Greetings, Valluvar!

Greetings, Valluvar!

Greetings, Valluvar! is a remarkable collection of twenty-two free-verse poems that creates an imaginative dialogue between celebrated Tamil poet Erode Tamilanban and the legendary poet-philosopher Valluvar (Tiruvalluvar). Blending Tamil heritage, philosophy and contemporary reflections, this award-winning work explores timeless ideas of humanity, equality and universal wisdom.

📖 About the Book

Through a profound conversation with Valluvar, the poet reflects on questions of identity, spirituality, social values and the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in the modern world. The collection begins with a powerful question: “How was it that your thoughts could soar beyond colour and caste?”

These twenty-two free-verse poems weave together Tamil myths, epic histories and rich symbolism, creating a unique literary experience that bridges the past and present. The poems explore themes of universality, compassion, equality and the philosophical depth of Valluvar’s teachings.

Winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award for Tamil in 2004, Greetings, Valluvar! celebrates the timeless vision of Tiruvalluvar while showcasing Erode Tamilanban’s extraordinary poetic ability to connect classical thought with contemporary concerns.

✨ Key Highlights

• A collection of twenty-two innovative free-verse poems.
• Presented as a poetic dialogue between Tamilanban and Valluvar.
• Explores Tamil culture, mythology, history and philosophy.
• Reflects on universal values of equality, spirituality and humanity.
• Winner of the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for Tamil.
• A meaningful read for lovers of poetry, philosophy and Tamil literature.

✍️ About the Poet

Erode Tamilanban, a renowned Tamil poet, retired as Professor of Tamil at New College, Chennai. He began writing poetry at the age of twelve and continues his literary journey even today.

His first work, Koti Katta Kumaran, was published in 1968. Since then, he has written ninety-one collections of poetry, many of which have been translated into languages including English, Spanish and Hindi.

Tamilanban has received numerous national and international honours. His work Vanakkam, Valluva! received the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2004 and the Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi Classical Tamil Award in 2018.

🌐 About the Translators

Gregory James studied Linguistics at the Universities of Edinburgh and Exeter. After teaching in India and Iran, he joined the University of Exeter and later worked in educational administration in Hong Kong. He received the Veeramamunivar Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2020 for his contributions to Tamil lexicography.

V. Jayadevan is a respected Tamil scholar, lexicographer and translator who retired as Professor and Head of the Department of Tamil Language at the University of Madras. He has received several honours, including the Muthamizh Kavalar K.A.P. Viswanatham Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu for his contributions to Tamil scholarship.

📚 Why Read This Book?

Greetings, Valluvar! is a powerful poetic journey that brings together ancient Tamil wisdom and modern reflections. Through its imaginative dialogue and rich symbolism, the book offers readers a deeper understanding of humanity, philosophy and the timeless ideas of Tiruvalluvar.