> Dear Friends,) >> >> I am happy to invite you to a book discussion on the English biography of >> *Mahakavi Bharathiar* entitled *The Finger on the Lute, *by* *my late >> mother *Krithika *(Mathuram Bhoothalingam)It is a discussion rather than >> a launch, since it was first published by NCERT in 1970, as a supplementary >> reader for children aged 14-17, and has been long out of print. Soon >> after she passed away in 2009, I requested NCERT to consider a reprint, and >> I am happy to say that the book has now been republished in an elegant >> format with the same illustrations. I felt this was a good opportunity >> to present it fresh to new generations, as well as those who have >> never seen it! >> >> >> >> The discussion will be held *at 5.00pm on Sunday, July1, 2012*, and I >> warmly invite you to participate. I had planned to hold it at *Bharathi >> Illam,* but find there are some procedural difficulties to overcome. If >> it is not possible, G. Sundar, Director, Roja Muthiah Library, has kindly >> offered to host it at the Library This is just to request you to note >> down the date in your calendar and keep yourself free. I will inform >> you of the venue as soon as it finalized. >> >> >> >> Rajkumar Bharathi, great-grandson of the poet and an accomplished musician, >> and *Gopulu,* the brilliant illustrator who illustrated all of Amma’s >> books, including this one, will be the Guests of Honour. I have >> requested Rajkumar to sing one of the poet’s songs, and to speak as and if >> he wishes. *Gopulu* is in fragile health, and may only give us hisencouraging >> presence. K.R.A. Narasiah, historian and writer, who recently brought out >> an edited collection of the letters exchanged between Amma and the writer >> *Chitti,* has kindly agreed to take the chair and conduct the >> proceedings. There are several persons here in Chennai who knew Amma >> well -- I hope I can r4each all of them and that you will all join >> the gathering and participate actively in the discussion. >> >> >> >> Ours is a more controversial period than the late sixties, when this >> book was conceived, and editorial standards have also changed since then. >> As a result, I found myself involved in an argument, if not dispute, with >> the highly competent and conscientious Editor, who wanted to make major >> changes (deletions) in the text, while I argued that one cannot alter a >> dead person’s text, except for typos, misspellings and the like. >> However, as NCERT holds the publishing rights, I had to bend; while >> she on her side was most considerate and charming, and listened to all >> my objections. We had a pleasant and friendly argument, line by line, >> which I had to lose with good grace. I am sure you will not find any >> jarring breaks on the pages where we fought our textual battles. Can >> you guess what these arguments were about? To know more, join us on >> July 1. >> >> >> >> >> >> Some of you already have copies of the book. To those who do not, and >> would like to read it before the meeting, please feel free to collect a >> copy from my house.(21, Rathna Nagar, Teynampet, -- just behind Apollo >> Neuro Hospital on Anna Salai). You can do this at any time, whether I >> am there or not, as someone will be available to give you a copy. If >> you want to call, please do so either at 2434-5312 or 0-9444440200. >> >> Please also feel free to bring with you or invite anyone who might be >> interested, especially students and young people, to whom the book is >> addressed. They will be most welcome. Or, you could pass on this >> invitation, or give them my telephone number. >> >> >> >> You will get a reminder about the venue. >> >> >> >> >> >> Looking forward to seeing you all on July 1, and best regards >> >> Mina Swaminathan >> >> >> >> >