1. Introduction
Periyasaamy Thooran occupies a distinctive place in modern Tamil cultural history because his work crossed several fields. He was simultaneously a poet, educator, editor, children’s writer, translator and Carnatic music composer.
His greatest institutional achievement was his long association with the Tamil Encyclopedia project. He served as its principal editor from 1948 to 1968, helping produce a ten-volume modern Tamil encyclopedia. He subsequently worked on a ten-volume children’s encyclopedia.
His songs were also widely performed in Carnatic music concerts. Several prominent musicians helped popularise his compositions, and the Tamil Isai Sangam conferred the title Isai Perarignar on him in 1972.
2. Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manchakkattuvalasu Palanivelappa Gounder Periyasaamy Thooran |
| Popular Name | Periyasaamy Thooran / M. P. Periyasaamy Thooran |
| Native Name | பெரியசாமி தூரன் |
| Date of Birth | 26 September 1908 |
| Place of Birth | Manjakattuvalasu, near Modakurichi, Erode district, Tamil Nadu |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Poet, teacher, writer, editor, lyricist and Carnatic music composer |
| Field of Achievement | Tamil literature, education and music |
| Years Active | Approximately 1920s–1980s |
| Major Contribution | Chief editor of the Tamil Encyclopedia |
| Major National Honour | Padma Bhushan |
| Padma Bhushan Year | 1968 |
| Date of Death | 20 January 1987 |
| Place of Death | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
His birthplace is identified as Manjakattuvalasu near Modakurichi, in present-day Erode district.
3. Award Information
Padma Bhushan
| Award Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Award Name | Padma Bhushan |
| Award Category | Literature and Education |
| Award Year | 1968 |
| Recipient | Periyasaamy Thooran |
| Presented By | Government of India / President of India |
| Date of Ceremony | Exact ceremony date not established from the sources consulted |
| Official Area of Recognition | Literature and Education |
Periyasaamy Thooran was among the 1968 Padma Bhushan awardees in the Literature and Education category.
Citation / Official Reason
For a blog, it is safest to describe the recognition as being for his contributions to Tamil literature and education, rather than inventing a longer official citation that cannot be verified from the available award record.
Previous Recipients
There were many previous Padma Bhushan recipients because the award was established in 1954. There is therefore no single “previous recipient” for Thooran.
Next Recipients
The Padma Bhushan continued to be awarded annually after 1968, so there is likewise no single successor recipient.
4. Why Did Periyasaamy Thooran Receive the Award?
Thooran’s Padma Bhushan recognition reflected his broad contribution to Tamil literature and education.
His importance came from several areas:
- Developing modern Tamil literary writing.
- Editing the major Tamil Encyclopedia.
- Helping create a children’s encyclopedia in Tamil.
- Writing poetry, stories, essays and children’s literature.
- Composing hundreds of Tamil songs.
- Supporting the development of Tamil music.
- Contributing to education as a teacher.
- Promoting scientific and technical terminology in Tamil.
- Taking part in India’s freedom movement through his writings and student activism.
5. Early Life
Periyasaamy Thooran was born on 26 September 1908 at Manjakattuvalasu, a village near Modakurichi in present-day Erode district, Tamil Nadu.
His parents were K. A. Palanivelappa Gounder and Paavaathal. His mother died when he was young.
During his childhood, Thooran developed a strong interest in Tamil language and literature. One of his teachers, Thirumalaisamy Ayyangar, encouraged this interest.
He was also an enthusiastic reader and became familiar with a wide range of Tamil books through the library at Karungalpalayam in Erode.
Two figures had a particularly strong influence on his thinking:
- Subramania Bharati
- Mahatma Gandhi
Their ideas helped shape his nationalism, literary interests and commitment to social improvement.
6. Education
Thooran received his early education in Modakurichi and later studied at Mahajanasabha High School in Erode.
He subsequently attended Presidency College, Madras (Chennai).
Educational milestones
- Primary education in Modakurichi
- High school at Mahajanasabha High School, Erode
- Intermediate studies at Presidency College, Chennai
- Studied mathematics and related subjects
- Obtained an L.T. (Licentiate in Teaching) in 1929
There is a discrepancy in some secondary biographies about whether he ultimately completed his undergraduate degree. Tamil Wiki states that he boycotted his final examinations in protest following the execution of Bhagat Singh, while other biographical summaries state that he later obtained a degree. For a carefully sourced blog, it is better to say that his formal education included Presidency College and an L.T. teaching qualification, without claiming an unverified completed B.A.
7. Career Journey
Beginning as a Teacher
Thooran began his professional career as a schoolteacher around 1929.
He worked at schools including Diamond Jubilee High School in Gobichettipalayam and later at branches of Ramakrishna High School.
Teaching remained an important part of his life and influenced his later work in educational publishing.
Freedom Movement and Journalism
While studying at college, Thooran became involved in nationalist activities.
He published an underground magazine called Pithan, which contained writings critical of British rule and supportive of India’s independence movement. During this period he adopted “Thooran” as his pen name.
He later edited Kaalachakram, a Tamil journal modelled in format partly on the English magazine Time.
Tamil Encyclopedia
His most important professional achievement came with the Tamil Encyclopedia project.
Thooran served as principal editor from 1948 to 1968, overseeing the production of a ten-volume Tamil encyclopedia.
His scientific background was particularly useful because the project required Tamil terminology for modern scientific and technological subjects.
Children’s Encyclopedia
After the general encyclopedia project, Thooran became involved in producing a ten-volume children’s encyclopedia in Tamil. This was another pioneering contribution to Tamil educational literature.
Full-time Writer
Thooran retired in 1976 and thereafter devoted himself primarily to writing and literary work.
8. Major Achievements
1. Tamil Encyclopedia
His most significant achievement was his role as chief editor of the ten-volume Tamil Encyclopedia (Kalaikkalanjiyam).
2. Children’s Encyclopedia
He was also instrumental in producing the first major children’s encyclopedia in Tamil, consisting of ten volumes.
3. Tamil Poetry
His poetry collections include:
- Ilanthamizha
- Minnal Poo
- Nilap Pinju
- Patti Paravaigal
- Thooran Kavithaigal
4. Carnatic Music
Thooran composed a large body of Tamil devotional and classical songs. His compositions were performed by leading Carnatic musicians and remain part of the Tamil music repertoire.
5. Children’s Literature
He wrote numerous books and songs for children, including Nalla Nalla Paattu and other children’s stories and educational works.
6. Bharati Scholarship
Thooran was one of the early scholars to study and document the life and works of Subramania Bharati. He produced several books dealing with Bharati’s poetry, nationalism, humour, spirituality and social thought.
9. Contribution to the Nation
Periyasaamy Thooran contributed to India in several interconnected ways.
Freedom and Nationalism
As a young man, he used journalism and literature to support the Indian independence movement and oppose British colonial rule.
Education
His teaching career and encyclopedia work helped make knowledge accessible to Tamil-speaking readers.
Scientific Knowledge in Tamil
The Tamil Encyclopedia project was especially significant because it attempted to express modern fields such as science and technology through Tamil terminology.
Preservation of Culture
Through his writings on Bharati, traditional Tamil literature and music, Thooran helped preserve and interpret Tamil cultural heritage.
Music
His compositions demonstrated that Tamil could be used effectively for devotional and Carnatic compositions while remaining accessible to a broad audience.
Children’s Education
His children’s books and encyclopedia work helped introduce literature, science and general knowledge to younger Tamil readers.
10. Other Awards and Honours
| Award / Honour | Year |
|---|---|
| Padma Bhushan | 1968 |
| Kalaimamani | 1970 |
| Isai Perarignar | 1972 |
| Annamalai Chettiar Award | 1978 |
The Tamil Wiki biography records the Kalaimamani recognition from the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram in 1970, Isai Perarignar from the Tamil Isai Sangam in 1972, and the Annamalai Chettiar Award in 1978.
11. Legacy and Influence
Periyasaamy Thooran’s legacy is unusually broad.
He cannot be remembered only as a poet. His work connects:
Tamil literature + education + music + children’s writing + journalism + encyclopedic knowledge + nationalism.
His role in creating the Tamil Encyclopedia was particularly important. The project helped establish Tamil as a language capable of presenting modern knowledge across many disciplines.
His musical compositions also remain relevant. Songs such as “Muruga Muruga Endral Urugadho Undhan Ullam” and “Azhagu Deivamaga Vandhu Pazhani Malai Meedhil Nirpom” continue to be associated with Tamil devotional and Carnatic music traditions.
His work therefore influenced both scholarly Tamil and popular Tamil culture.
12. Interesting Facts
- Periyasaamy Thooran was born in 1908 in present-day Erode district.
- He was strongly influenced by Subramania Bharati and Mahatma Gandhi.
- He published an underground nationalist magazine called Pithan while he was a student.
- He used “Thooran” as his literary name.
- He worked as a schoolteacher before becoming a major literary figure.
- He served as chief editor of the Tamil Encyclopedia for about two decades.
- The Tamil Encyclopedia consisted of ten volumes.
- He also helped produce a ten-volume children’s encyclopedia.
- He wrote extensively about Subramania Bharati.
- He composed hundreds of songs.
- His songs were performed by leading Carnatic musicians.
- He received the Padma Bhushan in 1968.
- He was awarded the title Isai Perarignar in 1972.
- He wrote works for both adults and children.
- He also translated works from English into Tamil, including Jack London’s The Call of the Wild.
13. Quotes
For a fact-based blog, I recommend not using unattributed quotations circulating online as “Periyasaamy Thooran quotes” unless you can verify them against his original Tamil publications.
Instead, you can use this original editorial summary:
Periyasaamy Thooran’s life brought together literature, education, music and the service of Tamil language and culture.
Note: This is a summary written for your blog and not a direct quotation from Thooran.
14. Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1908 | Born at Manjakattuvalasu near Modakurichi, Erode |
| 1920s | Developed strong interest in Tamil literature |
| 1927 | Completed intermediate studies at Presidency College |
| 1929 | Obtained L.T. qualification and began teaching |
| Early 1930s | Became involved in nationalist journalism |
| 1931 | Boycotted final degree examinations following Bhagat Singh’s execution, according to Tamil biographical sources |
| 1930s | Continued teaching and literary activity |
| 1948 | Became principal editor of the Tamil Encyclopedia |
| 1950s–1960s | Published poetry, children’s works and musical compositions |
| 1968 | Completed his principal editorial work on the Tamil Encyclopedia |
| 1968 | Received Padma Bhushan |
| 1970 | Received Kalaimamani |
| 1972 | Received Isai Perarignar title |
| 1976 | Retired from professional service |
| 1978 | Received Annamalai Chettiar Award |
| 1980 | Suffered a major stroke |
| 1987 | Died on 20 January |
The dates concerning his encyclopedia work and honours are supported by the biographical sources consulted.
15. References
For your blog, these are useful sources to consult and cite:
- Tamil Wiki – Periyasamy Thooran: detailed information on his education, teaching career, encyclopedia work, poetry and music.
- Ministry of Home Affairs / Padma Awards records: for verification of his 1968 Padma Bhushan.
- VSK Tamil Nadu biography: useful Tamil-language biographical information on his early life, journalism and encyclopedia work.
- Times of India: background on his literary and musical contributions, including Ilam Thamizha and Kaalachakram.
- Wikimedia/Wikidata records: useful for basic biographical cross-checking.
16. Related Personalities
Subramania Bharati
The revolutionary Tamil poet was one of Thooran’s major influences. Thooran later devoted considerable scholarly attention to Bharati’s life and writings.
Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi’s ideas of nationalism, social responsibility and education influenced Thooran’s outlook.
Bharathidasan
Another major modern Tamil poet whose literary period overlapped with Thooran’s.
Kavimani Desigavinayagam Pillai
An important Tamil poet whose traditional yet accessible style forms part of the literary background in which Thooran developed.
Papanasam Sivan
A major Tamil composer whose work can be compared with Thooran’s contribution to Tamil devotional and Carnatic music.
T. K. Govinda Rao
A musician who set several of Thooran’s lyrics to music and helped bring his compositions to a wider audience.
17. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who was Periyasaamy Thooran?
Periyasaamy Thooran was an Indian Tamil poet, teacher, writer, editor and Carnatic music composer who made major contributions to Tamil literature and education.
When was Periyasaamy Thooran born?
He was born on 26 September 1908.
Where was Periyasaamy Thooran born?
He was born at Manjakattuvalasu near Modakurichi, in present-day Erode district, Tamil Nadu.
What was Periyasaamy Thooran famous for?
He is particularly famous for serving as the chief editor of the ten-volume Tamil Encyclopedia and for his contributions to Tamil poetry and Carnatic music.
Which award did Periyasaamy Thooran receive?
He received the Padma Bhushan in 1968 in the field of Literature and Education.
Did Periyasaamy Thooran receive the Kalaimamani?
Yes. He received the Kalaimamani honour in 1970.
What is Isai Perarignar?
Isai Perarignar is an honorary title associated with excellence in Tamil music. The Tamil Isai Sangam conferred this title on Thooran in 1972.
Did he write children’s literature?
Yes. He wrote numerous children’s songs and stories and contributed to the Children’s Encyclopedia in Tamil.
What was the Tamil Encyclopedia?
The Tamil Encyclopedia, or Kalaikkalanjiyam, was a major multi-volume effort to present general knowledge in Tamil. Thooran served as its principal editor from 1948 to 1968.
Was Periyasaamy Thooran involved in India’s freedom movement?
Yes. As a student, he published Pithan, a nationalist magazine that opposed British rule and supported India’s independence movement.
Who influenced Periyasaamy Thooran?
He was particularly influenced by Subramania Bharati and Mahatma Gandhi.
What kind of music did he compose?
He composed Tamil devotional and Carnatic music, and his compositions have been performed by prominent classical musicians.
When did Periyasaamy Thooran die?
He died on 20 January 1987, aged 78.
About the Author
