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B. Jeyamohan

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Jeyamohan
Born(1962-04-22)22 April 1962
Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu
OccupationNovelist, short story writer, Literary Critic, essayist
LanguageTamil, Malayalam
NationalityIndian
Period1985–present
GenreFiction, Non-fiction,
SubjectLiterature, Philosophy, History
Notable worksVenmurasu
Vishnupuram
Pin Thodarum Nizhalin Kural
Kotravai
Kaadu
Naveena Thamizhilakkiya Arimugam
Aram
ChildrenAjithan, Chaitanya
Website
www.jeyamohan.in

B. Jeyamohan (also credited as Jayamohan; born 22 April 1962) is a Tamil and Malayalam writer[1] and literary critic from Nagercoil in Kanyakumari District in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. His best-known and critically acclaimed work is Vishnupuram, a deeply layered fantasy set as a quest through various schools of Indian philosophy and mythology. In 2014 he started his most ambitious work Venmurasu, a modern adaptation of the epic Mahabharatha. His other well-known novels include Rubber, Pin Thodarum Nizhalin Kural, Kanyakumari, Kaadu, Pani Manithan, Eazhaam Ulagam, and Kotravai. His writing is heavily influenced by the works of humanitarian thinkers Leo Tolstoy and Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Drawing on the strength of his life experiences and extensive travel around India, Jeyamohan is able to re-examine and interpret the essence of India's rich literary and classical traditions.

Jeyamohan's output includes nine novels, ten volumes of short-stories/plays, thirteen literary criticisms, five biographies of writers, six introductions to Indian and Western literature, three volumes on Hindu and Christian philosophy and numerous other translations and collections. He has also collaborated on screenwriting for three Malayalam and three Tamil movies .Though his literary works in Malayalam are very few when compared with the volume of his works in Tamil, he is off late concentrating in writing scripts for Malayalam Movies also. Being a Malayalee by birth and having been brought up in the bilingual (Malayalam and Tamil) culture of Kanyakumari District, he, like in Tamil, is at ease in Malayalam also. Ozhimuri, the Malayalam film penned by him got much critical acclaim.The film depicted the lives of Nair families in the present day Kanyakumari District.

Biography

Jeyamohan was born on 22 April 1962 in a traditional (erstwhile Southern Travancore) Nair Family in Arumanai of Kanya Kumari District, Tamil Nadu, to S.Bahuleyan Pillai and B.Visalakshi Amma. Bahuleyan Pillai was an accounts clerk in the Arumanai registrar's office. Visalakshi Amma hailed from a family of intellectuals and trade-unionists. Jeyamohan's siblings were an elder brother and a younger sister. Bahuleyan's family followed him around on his work-related transfers throughout southern Kerala and the Nanjil Kanyakumari district that straddles the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Jeyamohan's first publication during schooldays was in Ratnabala, a children's magazine, followed by a host of publications in popular weeklies.[citation needed]

In 1987, the journal Kollippaavai published his poem Kaidhi ('The Prisoner'). In the same year, Nadhi ('The River) was published in Kanaiyazhi with a critical mention from writer Ashoka Mitran. The journal Nigazh published Bodhi, followed by Padugai ('The Riverbed'). Critics heaped praise on Padugai for its evocative narrative that wove together myths and contemporary visuals. Jeyamohan wrote his first full-fledged novel Rubber in 1988 and then re-edited and published it in 1990. The novel won the Akilan Memorial prize for its path-breaking portrayal of the ecological and sociological impact of rubber cultivation in the South Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Jeyamohan's speech at the awards function was well received, and he further developed those ideas in Novel (1990), an exploration of the art form and its ideologies, and Naveena Thamizhilakkiya Arimugam, a comprehensive introduction to modernist Tamil literature.[citation needed]

In 1993, Jeyamohan met Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati which proved to be a turning point in his spiritual journey. The dialogues with the Guru opened new views into the body of Indian thought, which culminated in his most acclaimed work Vishnupuram in 1997.[citation needed]

Jeyamohan travelled and witnessed first-hand regional conflicts, droughts and political problems that underlay issues like Naxalism in tribal areas. His experiences convinced him of the continuing relevance of Gandhian idealism and non-violence as the sensible alternative to naked capitalism and militant socialism. The leftist in him had been saddened by the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, and a decade long introspection on the nature of power and self-righteousness found expression in Pin Thodarum Nizhalin Kural in 1999.[2]

Post-2000, Jeyamohan broke new ground with Kaadu (2003), an exploration of the forest landscape as a metaphor for lust and the vigour of life.[3] Kotravai (2005) is deemed by the writer as his best work till date in terms of structure and depth.[4][5][6]

From 1998 to 2004, Jeyamohan and his friends edited a literary journal named Solputhithu. In 2009, his readership circle created the Vishnupuram Ilakkiya Vattam to broaden the readership for serious literature in Tamil Nadu and to reward under-recognized pioneers of Tamil literature.[citation needed]

When he turned 50, Jeyamohan released a set of short-stories, titled 'Aram', that explored the high-idealism that is possible in man.[7] In 2014, Jeyamohan began writing Venmurasu, a re-narration of the Indian epic Mahabharata.[8]

Website

Jeyamohan had been an active participant in Tamil internet discussion groups like Mayyam, Forumhub and Thinnai.com during the early years of the medium in India. As part of the debates, Jeyamohan produced some of his best essays on literary standards and criticism during this period. Recognizing the possibility of losing some of these important works, Jeyamohan's friend and writer Cyril Alex[9] created the author's website for consolidating the author's works. Over the decade, the website has become an important repository of the author's essays. The author follows an innovative publishing model in which he serialises all new content on the website and allows free access, while simultaneously offering hardbacks and paperbacks through publishers. More significantly, the website allows the author to freely engage in discussions with thousands of readers on the axioms that govern his works and thought.[10] In early 2011, the Vishnupuram Ilakkiya Vattam has created an online moderated discussion group for discussing literature, criticism, art and related topics.[11]

Some of Jeyamohan's most notable articles include topics on the Anna Hazare anti-corruption movement, 'Elephant Doctor' V. Krishnamurthy, and the Dalit visionary Iyothee Thass.

Anna Hazare

Jeyamohan was one of the first Indian ideologues to write about Anna Hazare couple of years before Anna Hazare's popular anti-graft movement. In 2009, Jeyamohan had published a set of essays ('Indraya Gandhi') that examined the continuing relevance of Gandhi's methods and ideals in today's India. As a part of the series, he sought to explain how the next generation of Gandhian leaders like Anna Hazare were continuing to inspire the nation towards achieving true democracy and equality. Jeyamohan had personally visited Ralegaon Siddhi to see Hazare's social movements in action, and he also wrote about Hazare's tireless struggle to get the Right to Information Act passed in the Indian parliament.[citation needed]

Throughout 2011, Jeyamohan continued to write about and support Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement and the Jan Lokpal bill. Rather than focus on the minutiae of the bill itself, Jeyamohan focused readers' attention on the ideology behind Hazare's actions – how he appealed directly to the sense of justice in the common man, his symbolism, and the Gandhian method of achieving the ultimate goal through civil non-violent mass movement without letting up any opportunity to discuss and negotiate with political opponents. Amidst widespread scepticism and slander flamed up by the national and regional media across the political spectrum, Jeyamohan remained rock solid in support of Anna Hazare's movement. By the end of the summer of 2011, Jeyamohan had written close to 60 essays on the topic, many of them in answer to readers who had written in expressing their own doubts and questions.[citation needed]

Yaanai Docter (The Elephant Doctor)

Having grown up in the Kerala-Nanjl Nadu milieu, Jeyamohan constantly explores the deep symbolism and majesty of elephants in the Indian forest landscape. His works like 'Kaadu' and 'Mathagam' feature elephants in central roles, while his biographical and travel essays capture the centrality of nature, ecology and conservation to the Indian way of life. One such true-life story on the conservationist Dr.V. Krishnamurthy (veterinarian) ('Dr K, the Elephant Doctor') sparked huge interest and discussion among readers on the impact of humans on forest life. Told in semi-fictional form as through the eyes of a forest ranger, the story follows Dr K as, despite having a giant reputation in the naturalist circles, he eschews human accolades and seeks a much more rewarding life in the company of animals in the Indian Forest Department's elephant camps.[citation needed]

Controversies

Jeyamohan has found himself at the centre of many controversies.

Personal life

Jeyamohan was introduced to Arunmozhi Nangai as a reader and married her in 1991. Their son Ajithan was born in 1993 and daughter Chaitanya in 1997.[citation needed]

Awards

  • Akilan Memorial Prize (1990)
  • Katha Samman (1992)
  • Sanskriti Sammaan (1994)
  • Paavalar Virudhu (2008)
  • Fiction award for 'Kotravai' from The Tamil Literary Garden (2009)
  • Kannadhasan award (2014)
  • Live time achievement award from The Tamil Literary Garden (2015)

Bibliography

Tamil

Novels

Novella

New epic

  • Kotravai (2005) – The Goddess of the Paalai land, a re-interpretation of the Tamil epic Silappadhikaram
  • Venmurasu- Part 1 - Mutharkanal(2014),Book one of the Mahabaratham series
  • Venmurasu- Part 2 - Mazhaipaadal(2014),Book two of the Mahabaratham series
  • Venmurasu- Part 3 - Vannakkadal(2014),Book three of the Mahabaratham series
  • Venmurasu- Part 4 - Neelam(2014),Book four of the Mahabaratham series
  • Venmurasu- Part 5 - Prayaagai(2015),Book five of the Mahabaratham series
  • Venmurasu- Part 6 - Venmugil Nagaram(2015),Book six of the Mahabaratham series
  • Venmurasu- Part 7 - Indraneelam (2015), Book seven of the Mahabaratham series
  • Venmurasu- Part 8 - Kaandeebam (2015), Book eight of the Mahabaratham series
  • Venmurasu- Part 9 - Veiyon (2016), Book nine of the Mahabaratham series
  • Venmurasu- Part 10 - Panniru Padaikalam (2016), Book ten of the Mahabaratham series (In Progress)

Short story collections

Plays

  • Vadakkumugam (2004)

Children's literature

  • Panimanidhan (2002), The Ice Man[22]

Film/Screenwriting Credits[23][24]

Tamil

Jeyamohan has collaborated with filmmakers in Tamil and Malayalam and shares credits for story, screenplay and dialogues.

Malayalam

Literary criticism

  • Novel (1992)
  • Tharkaala Malayala Kavidhaigal (1992), on contemporary Malayalam poetry
  • Asokamithran Arubathandu Niraivuvizha malar (1993), souvenir volume for writer Asokamithran's sixtieth birthday celebrations
  • Sundara Ramasami Niraivuvizha malar (1994), souvenir volume for writer Sundara Ramasami's sixtieth birthday celebrations
  • Naveena Thamizhilakkiya Arimugam (1998), an introduction to modern Tamil literature
  • Naveenathuvathirku pin Thamizh kavidhai (1999), Post-modern Tamil poetry, with focus on Poet Devadevan
  • Sanga Chittirangal, vignettes from Tamil Sangam poems
  • Munsuvadugal
  • Merku Chaalaram, introduction to Western literature
  • Indraya Malayala Kavidhaigal (2002), on contemporary Malayalam poetry
  • Nedumpathaiyoram (2002), translated compilation of editorials originally published in the Malayalam publications Mathrubhumi and Bashaboshini
  • Ilakkiya Munnodigal Varisai (2003), a collection of seven volumes on pioneering modern Tamil litterateurs[25]
  • Ullunarvin Thadathil (2004)
  • Samakaala Malayala Kavidhaigal (2005), on contemporary Malayalam poetry
  • Ilakkiya Uraiyaadalgal Pettigal (2005), interviews and dialogues with modern Tamil writers
  • Aazhnathiyai Thedi (2006)
  • Eezha Ilakkiyam Oru Vimarsana Paarvai (2006), criticism of Eelam literature
  • Kanneerai Pinthodardhal (2006) – Following the trail of tears, a review of 22 Indian novels
  • Kamandala Nadhi – Nanjilnadan Padaippulagam (2007) – on Tamil writer Nanjil Nadan
  • Ezhudhum Kalai (2008) – The art of writing
  • Puthiya Kaalam (2009)
  • Kadaitheruvin Kalaignan (2010) – on Tamil writer A Madhavan
  • Pookkum Karuvelam - Poomaniyin Padaippulagam (2011) - on writer Poomani
  • Oliyalaanadhu - Devadevanin Padaippulagam (2012) - on poet Devadevan
  • Ezhudhiyavanai Kandupidithal - Ilakkiya Vivadha Katturaigal

Philosophy/Spirituality

Politics/political science

  • Saatchi Mozhi (2008), discourses on politics
  • Indraya Gandhi (2009), treatise on the continuing relevance of Gandhi and Gandhian principles
  • Anna Hazare (2011), (Collection of essays describing Anna Hazare's Gandhian philosophy and fight against corruption)

Culture/history

Memoirs/biographies

Life/experience

  • Vaazhvile Oru Murai
  • Nigazhdhal Anubavak Kurippugal (2007)
  • Je Chaitanyavin Sinthanai Marabu (2007)
  • Indru Petravai (2008), Notes from the diary
  • Naalum Pozhudhum
  • Ivargal Irundhargal

Travel

  • Pulvelidesam (2008), Grasslands, travels in Australia
  • Purappadu I (2013)
  • Purappadu II (2013)

General

  • Nalam – essays on health (2008)

Malayalam

  • Nedumpathaiyoram (2002)
  • Uravidangal
  • Nooru Simhasanangal

Notes

  1. ^ Ramnath, N.S. (6 July 2011). "The Tamil Film Industry's New Storyline". Forbes India. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  2. ^ Mohanarangan, Ka. (May 2000). "Varalaatrin Manasaatchiyai Theendum kural". Vetkai.
  3. ^ "Kaadu vimarsanam". Kaadu vimarsanam.
  4. ^ "Kotravai – thittamidalum therchiyum". Kotravai – thittamidalum therchiyum. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  5. ^ "Kotravai – special issue". Thamizhneyam. January 2008. {{cite journal}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  6. ^ "Kotravai – thamizhin nalloozh". Kotravai – thamizhin nalloozh. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  7. ^ "Aram: short stories". Aram: short stories. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  8. ^ "Venmurasu: A sublime literary masterpiece in the making". Swarajya. India. 12 November 2014.
  9. ^ "Cyril Alex". Cyril Alex. Retrieved 14 June 2011. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  10. ^ "Jeyamohan.in". Jeyamohan.in. Retrieved 14 June 2011. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  11. ^ "Jeyamohan readers discussion forum". Jeyamohan readers discussion forum. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  12. ^ "Page turners". India Today. India. 26 December 2005.
  13. ^ "Jeyamohan's Kanyakumari – vimarsanam". Kanyakumari – vimarsanam.
  14. ^ "Jeyamohanin Ezham Ulagam". Jeyamohanin Ezham Ulagam. Retrieved 14 June 2011. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  15. ^ "Udaindhu Sidharum Madhapeedangal". Udaindhu Sidharum Madhapeedangal. Retrieved 14 June 2011. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  16. ^ "Arulum Porulum". Arulum Porulum. Retrieved 14 June 2011. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  17. ^ "Ezham Ulagam". Ezham Ulagam. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  18. ^ "Iravu". Goodreads. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  19. ^ "Ulogam". Goodreads. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  20. ^ "The great famine of Madras and the men who made it". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 22 August 2013.
  21. ^ "Caste back into Tamil literary domain". Indian Express. Chennai, India. 5 December 2013.
  22. ^ "Pani manidhan". Goodreads. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  23. ^ "Writing for cinema yet another..." Writing for cinema yet another... Chennai, India: The Hindu. 11 July 2010. {{cite news}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  24. ^ "On writing for movies". Dinamalar. 10 July 2010. {{cite journal}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  25. ^ "Kadavul Ezhuga". Jayakanthan speech. Retrieved 14 June 2011. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)

References

See also

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