Mahakavi Subramania Bharathiyar in Cultural Dimensions of Sri Lankan Tamils – A Study

Abstract

Relations between Sri Lankan Tamils and Tamil Nadu are indigenous. They are multidimensional. They span politics, geography, history, commerce, literature, art, culture, religion, and worship. Due to the popularity of Tamil personalities, it is common for their names to influence the cultural spheres of Sri Lankan Tamils. It is common practise to put the names of active personalities on corporate organisations and projects. In such a background, this research is carried out by proposing the research problem that the name of Mahakavi Bharathiyar has influenced the cultural sites of Sri Lankan Tamils. Bharathiar belongs to the list of freedom fighters who fought for India till its independence. During the colonial period, Bharathiyar resistance was seen in two ways. One is a chant against the oppressive system of foreigners, and the other is a chant against the backward ideas found in society. Through his works, Bharathiyar is notable among those who brought both of these to the masses. It is worth noting here that it was Swami Vibulananda who introduced Bharathiyar and his works to Sri Lankan Tamils. As a result, it seems that a revolutionary movement about Bharathiyar has spread among the Sri Lankan Tamils. It caused great changes in the socio-cultural sphere. Thus, Bharathi's name has gained a stable place among Sri Lankan Tamils. Bharathiyar's name spans government schools, reading roads, social charities, women's liberation organizations, newspapers, magazines, sports clubs, street names, personal names, etc. Bharathiyar's creations have also been studied at the same time that lessons about Bharathiyar have been included in the art programmes of educational institutions such as government schools and universities. Memorial lectures, study conferences, etc. have also been started in honour of Bharathiyar. Statues of Bharathiyar have been installed and many memorials have appeared in all the places where Sri Lankan Tamils live today. It is noteworthy that these activities are a sign of the Bharathi Tamil historical period and his presence here is also evident from the study.