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Jeyamohan (April 22, 1962) is a Tamil writer. He has written novels, short stories, literary criticism and books on literary history, travel, culture, religion and philosophy. Jeyamohan is an orator of repute, and has delivered several talks on topics pertaining to literature, philosophy, religion, culture and tradition. He also writes in Malayalam.  
Jeyamohan (April 22, 1962) is a Tamil writer. He has written novels, short stories, literary criticism and books on literary history, travel, culture, religion and philosophy. Jeyamohan is an orator of repute, and has delivered several talks on topics pertaining to literature, philosophy, religion, culture and tradition. He also writes in Malayalam.  


Vishnupuram Literary Circle, an organization formed under Jeyamohan's aegis by his readers, organizes literary conferences, meet-the-author sessions as well as writing workshops for emerging writers. Through this forum, Jeyamohan engages in constant dialogue with young readers about reading, writing, and the role of the intelligentsia in shaping the culture of a society. Through its annual award, the Vishnupuram Literary Circle honours a literary personality who has made outstanding contributions to modern Tamil literature.
Vishnupuram Literary Circle, an organization formed under Jeyamohan's aegis by his readers, organizes literary conferences, meet-the-author sessions as well as writing workshops for emerging writers. Through this forum, Jeyamohan engages in constant dialogue with young readers about reading, writing, and the role of the intelligentsia in shaping the culture of a society. Through its annual award, the Vishnupuram Literary Circle honors a literary personality who has made outstanding contributions to modern Tamil literature.


Jeyamohan also works as a screenwriter for feature films.  
Jeyamohan also works as a screenwriter for feature films.  
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[[File:Nitya.jpg|thumb|With his Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati]]
[[File:Nitya.jpg|thumb|With his Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati]]
[[File:ஜெயமோகன்1997.jpg|thumb|Writer Jeyamohan,1997]]
[[File:ஜெயமோகன்1997.jpg|thumb|Writer Jeyamohan,1997]]
Jeyamohan's paternal grandfather Sankaran Pillai hailed from Thiruvarambu. His paternal grandmother Lakshmikutty Amma was from Thiruvattar. Lakshmikutty Amma was a scholar who had been educated in the traditional Sanskrit and Malayalam curriculum of her era. Jeyamohan's maternal grandparents, Parameswara Pillai and Padmavati Amma belonged to Nattalam. Jeyamohan's father was Thiruvarambu S. Bahuleyan Pillai and his mother was P. Visalatchi Amma. He was born on 22 April 1962 in the Government Hospital, Arumanai. Jeyamohan was the second son born to his parents. His mother, who was an avid reader, named him after a character called Jeyamohan from a Bengali novel.
Jeyamohan's paternal grandfather Sankaran Pillai hailed from Thiruvarambu. His paternal grandmother Lakshmikutty Amma was from Thiruvattar. Lakshmikutty Amma was a scholar who was educated in the traditional Sanskrit and Malayalam curriculum of her era. Jeyamohan's maternal grandparents, Parameswara Pillai and Padmavati Amma belonged to Nattalam, as did his mother. Jeyamohan's father was Thiruvarambu S. Bahuleyan Pillai and his mother was P. Visalatchi Amma. Born on 22 April 1962 in the Government Hospital, Arumanai, Jeyamohan was their second son. His mother, who was an avid reader, named him after a character called Jeyamohan from a Bengali novel.


Jeyamohan studied in Padmanabhapuram up to the first standard, the second standard at the Government Primary School in Kottaram near Kanyakumari, and up to the fifth standard at the Government Primary School in Muzhucode. He completed his high school education at Arumanai Government High School in 1978. In 1979 he started his intermediate studies at the Nesamony Christian College, Marthandam, with commerce as his subject. In 1980, he enrolled for a B.Com degree at the Pioneer Kumarasamy College at Nagarcoil. He dropped out of college in 1982 and did not complete his degree.  
Jeyamohan studied in Padmanabhapuram up to the first standard, did his second standard at the Government Primary School in Kottaram near Kanyakumari, and up to the fifth standard at the Government Primary School in Muzhucode. He completed his high school education at Arumanai Government High School in 1978. In 1979 he started his intermediate studies at the Nesamony Christian College, Marthandam, with commerce as his subject. In 1980, he enrolled for a B.Com degree at the Pioneer Kumarasamy College at Nagercoil. He dropped out of college in 1982 and did not complete his degree.  
== Personal Life ==
== Personal Life ==
Driven to depression over the suicide of his friend Radhakrishnan, Jeyamohan ran away from home. He roamed in Tiruvannamalai, Pazhani and Kasi, cities known for their itinerant monks and mendicants. In 1984, Jeyamohan got a job as a temporary worker at the telephones department in Kasargode, Kerala. He worked there until November 1989, when he got a transfer to Palacode in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu. In 1990, Jeyamohan moved to Dharmapuri. In 1998 he was transferred to Nagarcoil, where he worked at the telephone exchange until 1999. He then worked the telephone exchange in Thackalay until 2010. In 2010, he opted for voluntary retirement from service. At present, Jeyamohan works as a screenwriter in the film industry.
Driven to depression over the suicide of his friend Radhakrishnan, Jeyamohan ran away from home. He roamed in Tiruvannamalai, Palani and Varanasi, cities known for their itinerant monks and mendicants. In 1984, Jeyamohan got a job as a temporary worker at the telephones department in Kasaragod, Kerala. He worked there until November 1989, when he got a transfer to Palacode in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu. In 1990, Jeyamohan moved to Dharmapuri. In 1998 he was transferred to Nagercoil, where he worked at the telephone exchange until 1999. He then worked the telephone exchange in Thuckalay until 2010. In 2010, he opted for voluntary retirement from service. At present, Jeyamohan works as a screenwriter in the film industry.


Jeyamohan married [[Arunmozhinangai|S. Arunmozhinangai]], who was introduced to him as a reader. She graduated from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, on 8 August 1991. They have two children, Ajithan and [[J. Chaidhanya|Chaidhanya]]. Jeyamohan lives in Nagarcoil at present. [[Arunmozhinangai]] is a writer. Ajithan is a novelist and works in films. [[J. Chaidhanya|Chaidhanya]] is one of the co-ordinators of [[Main Page (English)|Tamil Wiki]].  
Jeyamohan married [[Arunmozhinangai|S. Arunmozhinangai]], who was introduced to him as a reader. She graduated from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, on 8 August 1991. They have two children, Ajithan and [[J. Chaidhanya|Chaidhanya]]. Jeyamohan currently lives in Nagercoil. [[Arunmozhinangai]] is a writer. Ajithan is a novelist and works in films. [[J. Chaidhanya|Chaidhanya]] is one of the co-ordinators of [[Main Page (English)|Tamil Wiki]].  
== Politics ==
== Politics ==
Jeyamohan grew up in Christian-majority Kanyakumari district. In his youth, he supported the RSS. He has written articles for Vijayabharati, the mouthpiece of the RSS.
Jeyamohan grew up in Christian-majority Kanyakumari district. In his youth, he supported the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and had written articles for Vijayabharati, the mouthpiece of the RSS.


Later in Kasargode, he was involved in left-wing politics, and was active in the trade union. He attended Marxist lectures at the Kasargode workers commune. He counts Marxist scholar Kovai Gnani among his gurus. Later, he got interested in Gandhian ideas through the influence of Malayali intellectuals M. Govindan and G. Kumara Pillai. Jeyamohan particularly has high regard for Gandhi’s democratic outlook and his policy of decentralization. He has written two books about Gandhi, ''Indraiya Gandhi'' (Gandhi Today) and ''Uraiyadum Gandhi'' (Gandhi’s dialogues).
Later in Kasaragod, Jeyamohan dabbled in left-wing politics, and was active in the trade union. He attended Marxist lectures at the Kasaragod workers commune. He counts Marxist scholar Kovai Gnani among his gurus. Later, he was drawn to Gandhian ideas through the influence of Malayali intellectuals M. Govindan and G. Kumara Pillai. Particluarly, Jeyamohan has high regard for Gandhi’s democratic outlook and his policy of decentralization. He has written two books about Gandhi, ''Indraiya Gandhi'' (Gandhi Today) and ''Uraiyadum Gandhi'' (Gandhi In Conversation).
== Spirituality ==
== Spirituality ==
Jeyamohan’s close friend Radhakrishnan committed suicide when they were both 19 years old. This precipitated a spiritual crisis in him. He ran away from home in search of answers. He wandered as an ochre-robed mendicant in Tiruvannamalai and Kasi and Pazhani. He went to many monasteries and gurukulams including the Kanjangad Nityananda Gurukulam. During these years he interacted with personalities such as Yogi Ram Surat Kumar of Tiruvannamalai.  
Jeyamohan’s close friend Radhakrishnan committed suicide when they were both 19 years old. This precipitated a spiritual crisis in him. He ran away from home in search of answers. He wandered as an ochre-robed mendicant in Tiruvannamalai and Kasi and Pazhani. He went to many monasteries and gurukulams including the Kanjangad Nityananda Gurukulam. During these years he interacted with personalities such as Yogi Ram Surat Kumar of Tiruvannamalai.  

Revision as of 17:39, 16 June 2022

இந்தப் பக்கத்தை தமிழில் வாசிக்க: ஜெயமோகன்

Writer Jeyamohan
Writer Jeyamohan
Writer Jeyamohan,1990

Jeyamohan (April 22, 1962) is a Tamil writer. He has written novels, short stories, literary criticism and books on literary history, travel, culture, religion and philosophy. Jeyamohan is an orator of repute, and has delivered several talks on topics pertaining to literature, philosophy, religion, culture and tradition. He also writes in Malayalam.

Vishnupuram Literary Circle, an organization formed under Jeyamohan's aegis by his readers, organizes literary conferences, meet-the-author sessions as well as writing workshops for emerging writers. Through this forum, Jeyamohan engages in constant dialogue with young readers about reading, writing, and the role of the intelligentsia in shaping the culture of a society. Through its annual award, the Vishnupuram Literary Circle honors a literary personality who has made outstanding contributions to modern Tamil literature.

Jeyamohan also works as a screenwriter for feature films.

Early Life and Education

With his Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati
Writer Jeyamohan,1997

Jeyamohan's paternal grandfather Sankaran Pillai hailed from Thiruvarambu. His paternal grandmother Lakshmikutty Amma was from Thiruvattar. Lakshmikutty Amma was a scholar who was educated in the traditional Sanskrit and Malayalam curriculum of her era. Jeyamohan's maternal grandparents, Parameswara Pillai and Padmavati Amma belonged to Nattalam, as did his mother. Jeyamohan's father was Thiruvarambu S. Bahuleyan Pillai and his mother was P. Visalatchi Amma. Born on 22 April 1962 in the Government Hospital, Arumanai, Jeyamohan was their second son. His mother, who was an avid reader, named him after a character called Jeyamohan from a Bengali novel.

Jeyamohan studied in Padmanabhapuram up to the first standard, did his second standard at the Government Primary School in Kottaram near Kanyakumari, and up to the fifth standard at the Government Primary School in Muzhucode. He completed his high school education at Arumanai Government High School in 1978. In 1979 he started his intermediate studies at the Nesamony Christian College, Marthandam, with commerce as his subject. In 1980, he enrolled for a B.Com degree at the Pioneer Kumarasamy College at Nagercoil. He dropped out of college in 1982 and did not complete his degree.

Personal Life

Driven to depression over the suicide of his friend Radhakrishnan, Jeyamohan ran away from home. He roamed in Tiruvannamalai, Palani and Varanasi, cities known for their itinerant monks and mendicants. In 1984, Jeyamohan got a job as a temporary worker at the telephones department in Kasaragod, Kerala. He worked there until November 1989, when he got a transfer to Palacode in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu. In 1990, Jeyamohan moved to Dharmapuri. In 1998 he was transferred to Nagercoil, where he worked at the telephone exchange until 1999. He then worked the telephone exchange in Thuckalay until 2010. In 2010, he opted for voluntary retirement from service. At present, Jeyamohan works as a screenwriter in the film industry.

Jeyamohan married S. Arunmozhinangai, who was introduced to him as a reader. She graduated from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, on 8 August 1991. They have two children, Ajithan and Chaidhanya. Jeyamohan currently lives in Nagercoil. Arunmozhinangai is a writer. Ajithan is a novelist and works in films. Chaidhanya is one of the co-ordinators of Tamil Wiki.

Politics

Jeyamohan grew up in Christian-majority Kanyakumari district. In his youth, he supported the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and had written articles for Vijayabharati, the mouthpiece of the RSS.

Later in Kasaragod, Jeyamohan dabbled in left-wing politics, and was active in the trade union. He attended Marxist lectures at the Kasaragod workers commune. He counts Marxist scholar Kovai Gnani among his gurus. Later, he was drawn to Gandhian ideas through the influence of Malayali intellectuals M. Govindan and G. Kumara Pillai. Particluarly, Jeyamohan has high regard for Gandhi’s democratic outlook and his policy of decentralization. He has written two books about Gandhi, Indraiya Gandhi (Gandhi Today) and Uraiyadum Gandhi (Gandhi In Conversation).

Spirituality

Jeyamohan’s close friend Radhakrishnan committed suicide when they were both 19 years old. This precipitated a spiritual crisis in him. He ran away from home in search of answers. He wandered as an ochre-robed mendicant in Tiruvannamalai and Kasi and Pazhani. He went to many monasteries and gurukulams including the Kanjangad Nityananda Gurukulam. During these years he interacted with personalities such as Yogi Ram Surat Kumar of Tiruvannamalai.

In 1992, he met Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati of the Narayana Gurukulam, Fernhill, Ooty. After a conversation with him Jeyamohan accepted him as his guru. Jeyamohan, who has carefully studied the philosophical underpinnings of all the Indian religions, has adopted Narayana Guru’s pure Vedantic vision as his own personal spiritual path. He has written books on topics at the interface of religion and spirituality, including Indhu Gnana Marabil Aaru Dharisanangal, Indhiya Gnananm, Kalachara Hindu, Indhu madam - sila vivadhangal etc.

Literary Life

Writers Jeyamohan and Arunmozhinangai
Introduction into Literature

Jeyamohan was introduced to literature at a very young age by his mother, an ardent reader. His mother had a good personal library in the house. Jeyamohan grew up reading in Tamil, Malayalam and English. He was a member of various local libraries including The YMCA library at Muzhucode and the Government Library at Arumanai. Later he read a lot of Malayalam novels at Sri Chitra Library in Thiruvattar.

Early Writings

He started writing in his school days. His first short story was published in 1975 when he was thirteen years old in a children's magazine called Ratnabala. During his school and college days he wrote a lot of stories under his own name and under various pseudonyms in all the weekly magazines. Starting from 1984 when he was working in Kasargode, he began making the acquaintance of left-wing progressive writers and intellectuals. In 1986 he became close to Sundara Ramaswamy. In 1987 he met the Malayalam poet Aroor Ravi Varma and historian and novelist P.K.Balakrishnan. He got his basic training in literature from them. He continued to stay in dialogue with them.

In 1987, he wrote a short story called Nadhi which was published in Kanaiyazhi. The story was published with a note from Ashokamitran, who was the editor of the magazine then. Jeyamohan marks this story out as his first story. He continued writing in magazines including Kanaiyazhi and Deepam. In 1988, Eligal and Roja payiridugira oruvar were published in Deepam. A poem called Kaidhi was published in 1987 in the little magazine Kollippaavai edited by Kattaikkaadu Rajagopalan.

In 1988, in Nigazh published by Kovai Gnani, stories including Padugai and Bodhi were published. Thisaigalin Naduve was published in Kalachuvadu brought out by Sundara Ramaswamy. Maadan Motcham was published in Pudhiya Nambikkai, published by Pon Vijayan. Indira Parthasarathy, Sujatha and Ashokamitran had mentioned these stories favourably. Jeyamohan became widely known amidst literary readers.

In 1988 he wrote a novel called Rubber. He edited the novel and sent it to be considered for the Akilan Memorial Prize in 1990. The novel won the prize. Thaagam press brought it out in 1990. In 1991, his short story Jaganmithyai came out in the middle magazine Subamangala. Jeyamohan continued to write essays and stories in Subamangala. His stories appeared in magazines including India Today and Kanaiyazhi. In 1991, he published a work on literary theory called Novel. In 1992, his first collection of short stories came out from Annam-Agaram press run by Meera. The collection was also called Thisaigalin Naduve. In 1993, his second collection called Mann appeared. It was brought out by Sneha Press.

Important Works
Jeyamohan with Sundara Ramaswamy

Jeyamohan's major novel 'Vishnupuram' was published in 1997 (Annam-Agaram Press). At that time, most of the novels being written in Tamil were modernist novels. Vishnupuram, on the other hand, was metafictional, philosophical and was inspired by the aesthetics of the Indian kavya tradition. It created an intense stir in the Tamil creative world and opened up new avenues. Subsequently, Jeyamohan wrote a novel about the ideological crisis that precipitated in the left-wing Marxist circles in Tamil Nadu following the collapse of Soviet Russia. The novel, called 'Pin Thodarum Nizhalin Kural' (Call of the Trailing Shadow), examined the contradictions between ideology and idealism, and came out in 1999. A short novel called 'Kanyakumari' was published in 2000.

In 2003, the novels 'Kaadu' (The Forest) and 'Ezhaam Ulagam' (The Seventh Abyss) were published. In 'Kaadu', a novel with many references to Sangam poems, the virginal, viridian forest becomes the symbol of young love. 'Ezhaam Ulagam' is about the abject lives of trafficked beggars living under the margins, and depicts their human joys and spirituality in the midst of all their suffering. In 2003, Jeyamohan wrote seven books about various prominent Tamil writers who had shaped the landscape of modern literary Tamil. These titles were brought out as a series: 'Ilakkiya Munnodigal Varisai' (Literary Predecessors). Later they were published as a single volume. Ten books on various topics were published and released at an event in October 2003, including a translation of Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay 'Nature' (Iyarkaiyai Aridhal).

ஜெயமோகன் விருது.jpg

In 2005, Jeyamohan published 'Kotravai', a modern prose epic based on the Tamil epic Silappadhikaram. 'Kotravai' was a retelling that brought in wider aspects of Tamil geography and Tamil social life. It begins in an ancient time in the long past when the Tamil language and the earliest gods of the Tamil land were founded, and ends in the present day. A short novel called 'Iravu' (Night) followed Kotravai. 'Iravu' depicts a commune of night-dwellers. In the novel, the night becomes a metaphor for the human psyche.

From January 1, 2010, Jeyamohan wrote twelve short stories which became the collection 'Aram' (Stories of the True, The Song of Righteousness). These were fictional stories based on the lives of real men and women. In 2013, Jeyamohan wrote and published Vellai Yanai (White Elephant). It was a novel based on the Great Famine of the 1870s in Chennai.

Jeyamohan's major work, Venmurasu, was serialized on his blog, a chapter a day, from Janauary 2014 for a period of seven years. It is the world's longest novel at present, with 26 volumes, 1932 chapters and 22,400 pages. Venmurasu is a modern novel based on the Mahabharata. Venmurasu holds the philosophy of Vedanta as the essence of the Mahabharata, and reinterprets Indian mythology from various sources through this lens.

Starting from March 17, 2020, when the Covid lockdowns came into force in India, Jeyamohan started writing a series of short stories, and published one story every day on his blog (Thanimaiyin punaivu kaliyattu - Celebrating solitude with fiction). From June 10, 2020, he wrote a further 31 stories, publishing one each day on his blog (Kadhai thriuvizha - A festival of stories). A total of 131 stories were published during the lockdown, set against a variety of backgrounds and exploring many themes. 14 volumes of these stories have been published so far, with two more remaining to be published. Some of these stories were translated into English and published in international literary magazines. One of these volumes was translated into Malayalam and published under the title 'Mayappon'.

Literary Criticism

When his first novel 'Rubber' was launched in 1990, Jeyamohan said ‘Tamil novels are currently either serials or short stories. Novels require complex intertextuality and vision, but they are inadequate in Tamil novels”. This speech sparked lengthy debates for many years. Based on these debates, he wrote a book-length critical essay called Novel. This book had great influence on the formal style of the next generation of Tamil novels. Jeyamohan wrote seven books of literary criticism analyzing the works of twenty of his predecessors in Tamil literature. These books were published as a single volume called 'Ilakkiya Munnodigal'. Jeyamohan has written several volumes of criticism - 'Eezha Ilakkiyam' about Tamil writers from Sri Lanka, 'Ullunarvin Thadathil' about Tamil poetry and 'Kanneerai Pinthodardhal' about classic Indian novels. He wrote a book called 'Aazhnadhiyai Thedi' about the essence of literature and a book called 'Pudhiya Kaalam' about contemporary trends in Tamil literature. Jeyamohan wrote a book called 'Naveena Thamizhilakkiya Arimugam' tracing the literary history of modern Tamil literature from the 1900s till the year 2000. He has written extensively about authors including Devadevan, Poomani, A. Madhavan, Vannadasan, Devadachan, Nanjil Naadan etc.

Jeyamohan organized his readers and founded Vishnupuram Ilakkiya Vattam (Vishnupuram Literary Circle) in August 2009. With the mission of honoring senior Tamil writers, this organization presents the Vishnupuram Literary Award every year.

Travel Literature

Jeyamohan is an avid traveller. He travels extensively within India, planned itineraries through which he seeks to understand India's history and culture. He also travels abroad. Jeyamohan wrote about his travels through prominent Jaina sites from Tamil Nadu to Rajasthan in a book called 'Arugargalin Padhai' (Paths of the Jaina Monks). Another book, 'Guhaigalin Vazhiye' (Cave Travels) was about Jeyamohan's travels to sites all over India with prominent natural caves. Jeyamohan travelled extensively in Kashmir, Chattisgarh and in the North-East even when it was rife with terrorism. He has recorded these experiences in various books. His travels in Australia was published as a book titled 'Pulveli Desam' (Grassland Country) and his travels in Japan, as 'Japan Oru Keetroviyam' (Japan - A Sketch)

Journalism

ஜெயமோகன் விருது1.jpg

With the aid of his friends, Jeyamohan founded a quarterly literary magazine called 'Sol Pudhidhu' in 1998. Jeyamohan acted as honorary editor and advisor. The magazine ran from 1998 to 2004, and fifteen volumes were published. Sol Pudhidhu featured extensive interviews, feature-length articles on various aspects of Indian culture and book excerpts. It was unique among Tamil little magazines in bringing out a special issue focussing on Tamil Isai.

In 2004, Jeyamohan founded a bimonthly magazine called Marudham with his friends. He was editor and advisor.

Jeyamohan founded his own website in 2006. [www.jeyamohan.in]. From 2007, he runs his website like a literary magazine, publishing original works, reviews, discussions and letters every day.

Literary Organizations

Jeyamohan's Family

Starting from 1994, Jeyamohan organized yearly literary camps at the Narayana Gurukulam in Ooty. These camps later came to be known as 'Guru Nitya Symposia' in memory of Guru Nitya of Narayana Gurukulam. Jeyamohan also organized some notable meetings between Tamil and Malayalam poets in Kutralam, Hogenakkal and Ooty. As of 2022, Jeyamohan has organized 42 literary meetings at various spots all over Tamil Nadu over the last twenty-five years, including meetings at Ooty, Yercaud, Alapuzha, Kanyakumari and Thirparappu. Two generations of Tamil and Malayalam writers have been part of these meetings.

In 2010, Jeyamohan along with his friends founded the Vishnupuram Ilakkiya Vattam (Vishnupuram Literary Circle), a literary organization named after his famous work, Vishnupuram. This organization awards a yearly literary prize to important Tamil writers and poets who have otherwise been not duly recognized by the various academies. In 2010, the Vishnupuram Literary Prize was awarded to writer A. Madhavan. By 2020, this award has grown into a two-day literary festival, with a number of sessions with writers and various 'meet the author' events. The Vishnupuram Literary Circle also awards a year Poetry Prize in the memory of late poet Kumaraguruparan (Vishnupuram - Kumaraguruparan Poetry Prize).

From 2016, Jeyamohan started organizing meet the author events where he met with a group of young readers over two days. These 'Young Reader Meetings' were organized in Coimbatore, Erode, Thanjavur and Kollimalai, three times a year. Over the last six years, Jeyamohan has met his young readers in sixteen such events. A group of thirty young readers and writers participate in each of these events.

In February 2022, Jeyamohan founded the Tamil Wiki Internet Encyclopedia. He runs it with the help of his friends and notable scholars. This is an encyclopedia of Tamil literature, arts and culture. A literary prize called the Tamil Wiki - Thooran Award shall be awarded from 2022.

Oratory Talks

Jeyamohan has delivered many lectures on topics including literary criticism, tradition, culture, religion and philosophy. Some of these were multi-part lectures, delivered over three days: Kuralinidhu (The sweetness of the Kural) (Jan 14, 2017 - Jan 17, 2017), Osho Marabum Meeralum (Osho - Tradition and Rebellion) (March 12, 2021 - March 14, 2021), Lecture on the Gita (Dec 6, 2015 - Dec 9, 2015). He has also delivered ticketed lectures on these topics. The first of such ticketed lectures was organized in Tirunelveli. Subsequent ticketed lectures were organized in Coimbatore, Chennai, Tiruppur etc.

Jeyamohan's talks have been published in print under the titles 'Thanikkural', 'Solmugam' and 'Thannuraigal'.

Malayalam

Jeyamohan has written comparatively little in his mother tongue Malayalam. Jeyamohan's first Malayalam work was published in a magazine called Jeyakeralam in 1987. He did not continue writing in Malayalam. From 1997, he started writing articles in Mathrubhoomi's Sunday page. From 1999, he wrote articles for the monthly Bhashaposhini and the weekly Madhyamam. Jeyamohan's articles have been compiled into two books, Nedumpadhaiyoram and Uravidangal, published by Trichur Current Books and Mathrubhoomi Books. Some of his fiction is available in Malayalam under the titles Aana Doctor, Nooru Simhasanangal, Aram and Oomai Chennaai.

Films

Jeyamohan has written screenplays and dialogues for Tamil and Malayalam films. He has worked with directors including Mani Ratnam, Shankar and Lohitadas.

Films based on Jeyamohan's fictional works
Tamil
  • Naan Kadavul (2009) - Based on the novel Ezhaam Ulagam
  • Kadal (2012)
  • Vendhu Thanindadhu Kaadu (2002) - Based on the short story Aindhu Neruppu
Malayalam
  • Ozhimuri (2012, directed by Madhupal) - Screenplay. Based on four personal essays written by Jeyamohan. The film won the Best Screenplay Award from the Kerala Film Critics Association and the T A Shahid Memorial Award for Best Scriptwriter (2012).

Controversies

  • In 1990, when Jeyamohan said that there was no classic novel in modern Tamil, it generated controversy. In 1992 he wrote a book as response to these discussions titled 'Novel Kotpadu' [Novel, a theory].
  • In 2003 Jeyamohan said that the writings of Mu. Karunanidhi were mere propaganda, not literature. This remark generated controversy.
  • In 2007, the weekly Ananda Vikadan published Jeyamohan's satirical pieces on popular film personalities Sivaji Ganesan and MGR, with a note saying that they were personal verbal attacks on the actors. This became controversial.
  • In 2010, Jeyamohan wrote that if Tamil was written in Latin script, then it would take the Tamil language to Tamils living all over the world. A greater number of people might be motivated to learn Tamil since it would not involve learning a brand new script. Jeyamohan also wrote that thinkers like B.R.Ambedkar had proposed similar ideas earlier. These ideas spurred discussion.
  • In 2010, in his book 'Indraiya Gandhi' (Gandhi Today) Jeyamohan wrote that the common rhetoric often repeated in Tamil Nadu that E.V. Ramasamy Periyar spearheaded the Vaikom Satyagraha was an exaggeration. He wrote that while E.V. Ramasamy periyar took part in the Vaikom Satyagraha for a few months, he neither started the movement, nor headed it, not did he bring it to a conclusion. These comments generated much controversy.
  • In 2022, in connection with the new archeological findings in Keezhadi, there were some comments on record in the media claiming that Keezhadi was the world's oldest civilization., India's oldest civilization etc. Jeyamohan wrote that these comments were exaggerated. Even if one were to take the speculations of the archeologists at face value, the excavations at Keezhadi are 2100 years old, and at best will be evidence of a Sangam age urban civilization, wrote Jeyamohan. These comments provoked controversy, especially among linguistic fundamentalists.

Literary Significance

Writer Jeyamohan

When Jeyamohan's 'Vishnupuram' was first published, writer Ashokamitran wrote about it in The Hindu, saying that it was the 'most outstanding literary effort in Tamil over the past hundred years'. When lists of best novels in Tamil were compiled by various critics in the year 2000, all of them included Vishnupuram. 'Jeyamohan cannot be considered just a Tamil writer. He is familiar with many languages and has has deep scholarship in all of them. He writes in both Malayalam and Tamil. I consider him an Indian writer writing in Tamil. The breadth and depth of his writing transcends language," said writer Jeyakanthan of Jeyamohan in 2003. [ Kadavul Yeluga! Jeyamohan's Book Release Speech by Jeyakanthan ].

Jeyamohan's novels, short stories, essays on criticism and culture are widely read and discussed. Writer and critic Pavannan puts it thus - 'Jeyamohan's essays on creative writing and culture are as important as his fictional works.'

In the past, modern Tamil literature was written by and discussed within a small group of connoisseurs who wrote in little magazines. Most of the people outside this world were not aware of the trends and movements in modern literature. In the 2000s, when internet usage started becoming more widespread, Jeyamohan found a new medium to stay in touch with his readers and widen the net. Through discussions and debates over the internet, he was able to take the perspectives of modern literature to the common reader. Through various literary workshops, he was able to hone the talents and abilities of a new generation of readers and writers. He instituted awards to honour important Tamil writers and brought out books about their works. Through these activities, he was able to take the once niche intellectual sphere of modern Tamil literature to the public.

Books, Tributes

  • In 2014, Kaalam magazine brought out a special feature on Jeyamohan.
  • In 2022, when Jeyamohan turned 60, tributes from various writers, poets and journalists in the Tamil literary landscape were published on a dedicated website called 'Syamanthakam'. https://jeyamohan60.blogspot.com/

Awards

Writer Jeyamohan
Iyal Virudu-2014
  • Akhilan Ninaivuppoti Parisu - 1990
  • Katha Virudu - 1992
  • Sanskriti Samman Award - 1994
  • Pavalar Varadarajan Virudu - 2007
  • Mugam Virudu - 2011
  • T. A. Shahid Award, Kerala Film Critics Award for best screenplay writer - 2012
  • Iyal Virudu - 2014
  • Kovai Kannadasan Virudu - 2014
  • SRM Virudhu
  • Kovai Codissia Literary Award - 2017

Publications

Sanskriti Samman Award-1994
Writer Jeyamohan
Writer Jeyamohan
Writer Jeyamohan
Writer Jeyamohan
Novels
  • Rubber, First edition -1990, Thagam (Tamil Puthakalayam), Chennai, New edition-2005, Kavitha Publishers, Kovai.
  • Vishnupuram, First edition-1997, Agaram Sivagangai. New edition-2006, Kavitha Publishers, Kovai. Reprint, Natrinai Publishers, Chennai. Reprint-2022, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Pinthodarum Nizhalin Kural, First edition-1999, Tamizhini, Chennai. Reprint-2022, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Kanyakumari, First edition-2000, Tamizhini, Chennai. New edition-2006, Kavitha Publishers, Kovai.
  • Kaadu, First edition-2003, Tamizhini, Chennai. New edition-2006, Tamizhini, Chennai.
  • Ezhaam Ulagam, First edition-2003, Tamizhini, Chennai. Second edition-2011, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai. Reprint-2013, Natrinai Publishers, Chennai.
  • Analkatru, First edition-2009, Tamizhini, Chennai.
  • Iravu, First edition-2010, Tamizhini, Chennai..
  • Ulogam, First edition-2010, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
  • Kanninilam, Kayalkavin publishers, Chennai.
  • Vellaiyanai, Ezhuthu publishers, Madurai.
  • Venmurasu (26 volumes - 22,400 pages) –Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
  • Kathanayaki, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Andha Mukil Endha Mukil, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Kumarithuraivi, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Gugai, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Nangavadhu Kolai, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
Novella
  • Jeyamohan Kurunovelgal, First edition-2004, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai. Second edition-2011, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
Neo-Epic
  • Kotravai, First edition-2005, Tamizhini, Chennai. First edition-20011, Tamizhini, Chennai
Short Story collections
  • Thisaigalin Naduve, First edition-1992, Annam Sivagangai. New edition-2004, Kavitha Publishers, Kovai.
  • Mann, New edition-1993, Sneha Publishers, Chennai. New edition-2004, Kavitha Publishers, Kovai.
  • Aiyramkal Mandapam, First edition-1998, Annam Sivagangai. New edition, Kavitha Publishers, Kovai.
  • Koonthal, First edition-2003, Kavitha Publishers, Kovai.
  • Jeyamohan Sirukathaigal, First edition-2004, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai. Second edition-2011, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai
  • Nizhalvelikathaigal (Devadai Kathaigalum Pei Kathaigalum), First edition-2005, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai. Second edition-2011, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai
  • Visumbu (Science Fiction), First edition-2006, Any Indian publishers, Chennai. Second edition-2011, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai
  • Oomaisennai, First edition-2008, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai. Second edition-2011, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai, Reprint, Natrinai Publishers, Chennai.
  • Aram (Collection of short stories), First edition-2011, Vamsi Book Center, Tiruvannamalai
  • Eerarukalkondelum Puravi, Sol Pudhithu Publishers
  • Venkadal, Vamsi publisher, Chennai
  • Uchavazhu, First edition-Jun 2017, Natrinai Publishers, Chennai.
  • Thulikanavu, Natrinai Publishers, Chennai.
  • Pradhaman, Natrinai Publishers, Chennai.
  • Pathu Latcham Kaladigal, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Aiyram Uttrugal, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Malai Poothapodu, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Devi, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Ezhukathir, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Aindhu Nerupu, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Mudhunaval, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Thangaputhagam, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Anayilla! Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Polivadhum Kalaivadhum, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Vaan Nesavu, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Iru Kalaingargal, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
Short Stories
  • Yaanai Doctor, Thannaram Noolveli, Tiruvannamalai
Spirituality / Philosophy
  • Indhu Gnana Marabil Aru Darishangal, First edition-2002, Tamizhini publishers, Chennai. Second edition, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
  • Indhiagnam, First edition-2008, Tamizhini publishers, Chennai.
  • Siluvaiyin Peiyaral, First edition, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai.
  • Indhu Madham Sila Vivadhangal, Sol Pudhithu publishers, Cuddalore
  • Indhu Meimai, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Alayam Evarudaiyadhu? Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Kalachara Indhu, First edition-Jun 2017, Natrinai Publishers, Chennai.
Politics
  • Satchimozhi, First edition-2008, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai. Second edition-2011, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
  • Indraya Gandhi, First edition-2009, Tamizhini publishers, Chennai.
  • Anna Hazare: Uzhaluku Ethirana Gandhiya Porattam, First edition-2011, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
  • Janayagach Sodhani Salayil, First edition-2016, Thamarai Brothers Media Private Limited, Madurai
  • Uraiyadum Gandhi, Thannaram Noolveli, Tiruvannamalai
Culture / History
  • Panpadudal, First edition, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai.
  • Thannuraigal, First edition, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai.
  • Ethirmugam-Inaiya Vivadangal, First edition-2006, Tamizhini publishers, Chennai.
  • Kodungolur Kannaki (Translation), First edition-2005, Tamizhini publishers, Chennai.
  • Ponnirapathai, Sol Pudhithu publishers, Cuddalore.
  • Vidhi Samaipavargal, Kayalkavin publishers, Chennai
  • Agave Kolaipuriga, Kayalkavin publishers, Chennai
  • Solmugam, Natrinai Publishers, Chennai.
  • Thanikural, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Thanmeetchi, Thannaram Noolveli, Tiruvannamalai.
  • Abhipiraya Sinthamani (Hilarious Essays), Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
  • Jati: Oru Uraiyadal, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Orupaluravu, Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
  • Thannai Kadathal, First edition-2022, Thannaram Noolveli, Tiruvannamalai.
Biographies
  • SuRa: Ninaivin Nadhiyil, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai.
  • Munsuvadugal, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai.
  • Kamandala Nadhi (Nanjil Nadan Padaipulagam), First edition-2007, Tamizhini publishers, Chennai.
  • Lohi (Lohithadas Ninaivu), First edition-2008, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai.
  • Kadaitheruvin Kalaingan (on A. Madhavan), First edition-2010, Tamizhini publishers, Chennai.
Introduction to Literature
  • Sanga Chitrangal (An introduction to Sangam Literature), First edition-2005, Kavitha Publishers. New edition-2011, Tamizhini publishers, Chennai. Reprint, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai., Reprint Natrinai Publishers, Chennai.
  • Merkusalaram (An introduction to western literature), First edition-2008, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai.
  • Kanneerai Pinthodarthal (On 22 Indian Novels), First edition-2006, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai.
  • Novel (Literary Theory), First edition-1992, Madal publishers, Bangalore. Second edition, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
  • Ponnirapadhai, Sol Pudhithu publishers, Cuddalore.
  • Vidhisamaipavargal, Kayalkavin publishers, Chennai
  • Solmugam, Natrinai Publishers, Chennai.
  • Naveena Tamil Ilakiya Arimugam, First edition-1998, Kavya, Bangalore. Third edition, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
  • Ezhudhum Kalai, First edition-2008, Tamizhini publishers, Chennai.
  • Ezhudhuga, First edition-2022, Thannaram Noolveli, Tiruvannamalai.
Literary Criticism
  • Azhnadhiyai Thedi, First edition-2006, Uyirmai publishers, Chennai.
  • Navinathuvathuku Pin Tamil Kavidhai (On Devadevan), First edition-1999, Kavitha Publishers, Kovai
  • Ullunarvin Thadithil (Poetry criticism), First edition-2004, Tamizhini publishers, Chennai.
  • Eezha Ilakiyam Oru Vimarsanaparvai, First edition-2006, Any Indian publishers, Chennai, Reprint Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
  • Pudhiakalam (Critical pieces on young writers), First edition-2009, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai.
  • Pookum Karuvelam (On writer Poomani's works), Tamizhini publishers, Chennai.
  • Oliyilanadhu (On poet Devadevan's works), Sol Pudhithu publishers, Chennai.
  • Ezhudiyavanai Kandupidithal (Literary dialogues), Kayalkavin publishers, Chennai
  • Ilakiya Munodigal Varisai (7 books: Mudarchuvadu, Kanavugal Ilatchiyangal, Chendradhum Nindradhum, Mannum Marabum, Amardhal, Alaydhal, Navinathuvathin Mugangal, Karipum Siripum), First edition-2003, Tamizhini publishers, Chennai. Compiled version first edition-2018, Natrinai Publishers, Chennai.
  • Nathaiyin Padhai
  • Ilakiyathin Nuzhaivayilil
  • Vasipin Vazhigal
  • Vaniga Ilakiyam
Personal Essays
  • Vazhvile Orumurai, First edition, Kavitha Publishers, Kovai. Second edition-2011, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
  • Nigazhdal (Anubavakuripugal), First edition-2007, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai.
  • Indru Petravai (Natkuripugal), First edition-2008, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai.
  • J. Chaitanyavin Sindanai Marabu, First edition-2007, Vamsi Books, Tiruvannamalai. New edition, Thannaram Noolveli, Tiruvannamalai
  • Naalum Pozhudhum (Anubavakuripugal), Natrinai Publishers, Chennai.
  • Ivargal Irundhargal (Ninaivukuripugal), First edition-2012, Natrinai Publishers, Chennai.
Books on Travels
  • Pulveli Desam (On Australia), First edition-2008, Uyirmmai publishers, Chennai.
  • India payanam, First edition-2016, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
  • Arugargalin Padhai, First edition-2016, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
  • Gugaigalin Vazhiye, First edition-2017, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
  • Nooru Nilangalin Malai, First edition-2017, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
  • Japan Oru Keetroviyam, First edition-2020, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
Play
  • Vadaku Mugam, First edition-2004, Tamizhini publishers, Chennai.
Children's Books
  • Panimanidhan (Siruvar Pudhinam), First edition-2002, Kavitha Publishers, Kovai, Second edition, Kizhakku publishers, Chennai.
  • Velli Nilam (Siruvar Pudhinam), First edition-2018, Vikatan publishers, Chennai.
  • Udaiyal (Siruvar Pudhinam), Vishnupuram publishers, Kovai.
Translations
  • Iyarkaiyai Aridhal - Ralph Waldo Emerson, First edition-December 2002, Ilango Noolagam, Viluppuram, Reprint-2012, Tamizhini, Chennai. Enlarged edition-2017, Tamizhini, Chennai. Reprint of enlarged edition-2022, Thannaram Noolveli, Tiruvannamalai
  • Tharkala Malayala Kavidhaigal, First edition, Alpha publishers. Second edition-2004, Kavya, Chennai.
  • Indraiya Malayala Kavidhaigal, First edition-2002, Tamizhini, Chennai.
  • Samakala Malayala Kavidhaigal, First edition-2005, Tamizhini, Chennai.
  • K.G. Sankarapillai Kavidhaigal, Sol Pudhidhu, 2018
Anthologies
  • Journal for Ashokamitran's 60th Anniversary celebration, 1993, Kanavu publishers.
  • Journal for Sundara Ramaswamy's 60th Anniversary celebration, 1994, Kanavu publishers.
  • Ilakiya Uraiyadalgal, First edition-2005, Any Indian publishers, Chennai.
Malayalam
  • Nedumpathaioram, First edition-2002, Current books, Thrissur.
  • Uravidangal, Mathrubhumi publishers.
  • Nooru Simhaasanangal, Mathrubhumi, Kairali publishers.
General
  • Nalam (Articles on Health), 2008
  • Nalamarithal, Thannaram Noolveli, Tiruvannamalai

Note: This list is not a complete one.

Reference

Links

Notes


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