Love is bliss …! – Professor Solomon Pappiah

Professor Solomon Pappiah is doing the great job of propagating not only the Tamil language and the Tamil literature through his humor and unique style of conducting ‘Pattimanram’ but also popularizing the norms and vision for social life and the conduct to be adhered to in our daily life. Through his ‘Pattimanrams’, he reaches out not only to the masses and the people living in the interior hamlets of Tamil Nadu but also to people living in the big cities of America and other countries. Solomon Pappiah is a popular name among the Tamils Diaspora scattered over the globe thanks to his capacity to weave a magic spell with words. Kalyanamalai took pride in honoring this great scholar and moderator by awarding him the title ‘Pattimanra Bharathi’ at a grand function got up in Madurai. When Kalyanamalai caught up with him for an interview, we were able to realize and appreciate the depth of this simple man’s contribution to the popularization of the Tamil language as well as Tamil literature.

Even during his lean days, he had lived a wholesome life making the best out of the worst. But, even after he reached a place for himself, climbing the ladder of success carving a niche for himself as an orator and moderator, he continues to remain simple and humble. His style makes him stand unique. When he shared with us the important stages in his life, we were only reminded of the ‘Thirukkural’ verse ‘Idukkann varungaal naguga’. He had the wisdom to describe even his days of travails with his usual friendly enormous smile! His life was a tale of travails and triumph. We wondered why his attitude should not be emulated by one and all.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: Tell us about your younger days …

A: Time flies and doesn’t wait for anyone. My grandchildren have grown up. I am having a wholesome and gratifying life with my wife, children and grandchildren around. And, I am fortunate to have the love and affection of the Tamils spread over the globe. My younger days were full of trials and travails. Poverty was part of my life. But still, I feel happy when I recall those days. I thank God for having given me a peaceful and useful life. My father’s name was Sundaram, mother’s was Bhagyam. My father had drinking habit. He would bring home only whatever money was left after spending on alcohol. We were eight children and I am the last – born. In those days, three square meals was a dream in our family that never came true. My father used to say that Sambavar Vadakarai near Thenkasi was our native place. We had no lands or relatives there. But I consider Sathangudi near Thirumangalam as my native place. Due to severe drought, we shifted to Madurai. Madura Mills was known as Harvey Mills in those days. Both my parents joined it as daily labor.