Female Tamil journalist felicitated

Chelvatamby Maniccavasagar

Annaludchumi Rajadurai, an excellent writer and veteran journalist attached to the Express Newspapers (Ceylon) Ltd (Virakesari) continuously for the last 50 years in various capacities, has been honoured and felicitated by several national and International organizations for the tremendous service she has rendered in the sphere of Tamil Journalism.

In fact, there was a time when Journalism was exclusively meant for men. But, in the early part of 1950s, there were many English language and Sinhala language women journalists like Ranji Handy, Jeanne Pinto, Jean Moonesinghe and Sita Jayawardena (later Parakrama). But, in the latter part of 50s, a large number of women entered into the field of Journalism.

Felicitated at the Editors' Guild by a former ANCL Director Sarath Cooray

They were Roshan Pieris, Mallika Wanigasundara, Vijitha Fernando, Hema Gunawardena, Chandra Silva, Sybil Wettasinghe, Eva Ranaweera, Sriya Ratnakara, Karel Roberts and Rita Sebastian and all of them belonged to English and Sinhala medium Journalism.

But in the early part of 1960s, a few Tamil Journalists like Annaludchumi Rajadurai, Yoga Balachandran and later Ananthy Balasingam, Kamala Thambirajah, Leela Ramiah, Arokianathan and few others entered into Journalism.

Early entry

Annaludchumi Rajadurai who hails from an illustrious family from Thirunelvely, Jaffna entered into Journalism. She received her primary education at Thirunelvely Senguntha Hindu College and thereafter her secondary education at Chunnakam Ramanathan College and got through her GCE (A/L) London Examination. While she was a student she started writing short stories in her pen name 'Yaarl Nankai.'

In 1962, she joined Virakesari as a Sub-Editor, when most of the Jaffna girls on completion of their education preferred to teaching as their career.Indeed, she was bold and courageous enough to enter into Journalism despite numerous protests from all sections of the Tamil Community at that time. But, in a short time, she proved herself that even a Tamil girl can excel in Journalism even better than men if she is given an opportunity.

Indeed, Annaludchumi Rajadurai had rendered excellent work in the field of Journalism by holding several positions with her unyielding determination, dedication, devotion and commitment.

Further, as a woman Journalist, she has discharged her responsibilities with unsurpassed distinction and unsullied honour.

In fact, she has an exemplary command of the Tamil language and equally strong knowledge, on men and matters. In Virakesari, under the stewardship of several remarkable Editors from 1962 onwards, she has shown her versatility and blossomed out to be an excellent writer and reviewer of arts and literature.

Feature writing

She has a very fine style of writing which really inspires and impresses many readers. In addition to all these, she is very courageous enough and will not fear or favour in her criticism.

She has written on various and varied subjects of interest which are tremendously recognised and appreciated by men and women of erudition and eminence.

In Virakesari, she was in-charge of 'Manavar Kesari'. In 1966, she was in-charge of 'Jothy' (Family Vara Edition).

In 1969, she was in charge of the Sunday Virakesari Features and also prepared feature articles for publication.

From 1973-1984, she was Editor-in-Charge of 'Mithran' Vara Edition. From 1984-1999 she did the women's page, literary section and also news. From 2000, she was in-charge of 'Kalai Kesari' and 'Mankaiyar Kesari'. Since 2010, she was appointed as Editor of 'Kalai Kesari' monthly magazine which has a popular demand now by all scholars of the Tamil community due its quality articles with colourful pictures and glamorous and splendorous cover page.

Annaludchumi Rajadurai has written several short stories, novels and Tamil poems which are of high standard.

Furthermore, to mark her golden jubilee celebration, the Virakesari released her book titled 'Nenaivup Peruveli'.

Besides, she is a very good speaker and debater who had participated in several debates, discussions and speeches particularly pertaining to women and their positions in the society.

She has also taken part in several television and radio programmes. In 1982, she attended the 'OPEC' conference held in Philippines and also international women conference held in Peking in 1995 as an observer. In 1992, she was conferred with 'Tamil Mani' Award by the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs.

In 1993, in appreciation and recognition of her yeoman service in the field of Journalism she was conferred with the 'Esmond Wickremasinghe' Award and was honoured and felicitated by the former President late D B Wijetunge at this function.

In 2003, the Sri Lanka Editors' Guild honoured her with Gold Medal for Excellence in Journalism.

Excellent contribution

Further, she was felicitated by Colombo Tamil Young Men Cultural Group, South East Research Centre, Colombo Art Circle, Colombo Rotary Club and several other organizations.

Even the 'Mallikai Journal' published by Dominic Jeeva honoured her by carrying her beautiful picture on the first page of the journal for her excellent contribution as a journalist for more than four decades.

Furthermore, from 1994-2000, she actively participated in BBC programme namely 'Ilankai Madal' (Sri Lankan letter).

Annaludchumi Rajadurai is a woman journalist of wide ranging interests and an ardent adviser of art, culture and religion. In fact, no field of human endeavour was left untouched by the amplitude of her imagination, thoughts and actions.

Undoubtedly, she is a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional personality who rises above narrow parochialism, regionalism, sectarianism and communalism.

She is fearless in manner, independent in spirit and her personality beams forth with radiant energy that captivates the hearts and minds of all those who come in contact with her.

The vibrant thoughts that flow through her pen have a magical charm on all types of Tamil readers throughout the country and she will be always remembered by everyone for her work, worth and value.