Known by her pen name Paavai, this writer has achieved what many would consider impossible – earning a place in the Malaysia Book of Records despite having only completed primary school.
She was officially recognised as the “longest running writer in Tamil literature” on Nov 30 in a ceremony held at the Malaysian Association for the Blind in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.
The honour celebrates her six-decade-long dedication to the art, marking the first time a Tamil literary writer has secured a spot in the prestigious record books.
Based in Penang, Paavai shared her inspiring story with FMT Lifestyle in a virtual interview conducted in Tamil.
“My duty has always been to write and nurture the Tamil language. For the past 60 years, I have been writing continuously. Finally, this recognition has come my way. I never anticipated it, but I am very happy about it.”
Growing up in Penang, she studied at the Ramakrishna Tamil School. Although she was later offered a place in an English-medium school, her family’s financial difficulties prevented her from pursuing her secondary education.
“This left me with a deep longing for education,” she admitted. “As a result, I would read any book I could get my hands on, even borrowing books from neighbours.”
Passing her time with reading eventually drew her into the world of writing. “I would read ‘Ambuli Mama,’ ‘Kalkandu,’ ‘Kumudam Kalai Magal,’ ‘Pesum Padam,’ as well as local magazines and newspapers.”
Paavai’s earliest forays into writing began at age 15 in 1964 with short articles sent to radio stations and Tamil newspapers. “Seeing my work in print made me feel proud and happy. I gained some recognition and a good name in that circle,” she recalled.
Her contributions expanded as people began to notice her talent. Over time, her portfolio grew to include more than 200 short stories.
Now in her 70s, Paavai attributes much of her growth as a writer to Malaysia’s Tamil newspapers and radio.
Paavai’s literary achievements also include seven published books: four novels (Meippadum Kanavugal, Uthirndhu Pogum Uravugal, Mannil Theriyum Vaanam, and Koodugal Kolangalanaal), short story collections (Gnanapookal and Thamarai Ilaigal), and a classic Tamil poetry collection titled Pavalamalli.
“Most of my stories are inspired by social contexts,” Paavai expressed. Each of her works is known to impart wisdom and convey meaningful life lessons.
“A mother may have ten children, but her love will extend to all of them equally,” she said. “In the same way, no matter how many works I write, I approach each one with affection and dedication. This is the only way to bring life into any creation.”
Her most recent publication, “Pavalamalli,” holds a special place in her heart. “It portrays the real-life story of a woman, but because it is written in a traditional poetic form, not everyone can appreciate it,” she acknowledged.
“Although it didn’t appeal to casual readers, scholars of the Tamil language found it highly commendable.”
Beyond her writing, Paavai remains a passionate advocate for the Tamil language.
She said parents play a critical role in fostering the connection between their children and their mother tongue. “While English and other languages are necessary, we must also understand and learn the value of our mother tongue. Isn’t that our duty?”
Paavai credits her favourite Tamil writers, such as the late Dr R Karthigesu, Mu Anbu Selvan, and S Peer Mohamed, as inspirations for her literary journey. “I also admire all the writers who are still active today, including authors from Tamil Nadu, India.”
As she reflects on her work, Paavai hopes her story will inspire others to pursue their passions, regardless of their circumstances. “My creations were like my lifeline. I enjoyed writing every piece,” she said.
From her humble beginnings as a child with a love for books to her celebrated position in the Malaysia Book of Records, Paavai’s story is a reminder that the barriers one grows up with don’t have to define one’s future, nor do the limitations faced, dictate the heights of one’s ambitions.