MADURAI: “Ulagam Suttriya Tamilar Somalay,” a book authored by writer Devi Nachiappan, was released during a celebration organised in Sivaganga district to commemorate the birth centenary of SML Lakshmanan Chettiar, popularly called as ‘Somalay’.
‘Somalay,’ born in 1921, was a renowned globe trotter, businessman and writer, who published more than 80 works.
A government library named after him as Somalay Memorial Library is functioning at Nerkuppai in Sivaganga district, serving the needs of many students from rural backgrounds.
The library is supported with the aid of Tamil Nadu Foundation (TNF). Somalay’s son Dr Somalay Somasundaram, a US-based agriculture scientist, is a former president of TNF.
“The library houses more than 30,000 books across a range of subjects and genres and around 70 students from Nerkuppai and nearby villages make use of the library every day. It is also the only library functioning in the area with computers. Computer training is also provided to students,” said S Kannan, the librarian.
During the birth centenary celebration on Thursday, the book ‘Ulagam Suttriya Tamilar, Somalay’ by award-winning author Devi Nachiappan was released in the presence of various dignitaries like VT Somasundaram, son of Somalay Sundaram, Dr M Selvarasu from Ganesar College of Arts and Science and writer V Thiagarajan from Nerkuppai.
The dignitaries also addressed a gathering of students and teachers from neighbouring schools and shared their experience and thoughts on Somalay.
Five students received the ‘Nal Vasagar’ award, a cash prize of Rs 100, which is a monthly-award given to students who make use of the library the most.