Chennai, Nov 23 (LatestNewsX) – Erode Tamilanban, a highly celebrated figure in contemporary Tamil literature and a Sahitya Akademi Award recipient, was laid to rest with full state honors in Chennai on Sunday.
The 92‑year‑old poet, who passed away the previous day, received a dignified farewell at the Arumbakkam electric crematorium. There, an armed police squad fired thirty rounds in three volleys, following instructions from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Tamilanban had been receiving treatment for severe respiratory issues at a private hospital in the city. Despite intensive care, he breathed his last in the afternoon.
His remains were later taken to his home in Koyambedu, where they were displayed for public homage. Throughout the day and into the night, a stream of dignitaries, political leaders, artists, writers and admirers came to pay their respects to the beloved poet.
Chief Minister Stalin, who had visited the residence on Saturday, offered condolences to the grieving family. In his message he described Tamilanban as “an exceptional literary force whose life elevated Tamil language, culture, and scholarship,” noting the breadth of his contributions across many genres and readerships.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also voiced his tribute on Sunday, just before the state funeral.
Born in 1933 in Chennimalai, Erode district, Tamilanban established himself as a prolific and versatile writer. His oeuvre spanned classical Tamil poetry, modern free verse, haiku, short stories, novels, plays, essays and children’s literature.
He earned the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2004 for his landmark work “Vanakkam Valluva,” which reexamined the moral philosophy of Tiruvalluvar for contemporary readers. Over the years, he also received the Kalaimamani award and several other honors.
After the cremation, VCK leader and Chidambaram MP Thol Thirumavalavan praised Tamilanban as “a monumental treasure of Tamil thought and a global literary calibre voice.” He added that the poet’s passing was “an irreplaceable loss to the Tamil world,” underscoring the deep influence Tamilanban had across literary and cultural circles.
With his death, Tamil Nadu says goodbye to a towering figure who helped shape modern Tamil literature and inspired generations of readers, scholars and aspiring writers. Admirers believe his legacy will persist in the timeless resonance of his words.
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