launched at an event organised by Departments of Tamil Literature, Tamil Language and English, University of Madras. Topics from daily life Releasing the books compiled by T. Amirthaganesan, Looi Wai Ling, Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, University of Malaya, said translation plays a pivotal role in helping people across the world to enjoy the beauty of the original works. Citing various poems of Mr. Tamilanban, she said the anthology dealt with various topics from daily life to social issues such as the status of education system. S. Armstrong, professor and head, Department of English, University of Madras, received the first copy of the books. Recalling his association with Mr. Tamilanban from the days when they worked as newsreaders in Doordarshan, Sashi Kumar, Chairman, Media Development Foundation, said it was a wonderful experience to hear his Tamil. “He cherished progressive liberal human values that are important these days. His poems that cry for justice are relevant in these days of intolerance,” he said. Sense of humour Quoting a few lines from Mr. Tamilanban’s poems, Prabha Sridevan, former judge of the Madras High Court, underlined his sense of humour that was reflected in his works. Describing it as an honour to be recognised during his lifetime, Mr. Tamilanban thanked those who contributed towards launching the compilations. K. Chellappan, former director, State Institute of English and K. Ganesh, head, Department of English, Madras Christian College, also spoke.

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