R. Ponnammal, an award-winning author of children’s and spiritually themed books, passed away recently. He was 87 years old. He had been a resident of Mylapore for over 50 years.
Ponnammal (born May 21, 1937) Thiruvallikeni) Though she only had an eighth-grade education, she was an avid reader of Tamizh magazines and books, a habit that exposed her to the literature and language.
Eventually, friends who had been listening to her stories encouraged her to write them down and send them to magazines, and her stories began to appear occasionally.
She took a long break from writing after getting married and having children, but in 1976 her passion was rekindled and she entered her story in a short story competition organised by the Tamil Nadu Children’s Writers Association in association with Dinamani Weekly and won a prize.
Thereafter, Ponnammal wrote steadily for magazines, mostly for children and spiritual/religious themes, some of her works being about women, their lives and issues.
Her first book, Kadavulin Karunai, was a collection of short stories for children published by Palaniappa Brothers. Her magnum opus is considered to be the 1,000+ page Panduranga Makhimai published by Giri Trading Company.
She has written over 200 books, including Astrology, temple travelogues, and modern interpretations of classical poetry such as 4000 Divya Pasurams and 12 Thirumuraigal.
She has received numerous awards. Tamil Nadu Government Children’s Writers Award.
She is survived by her two sons and their families. Contact – 12, Kesava Perumal East Street, Mylapore. Phone number: 24951854
