Vembu Vikiraman facts for kids

Vikiraman (born Subbarayar Vembu on March 19, 1928, died December 1, 2015) was a famous Indian writer and journalist. He wrote many books in the Tamil language. Vikiraman was known for his novels, short stories, and especially his books for children.

About Vikiraman

Vikiraman was born to Subbarayar and Lakshmiyammal. His father worked for the Southern Railways when India was under British rule. He even helped survey the land for building the Pamban Bridge. His father also worked for a Tamil newspaper called Sudeshamitran.

Early Life and Interests

From a young age, Vikiraman loved journalism. In school, he created handwritten magazines. He even published a magazine called Tamil Chudar in high school. Famous people like Kalki Krishnamurthy and Rajaji praised his work.

Vikiraman traveled a lot during his life. He visited countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, France, and Italy. He also explored many historical places in India.

His Work as a Journalist

Vikiraman worked for several magazines. From 1946 to 1947, he worked at Velli Mani. In 1948, he joined Tamizh Pannai.

He was the editor of Amudasurabhi, a Tamil literary magazine, for over 50 years (1951–2003). In 1997, he started his own magazine, Illakiyapeedam. He was its editor and publisher.

He also edited other magazines, including:

• Kuruvi (a children's weekly)
• Sundari (a magazine published every two weeks)
• Mangalam (a weekly magazine)
• Tamil Arasi (a weekly magazine)

Vikiraman's Writings

Vikiraman wrote many different types of books. He wrote novels, short stories, plays, poems, and travel books. He also wrote history books for young people in simple Tamil. He is especially famous for his historical novels.

Historical Novels

Vikiraman's first historical novel, Udayachandran, came out in 1957. He wrote 33 more historical novels over the next 40 years.

One of his most famous historical novels is Nandipurathu Nayagi. It was first published in parts in Amudasurabi magazine from 1957 to 1959. It came out as a book in 1964. This novel is a follow-up story to Ponniyin Selvan by his teacher, Kalki Krishnamurthy. Kalki Krishnamurthy greatly influenced Vikiraman's historical novels.

Here are some of his historical novels:

Stories from the Pallava Period

• Udhayachandiran
• Kanchisundari
• Kadalmallai Kaadhali
• Kovoor Koonan
• Parivadini
• Manikkaveenai

Stories from the Pandya Period

• Pandyan Mahudam
• Pagaivanin Kaadhali
• Kanni Kottai Elavarasi

Stories from the Chola Period

• Nandhipuraththu Nayagi
• Kulottungan Sabadam
• Chittiravalli
• Maravarman Kaadhali
• Rajadittan Sabadam
• Thyagavallabhan
• Yaazhnangai
• Chola Elavarasan Kanavu
• Therkku Vaasal Mohini
• Kondrai Malar Kumari
• Chola Mahudam
• Mangala Devan Magal
• Oruvaal Orumahudam Iruvizhikkal
• Vanjeenagar Vanjee
• Vandiya Devan Vaal
• Rajarajan Sabadam
• Gangapuri Kaavalan
• Paraandagan Magal

Books for Children

Vikiraman also wrote special books for children.

• Tanneer Pappa (1946)

Social Novels

He wrote novels about society and people's lives.

• Naachiyaar Magal
• Ratnahaaram
• Idhayapeedam
• Thituvilakku
• Gandhimadiyin Kanavan
• Azhagu Raani
• Nalla Manidargal
• Chandiramadi

Short Story Collections

Vikiraman wrote over 150 short stories in 62 years.

• Vikiraman Sirukadhaigal
• Ponnvizha Aandu Sirukadhai KALANJIYAM (51 stories)
• Pavazha Vizha Aandu Sirukadhai KALANJIYAM (70 stories)
• Swarna Kili (a short novel)
• Abhimaana Valli (historical short stories)

Books for Young People

• Porkaalathin Kadhai
• Kaanchi Kaavalar Kadhai

Travel Books

• Vatapi Vijayam
• Mammalapuram (1947)
• Sirrpam Chittiram Gopuram Kovil

Plays

• Sollkaatu Sedhupadi
• Parivadhini (dramatized)
• Idhayapeedam (dramatized)
• Nimmadhi (shown on TV)

Awards and Recognition

Vikiraman received many awards for his writing.

• In 1981, he won the Tamil Nadu State Tamil Development Department Award.
• He received the Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiyaar award for his novel 'Madhurai Mahudam'.
• World University gave him an Honorary Doctorate in Tamil Literature.
• In 1988, he received the Tamizh Annai Virudu from Thanjavur Tamil University.
• The Tamil Nadu Government honored him with the Kalaimamani title in 1991.
• He also received titles like 'Charitra Kadhai Chemmal' and 'Muttamizh Vittagar'. These titles mean "Expert in Historical Stories" and "Master of Three Forms of Tamil."

Community Involvement

Vikiraman was active in many community roles.

• He was the President of the All India Tamil Writer's Association.
• He served as a Trustee for the Tamil Writer's Well Being Trust.
• He was the Chief Patron for the Bharathiyaar Annual Festival in Ettayapuram.
• He was a government representative to the Eyal Isai Nataka Manram.
• He was also a member of the Censor Board of Film Certification in Chennai twice.