GLEANINGS
Left of centre journal in Thamil
K.S.Sivakumaran
The third issue of Sarinihar (Based on Equality Basis) is just out.
It is a left of centre journal in Thamil on current politics, sociology
and the arts. One sees a veiled expression of Thamil nationalism within
its covers.
Including the covers it has 100 pages and is sold at Rs.100 per copy.
It has the motto a line from Subramania Bharathi, the greatest
Thamilnadu poet of the last century. The line is: Sarinihar Samamaha
Vaalvoam Intha Naatilae meaning "Let's live in this country (India) on
an equal basis".
The cover pages have photographs in colour with captions like this:
Tears and
Awaiting and In whose hand is the law? The pictures tell untold
stories. The magazine is 28 cm by 20 cm in size. Apparently the magazine
is produced by a board of editors but their names are not revealed. But
to my knowledge Balasubramaniam Sivakumar happens to be the Chief
Editor. The journal is published from 237/32 Vijaya Cumaratunga Road,
Colombo 05.
A disadvantage for me is that the articles are printed in small
fonts. I cannot read them because of my age. Two pages are devoted to
readers' opinions. One page for a political cartoon.
The editorial underlines "we won't lose hope." Pages nine to 11 are
filled with short political commentaries.
Sudha rites the cover story of the "Story of Missing Persons" and a
photo of picketing for the missing persons with a caption "The story of
freezing in the print house". This is followed by an unsigned article
titled the "Story of continuous sorrow".
An interview with Mano Ganeshan and a poem by Simone de titled "For
the eyes of that were Missing".
"Naasamaruppaan" poses a question titled "The question before the
people". J. S. Thisanayagam writes on China, India and America and
titles his piece "Lanka's Peace is a Plaything". Sa. Pa. Nimanushan asks
whether ''2007 is a turning point in history?"
Siraj Mahshhur claims that "The North is our Homeland too".
Idayan writes on "The right to live of the Hillcountry Thamilians and
the Irresponsibility of the Lankan and India Powers That Be" Pages 34 to
39 covers guest columns by Wimalrathna Weerarathna, C. R. Moorthy, and a
selection of combined commentaries of Raavaya and Sarinihar.
A selection of five long poems by 'Malara' (Pushpalatha Loganathan)
fills the pages 40 to 45.
Politics is a fluid thing and is subject to change and therefore I
usually skip political news and commentaries and also eagerly read the
Features and matters on the arts which give me satisfaction.
From Page 45 it is a feast. Manidharsha writes some notes on violence
against women based on the Hindi film Provoked. G. T. Keathaaranathan
reviews the English film Lumumba titled "Lumumba is a historical tragic
hero." Excerpts from an interview with the director of the film Rawl
Beck is also included in translation.
This feature excellently written takes seven pages. There is a
rejoinder of a previous article by Mitra by Aravindan. This takes five
pages on feminist poetry.
Sivamohan Sumathy critiques Sarinihar for recycling Tamil
Nationalism. She takes three pages for her views. Thisera writes a short
story titled "Nirvana Rajyam". Then there is a long interview with
Palestinian Poet Mahmud Tharveen taking six pages. The translator's name
is not given.
Aarabi comments on the production of six books published by Kumaran
publishers on five Lankan pioneers in culture and also on an American
Maanippai Dr Green. The other pioneers were Swami Vipulananda, Sir
Ponnambalam Arunachalam, Dr. Ananda Coomaraswamy, Aarumuga Naavalar and
C. Y. Thamotharampillai.
Three pages are devoted to reviews of significant books by Thulasi
and Ravi. The other capsule reviews are unsigned. Suppu writes about a
Thamil play in Canada and T. Gowriswaran pens on a children's festival.
Neduvanl writes on activities in the field of the arts and literature in
Yaalpaanam. S. K. Wigneswaran takes three pages to review poems by Theva
Abira.
There is a short remembrance of the late Italian director
Michelangelo Antonioni by K. S. Sivakumaran. Mahajan, the Indian
cinematographer is profiled by G. T. Keathaaranathan. Suresh Canagarajah
writes on the late A. J. Canagaratna. Finally, there is a note by Sajith
on a recent photographic exhibition of those affected by mental illness.
Understandably the journal is heavy and the print is tiny but the
magazine is irresistible.
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