N.Yogenthiranathan, a renowned Tamil writer famed for his literary contribution to the Tamils' struggle for self determination, passed away yesterday at the age of 80.
Born in Karanavai, Jaffna, Mr Yogenthiranathan's participation in struggles against social oppression began in the 1960s. His play Uyirththezhukai (Resurrection) was broadcast widely on radio and helped stamp his position among the Tamil nationalists and transformed him into a prominent figure in the hearts of the Tamil people.
As a freedom fighter he used his pen as a tool to fight against oppressors and carried the ideal of liberation in his heart. He worked with great courage during the Tamils' armed struggle against Sri Lanka, engaging in politics, drama, and the Voice of Tigers radio. With the same bravery and intellect, he channelled his efforts into literary works, turning his creations into historical documents, devoid of fiction, and rich in the spirit of a freedom fighter’s soul.
His plays, including Uyir Kudikkum Paravaigal (Birds that suck life), Sambal Paravaigal (Birds from the ashes), and Kaaval Veli (Guardian Plains), received great acclaim from the public. He also wrote several serial novels and hundreds of short stories.
Mr Yogenthiranathan recently published 'Neenthikkadantha Neruppaaru' (River of flames that was swum across) - a work about a pivotal battle in the armed conflict when LTTE fighters executed a beach landing behind Sri Lankan armed forces lines that eventually led to the capture of the Elephant Pass garrison in 2000 - just before his demise.
Among mourners visiting the family home in Neervely, Jaffna, was ITAK leadership-elect Shritharan MP. He said that “a creator lives through his works as long as time allows, and in the same way, N. Yogenthiranathan, a freedom fighter born on our land, will always remain a symbol of Tamil nationalism in our hearts. With strong dedication to his ideals, the great personality of our land, Maamanidhar (Great Man) N. Yogenthiranathan will always live on. May his soul rest in peace, and I offer my prayers for his family to recover from this sorrow."