Sahitya Akademi Award-Winning Tamil Writer Poomani Passes Away
16 July 2026National
In July 2026, Tamil writer and novelist Poomani (Pulithurai Manickavasagam) passed away at 79 in Chennai. He won the Sahitya Akademi Award (2014) in Tamil for his novel Agnaadi, set against the Kazhugumalai (1895) and Sivakasi (1899) communal conflicts. Known for realistic portrayals of the Karisal Bhoomi region, his novel Vekkai was adapted into the acclaimed film Asuran (2019) by Vetrimaaran.
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Sahitya Akademi established: 1954 | India National Academy of Letters | Award covers 24 languages | Vekkai adapted into film Asuran (2019)
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Tamil writer Poomani, Sahitya Akademi Award (2014) winner for Agnaadi and author of Vekkai (adapted into Asuran), passed away at 79.
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Sahitya Akademi Awardee Tamil Writer Poomani Passes Away at 79Renowned Tamil writer Poomani - the pen name of Poolithurai Manickavasagam - passed away on 12 July 2026 at the age of 79 due to age-related illness in Chennai. Born in 1947 at Andipatti near Kovilpatti (Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu), he was one of the most significant voices in Tamil literature, chronicling the lives of people in the state's dryland (karisal) regions. He won the Sahitya Akademi Award (2014) for his novel Anjaadi (Agnaadi), and his novel Vekkai was adapted into the acclaimed 2019 film Asuran (directed by Vetrimaaran, starring Dhanush). Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced state honours for his final rites. His novel 'Vekkai' inspired the National Award-winning film 'Asuran'.12 Jul 2026GMusic Legend Clive Davis DiesClive Davis, the legendary Grammy-winning American record producer and music executive who shaped the careers of numerous global artists, died on 22 June 2026 at the age of 94.22 Jun 2026
Sahitya Akademi Awardee Tamil Writer Poomani Passes Away at 79Renowned Tamil writer Poomani - the pen name of Poolithurai Manickavasagam - passed away on 12 July 2026 at the age of 79 due to age-related illness in Chennai. Born in 1947 at Andipatti near Kovilpatti (Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu), he was one of the most significant voices in Tamil literature, chronicling the lives of people in the state's dryland (karisal) regions. He won the Sahitya Akademi Award (2014) for his novel Anjaadi (Agnaadi), and his novel Vekkai was adapted into the acclaimed 2019 film Asuran (directed by Vetrimaaran, starring Dhanush). Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced state honours for his final rites. His novel 'Vekkai' inspired the National Award-winning film 'Asuran'.12 Jul 2026GMusic Legend Clive Davis DiesClive Davis, the legendary Grammy-winning American record producer and music executive who shaped the careers of numerous global artists, died on 22 June 2026 at the age of 94.22 Jun 2026