SUJATHA

Writer of over 80 novels, 150 short stories, ten science books, ten dramas, numerous poems and articles, Sujatha's real name is Rangarajan. He published his first story in 1953 in the magazine Sivaji. His 'Kadaisi Pakkam' (last page) in Kanaiyali magazine was the first of several such special pages in other magazines. Besides writing for the print media, Sujatha has also written stories, screenplays and dialogue for Tamil dramas, serials on television, Films and multi-media educational CD ROMs.

In 1993, the Indian Government (National Council for Science and Technology) awarded him for his science awareness and promotional efforts in education. Sujatha's ability to straddle a range of genres, from social issue-based to science fiction, has given him wide readership. The computer-buffs in Tamil Nadu have a lot to be grateful to him for. Sujatha's Tamil word equivalents of computer terms are widely used today.

ABDUL RAHMAN

Pioneer of surrealism in Tamil poetry, Abdul Rahman is the author of around two-dozen books. He is also the 1999 Sahitya Akademi Award winner for his collection of poems 'Aalapanai'. It is after three decades that a Tamil poetic work has been chosen for this award. For several years, he taught as the Head of the Tamil Department at Islamiah College in Vaniyambadi. Among his noted works are 'Paal Veedi', 'Neyar Viruppam', 'Muttai Vaasigal', 'Suttu Viral', 'Karaigale Nadiyavadillai' and 'Indriravu Pagalil'. Several of his works have been serialised in popular periodicals. His adaptation of the Japanese poetic form of Haiku and the Urdu Ghazal has helped enrich Tamil poetry today. Among the first to make contemporary the Hindu myths, this modern poet is a doctorate-holder for his dissertation on symbolism in modern Tamil verse.

SIVASANKARI

Tamil author of 30 novels, 13 travelogues and more than 150 short stories and novellas, Sivasankari is one of the most respected names in the field. She started off writing short stories for periodicals like Ananda Vikatan. Her first novel was written in 1970. Sivasankari is also known for her social consciousness that comes across through her several articles published in prominent journals.

She is also the author of the biography of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and two travelogues titled 'Travels with Rajiv Gandhi' (based on her experience of accompanying him on two of his tours). Six novels written by her have been made into films in Tamil. Four novels (two on drug abuse, one on alcoholism and one on old age) have been serialised on National and Regional Television. She has also appeared as an Expert Panellist and Resource Person in popular Talk shows and Chat shows on TV. Sivasankari is also trained in Bharatanatyam and Classical music.

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