Thamil Thadam: R.P. Sethu Pillai

Celebrated as Sollin Selvar (Word Connoisseur), R.P. Sethu Pillai (1896 – 1961) was the first Tamil to receive the Sahithya Academy Award (1955) from the Indian government. He was one of the highly respected Tamil scholars, who headed the Department of Tamil for over 25 years at the University of Madras, an epicentre of Tamil activists during those days. His illustrious publication record includes a number of books, essays and articles in both Tamil and English. Among his notable works is his biography of Bishop Robert Caldwell (1841 – 1891), who academically established the Dravidian family of languages. Dr Dhamu Pongiyannan presents this week’s Thamil Thadam on R.P Sethu Pillai.

Source: Dhamu