Umamaheswaranar

இந்தப் பக்கத்தை தமிழில் வாசிக்க: உமாமகேஸ்வரனார்

Umamaheswaranar (Thamilavel) (May 7, 1883 – May 9, 1941) was a Tamil scholar. He was founder of pioneering organizations for Tamil education, Tamil terminology and Tamil studies. Umamaheswaranar was the founder and president of Karanthai Tamil Sangam in Thanjavur. He was a lawyer and carried out several public works for Thanjavur.

Birth, Studies

Umamaheswaranar was born on May 7, 1883 to Vembapillai and Kamakshi in Karunthittaikudi, a village between the tributaries of the Cauvery river, Vadavaru and Vennaru in Thanjavur district. Umamaheswaranar studied in Thanjavur Vallam and Kumbakonam up to school third grade. When he was twelve years old, his mother passed away. So, he grew up under the custodian of Periyanayakathammaiyar, his aunt in Karanthai. Umamaheswaranar joined for fourth grade at St. Peter's College, Thanjavur. His father Vembapillai also passed away before Umamaheswaranar completed his studies. However, Umamaheswaranar was lovingly raised by his aunt. He received Bachelor's degree from Thanjavur College.

Private Life

Umamaheswaranar joined as a clerk in the district collectorate. He quit his job and joined the Law College, Chennai to study law. After graduating, he practiced law under advocate Thanjavur K. Srinivasa Pillai for few years. Then Umamaheswaranar started practicing law independently.

At the age of 25, Umamaheswaranar married Ulakanayaki, daughter of Annamalai Pillai from Trichy. They had three sons: Panchapakesan, Manickavasakam and Singaravelu. Umamaheswaranar’s wife passed away when the third child was four months old. Umamaheswaranar was unmarried afterwards. His eldest son Panchapakesan died while studying in school final grade. Umamaheswaranar set up a memorial fund in Karanthai college in his son’s name and presented scholarships to poor students every year.

Public Service

Umamaheswaranar was appointed as Public Prosecutor by British Government. He served as the first nominated president of Thanjavur district council formed by British. During his tenure, the Varagur-Melakara road and the Alangudi-Kandiyur road were constructed. In addition, Umamaheswaranar established bridge across the river to reach Nagathi and Thondaraiyanpadi hamlets. There were only 40 to 50 primary schools in Thanjavur district when Umamaheswaranar came to the service, he raised it to one hundred and seventy.

On September 10, 1926, Umamaheswaranar attempted to start a co-operative land development bank at Thanjavur. In February 2, 1927, he established and operated a co-operative printing press. In 1938, he started Cooperative milk production and sales corporation. Karanthai Tamil Sangam, Radhakrishnan Primary School, Umamaheswaranar Higher Secondary School, Karanthai Arts College, Students Orphanage, Tamil Sangam Library, Study Center and Thamil Forum are some of the institutions in his memory.

Karanthai Tamil Sangam

Umamaheswaranar realized that an association was necessary to teach Tamil, publish Tamil books and conduct research on it. At a conference held on May 14, 1911 under the leadership of scholar N. M. Venkatasamy Nattar, he founded the 'Karanthai Tamil Sangam' along with likeminded people. Umamaheswaranar assumed first leadership of this establishment and run it as a Tamil movement. With his efforts, the Karanthai Tamil Sangam received thousands of books.

Karanthai Tamil Sangam published books of Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai, Scholar N. M. Venkatasamy Nattar, Yazh Nool, Tholkappiyam, Sena Varaiyam, Deivachilaiyar Text, Nellai Varukka Kovai, Chintaranthathi, Shruthi Veenai, Thamizharasi, Kuravanchi, Bharatha Charitram, Kaviarasu Ninaivumalar, Sivamum Senthamizham, Silappathikaram, Pukarkkaandam, Kachchi Kalambakam, Bharatha Saravenpa, Yavana Manjari, India Thala Yathirai, Pulavarattu Padai, Karanthai katuraikkovai, etc.

On behalf of the Tamil Sangam, Umamaheswaranar started "Senthamizh Handcraft College" on October 10, 1916 and a charity hospital during 1928-29.

A monthly magazine Tamilpozhil was launched in fourth year of the organization. This magazine takes up an important place in the study of Tamil. Umamaheswaranar published several research books on behalf of Tamil Sangam. In 1915, he started a free study center. 'Karanthai Tamil Perumandram’ building was constructed for the Tamil Sangam in 1928-30.