Subramania Bharathi

December 11, 1882 – September 11, 1921

Chinnaswami Subramania Bharathi was an Indian writer, poet, journalist, Indian independence activist and social reformer from Tamil Nadu, India. Popularly known as “Mahakavi Bharathiyar”, he is a pioneer of modern Tamil poetry. His numerous works were fiery songs kindling patriotism and nationalism during Indian Independence movement.

Born in Ettayapuram of the then Tirunelveli district (presently Tuticorin district) in 1882, Subramania Bharati had his early education in Tirunelveli and Benares and worked as a journalist with many newspapers, notable among them being the Swadesamitran and India. Bharathi was also an active member of the Indian National Congress. In 1908, an arrest warrant was issued against Bharathi by the government of British India for his revolutionary activities forcing him to flee to Pondicherry where he lived until 1918.

Bharathi’s works were on varied themes covering religious, political and social aspects. Songs penned by Bharathi are widely used in Tamil films and Carnatic Music concerts.