FAILED SSLC LAD TO FAMOUS PUBLISHER

FAILED SCHOOL FINAL LAD BECAME THE FOUNDER OF WELL KNOWN PUBLISHING HOUSE

(Vanathi Thrunavukarasu – Well-known Publisher of more than 10,000 titles of famous
Authors in Tamil came from Nagarathar Community of Devakottai. At the age of 7- He
went to Burma in 1935 to stay with his father and study. He was forced to return back to India due to the start of second world war- covering the entire 3000 miles by walk.)

He continued his study at Devakotai. He failed in S.S.L.C. Having lost every thing in
Burma his family were living middle class life –pinned their hope on this lad. Failure shocked his mother. At that time Arasu took an oath before his mother that he will prove himself a useful member of the family and create a name for himself. He wrote to his friend at Madras- Soma Swaminathan (later this chap also became famous in the Publishing field) requesting him to get a job at Madras.

Soma Swaminathan and other youngsters were friends – playing every day in the
morning Badminton and Arasu is one among them. This boyhood friendship became the
breadwinner for Arasu. Soma called him to Madras – this is the first Turning Point forArasu. Soma and Chinna Annamalai are all members of Tamil Pannai-later this pannai produced famous Publishers and Writers in Tamil.

Arasu joined at Tamil Pannai –where Rajaji, Ma. PO. Si, Poet Namakkal Kavi wrote for
it and Papers were published in support of Independence -fully supporting Mahathma
Gandhi, Nehrus’ call for Total Independence of India from British Rule. To see and
watch their works were thrilling experience for Arasu But this job lasted for only one year- all Devakottai people were sent out due to some problem. This enabled these members to start their own business. This is the second Turning Point for Arasu.

Arasu joined Sakthi Publication. Here he worked along with L. Ramanathan (He became
famous writer and Publisher- in the name of Tamil Vanan) Both Tamil Vanan and Arasu joined later Kumudam – now the famous weekly magazine but Arasu left the same after few months due to difference with Tamil Vanan.

Arasu’s craze to start a Tamil Magazine enabled him to start children’s magazine- Jill-Jill. Kalki-the famous Writer, Patroit, freedom fighter, Editor advised Arasu to go in for a Press. At the same time the now famous Kannadasan-who was unknown to the world also started ‘ Thendral ’ maazine. Jill Jill was priced at four annas at that time. This magazine produced many children writers. The advice of Kalki was always the thought for Arasu-to start a Printing Press and Publishing house. It was a blessing in disguise for Arasu to leave his dearest friend- Tamil Vanan –since Arasu could concentrate on his own dream of becoming a Publisher of his own.

This is the third Turning Point for Arasu

After much trial tribulation finally the now famous Vanathi Publication became a
reality. The first publication of Vanathi is ‘ Ven Pura’ by R.S. Mani – a detective novel. There was great demand for such type novels at that time. Later Vanathi published books on self-improvement, historical novels, Social Novels, Aanmeekam-religious Books etc. Rajaji’s Vyasar Virundu, Kalki Novels. Kanchi Acarya’s ‘ Deivathin Kural ‘ etc gave very good name to Vanathi and Thirunavukarasu.
The people of Tamil Nadu and the Government recognize Thirunavukarasu. Writers
considered themselves recognized only if their works were published by Vanathi. Such is the name created by the hard work and quality printing by Vanathi.

Analysis:

Undaunted by the failure in School final Arasu was determined to succeed. His boyhood
friendship helped him at crucial time. He stood firmly when ideas of his friend were
different to leave him to start his own. He was receptive of ideas and suggestions. He wanted to peruse well-established principles in his business inherited from his father. He adjusted his works according to the time and environment.


· Failure is the stepping stone for success.
· Friendship and brotherhood.
· Noble tradition in Publication field.

Jagannathan.