Perundevi
இந்தப் பக்கத்தை தமிழில் வாசிக்க: பெருந்தேவி
Perundevi (born May 19, 1966) is a poet who writes modern poetry in Tamil. She has a strong interest in the anti-poetry movement. She writes on aesthetic theories related to poetry and also engages in sociological and political research.
Birth and Education
Perundevi was born on May 19, 1966, in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, to Srinivasan and Seetha. She completed her early education in Thiruvarur and Madurai. She pursued her secondary education at the Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Thiruppathiripuliyur, the Government Girls’ High School, T. Nagar, Chennai, and the Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Thiruppathiripuliyur.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from C.Kandaswami Naidu College for Women, Cuddalore, and a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Annamalai University, Chidambaram. She later obtained a Master’s degree in Women’s Studies from Mother Teresa Women’s University, Kodaikanal, and a Master’s degree in Religious Studies from George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.
She received an M.Phil. in Anthropology from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. She earned her Ph.D. through interdisciplinary research spanning the departments of Religious Studies, Cultural Anthropology, and Women’s Studies at George Washington University.
Personal Life
Perundevi is working as an Professor at Siena University in the state of New York, USA.
Literary Career
Perundevi’s first work was an untitled poem published in Naveena Virutcham magazine in 1995. Her first piece of fiction was the short story “Pen Vedamitta Pen” (A Woman Disguised as a Woman), published in Munril magazine.
Perundevi acknowledges the influence of writers such as Pudhumaipithan, Ashokamitran, Atmanam, Emily Dickinson, Rainer Maria Rilke, Charles Bukowski, and Nicanor Parra on her works.
Aesthetics
Perundevi is drawn to postmodern and post-structuralist thought. She approaches literature through academic and theoretical research methodologies. She has written extensively from sociological, political, and feminist perspectives, and in doing so has fostered a sustained and dynamic engagement within Tamil intellectual discourse.
By introducing Nicanor Parra’s anti-poetry movement into Tamil, she initiated an ongoing critical debate in the aesthetics of poetry.
Organizational Activities
Perundevi has conducted scholarly research on the works of Pudhumaipithan. She also organized a research seminar focused on Ashokamitran.
Awards
- Manal Veedu (Vaasagar Vattam) Rajam Krishnan Award – 2016
- Canada Tamil Literary Garden Award (for Poetry) – 2021
Literary Significance
Regarding Perundevi’s poetry, Sunil Krishnan notes: “When one approaches her work with an open mind, we can perceive numerous nuances and subtle layers, as well as the states of minds and lives - sometimes abandoned by oneself or others.”
Latha comments: “Perundevi’s short stories provide examples of how modernism and postmodernism should manifest not just in literary forms, but also in thought and perspectives on life.”
Works
Poetry
- Un Chinna Ulagathai Tharumaaragathaan Punarnthirukkiraarai (Uyirmmai, 2021)
- Irandhavanin Nizhalodu Thattaamaalai Aadumpodhu Keezhe Vizhaadhiruppadhu Mukkiyam (Uyirmmai, 2020)
- Vilayaada Vantha Enthira Bootham (Yaavarum, 2019)
- Pen Manasu Aazham Ena 99.99 Sadhavikithaa Aangal Karuthugirargal (Virutcham, 2017)
- Azhukku Socks (Virutcham, 2016)
- Vaayaadik Kavithaigal (Virutcham, 2016)
- Uloga Ruchi (Kaalachuvadhu, 2010)
- Ikkadal Ichchuvai (Kaalachuvadhu, 2006)
- Theeyurai Thookkam (Virutcham-Sahana, 1998)
Collections
- Asokamitranai Vaasiththal (Kaalachuvadhu, 2018)
Essays
- Desam-Saathi-Samayam: Adhigaarathai Purindhukollal (Kaalachuvadhu, 2020)
- Udhal-Paal-Porul: Paaliyal Vanmurai Ennum Samooka Seyarpadu (Kaalachuvadhu, 2019)
- Kavithai Porul Kollum Kalai (Ezhuthu, 2023)
Short Stories
- Goethe Enna Solliyirundhaal Enna? (Kaalachuvadhu, 2022)
- Heinz Hall Kattidathil Vaazhum Pey (Sahana, 2020)
Translations
- Moochche Narumanamaanaal, Akkamagaadevi (Kaalachuvadhu, 2022)
- Sonnadhaiyellam Thirumba Eduththukolgiren (Nicanor Parra, 2023)
References
- Innapira - Perundevi’s Official Website
- Perundevi - Video of Her Talk
- Perundevi - Video of Her Talk
- Perundevi’s Poems - Kanali
- Perundevi’s Poems - Manal Veedu
- Perundevi: Irandaam Darisanam - Lakshmi Manivannan
- Perundevi - Tamil Hindu
- Perundevi - Thinaikal
- Perundevi’s Poems - Sunil Krishnan
- Perundevi’s Poems - Keetru Website
- Perundevi’s Short Stories - Vanam
- Perundeviyin Kaviyulagam - Sunil Krishnan
- Perundevi’s Stories - Saravanan Manikkavasagam
- Perundevi - Video of Her Talk
- Perundevi’s Short Stories: A New Movement in Tamil Fiction
- Perundevi Special Issue - November 2024 – Neeli e-Magazine
