A Great Unsung  Hero, Kavi Perarasu Nanjil  Narayana Tholkappian [N. Arirama Krishnan] :

Nanjil Narayana Tholkappian,  is one of the greatest Tamil poets ever lived . He is a native of Kanyakumari district and he is one of the unsung heroes of kayakumari district and Tamil Nadu,  while remarking  on Nanjil Narayana Tholkappian , the first Vice Chancellor of the Tamil University , Tanjore , Dr.V. I. Subrasniam  has  said   "This young man who was born at Narikulam  hamlet near Mahathanapuram has written by his own effort,   a book called ," Muppal Muthalvan"  in epic style , and I find  poetic creativity in his book after "Kavimani"[ Kavimani Desiyavinayagam Pillai].

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His birth and native place: Poet Nanjil Narayana Tholkappian  [ N. Ariramakrishnan ] was born at a beautiful hamlet called Narikiulam , near Mahathanapuram,  Agastheswaram taluk , kanyakumari district on 9th July , 1943 as the eledest son of  Mr. A.Narayanan and Mrs. Annavadivu Ammal Narayanan. Narikulam is surrounded by lovely lakes , coconut  trees and paddy fields and it lies  on the eastern side  of the Nagercoil   to Kanyakumari main road.  Definitely the long lovely lake flanking Narikulam on the western side  ,has definitely played a pivotal role in inspiring and shaping,  Narayana Tholkappian as a great creative Tamil poet and writer. His original name is  N. Ariramakrishnan.

Education  :  Narayana  Tholkappian did his school studies at the Government High School at Kottaram, near Kanyakumari.   By his personal effort he passed his Pulavar Certificate  [Tamil] examination.  He did his Graduation study as an  evening College  student at the famous Pachayappa's College , Chennai.  Then he did his Tamil Teacher Training Course at the Saidapet Teachers' Training College , Chennai, and B.Ed, at the  famous Annamalai University, Chidambaram .   He did  his M.A. at the Madurai Kamaraj University. He has undergone a special training in Tamil  Epigraphy .

As a Tamil Teacher :  Naraya Tholkappian{Ariramakrishnan]  started his teaching career  as a Tamil Teacher  in a Government High School on 7th July , 1968; then  he was upgraded  in course of time as Post Graduate Teacher and worked as  a highly talented  Post Graduate Tamil Teacher in many Schools in Tamil Nadu and retired on 31st July , 2001.

His poetical creations  and books   :    Narayana Thilkappian is a born poet . Mr. Ariramakrishnan assumed a pen name as "Narayana Tholkappian'  and started to write many beautiful poetical books in Tamil with great natural spontaneity  , great ease and elegance.   Some his famous published Tamil  poetical works and books  are cited below:

1. Thamilukku ththalai . [ Kumana Kaviam],  This book was selected and  financed  by the Department        Tamil  Development,   Government of Tamil Nadu.

2. Muththamil Nithithilam  [  Avvaiyar Kaviam-]. This book was also financed for publication  by the Department of Tamil  Development, Govt of Tamil Nadu.

3. Thirumavazhavan [Karikal Chozhan Kaviyam]. This book also got the financial assistance from the              Department  of  Tamil  Development,  Govt of Tamil Nadu.

4  Azhiyaa  Athihan [Thahadur Athihaman Kaviyam]. This book  was also financed by the D.T.D. Govt of     Tamil  Nadu , for  publication.

5. Murasu Kattil Mosikeeran [ Tamil  Sangam, poet Morasu Keeranar's Kaviam]. The Department of  Tamil Development , Govt of Tamil Nadu , financed for the publication of this poetical book.[ Pages . 246 ]

6. Nanjil  Valluvan Kaviam. This book was also selected and financed  by the Department of Tamil Development , Govt of Tamil Nadu. [Pages.284 ]

.7.   Muppal  Muthalvan. [Thiruvalluvar Kaviyam] This book was also selected and financed by the     Department of Tamil Development , Government  of Tamil Nadu .The renowned Tamil scholar and the

first Vice Chancellor of Tamil University , Tanjore , has said about  Narayana Tholkappian, " An young man born at Narikulam  hamlet , near Mahathanapuram, by his effort  has written a book called  "MUPPAL MUTHALVAN "  in epic style ; and after " Kavimani '  I find poetical creativity in his book".  Poet Narayana Tholkappian considers the above cited  compliment  and  remark  of  Prof. V.I.S. as the greatest Award he has ever received.

Honors and  Awards :    Narayana Tholkappian's  poetical work   " Muppal  Muthalvan " [Thiruvaluvar Kaviam] ,was adjudged as the best book  by the  Department of  Tamil  Development,  Government of Tamil Nadu and  Narayana Tholkappian  received the First Prize and the Cash  Award   in 2006  from the Government of Tamil Nadu.

                                      His  famous book ,  "Morasukattil  Mosikeeran "   was adjudged  as the best book by the Thiyahathurukkam  Bharathi  Tamil  Sangam, Vilupuram District, and  the  Bharathi Tamil  Sangam honored  Poet Narayana Tholkappian with  the First Prize and Cash Award ,in June , 2013.  Narayana Tholkappian  has   got  some more  Awards also.

Coclusion  :   Poet Narayana Tholkappian is a great poet in all sense of the word. So far he has written 13 books in Tamil.  Majority of his books are available in the Government Libraries throughout Tamil Nadu  .

As ancient day Tamil Poets he is also living in a poor  financial condition. But he has a rich heart  to share with the needy  with  whatever he has in his pocket.  Definitely Narayana  Tholkappian  deserves greater recognition from the Government, Universities, Sahitya  Akademy and people.  Universities at least Tamil University  can proudly  bestow  a   Honorary Doctorate , to the versatile   living  Poet  Narayana Tholkappian.     Some of his poetical  prize winning books can be prescribed  as text books in the Universities.  Narayana Tholkappian will  live as long as Tamil  lives.

P.  BABU MANOHARAN.[Rights reserved].