From a DMK campaigner and fan of MGR to renowned littérateur

Sudalaimadan Koil Street in Tirunelveli holds a special place in the landscape of modern Tamil literature. The street has hosted many literary figures, including Sahitya Akademi Award winner Thi. Ka. Sivasankaran, popularly known as Thikasi and Vannadasan. Thikasi also served as editor. ThamaraiLiterary magazine of the Communist Party of India started by P. Jeevanandham. The street was also a lively center of the city. DMK – A rare combination of literature and grassroots politics. He is also associated with the modern poet Kalapriya, who has been nominated for the 2025 Sahitya Akademi Award.

“There was no money. During elections, we used to get a cup of fruit sherbet for our work. Even tea was scarce. I remember the day in 1967 when DMK candidate AL Subramaniam welcomed us with 25 one-rupee notes. But we refused to accept them,” Kalapriya recalls.