VCK founder and MP Thol. Thirumavalavan along with CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam releasing a book written by A. Kathir, executive director, Evidence, in Madurai on Saturday.
VCK founder and MP Thol. Thirumavalavan along with CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam releasing a book written by A. Kathir, executive director, Evidence, in Madurai on Saturday. | Photo Credit: R. ASHOK
Appreciating Madurai-based NGO Evidence and its executive director A. Kathir for his sustained contributions for over two decades in fighting for the Dalit victims in the region, VCK leader and MP Thol Thirumavalavan said that he was delighted to release a book titled – Karuppu Rakshagan – authored by Mr Kathir on Saturday.
Speaking after releasing the book, the MP said that the VCK as a political party fought for the downtrodden in the legislatur, while organisations like the Evidence too struggled for similar cause in the society. The role of whistle-blowers was not only complex, but challenging. Sometimes, they are also under threat from dominant forces, which had on a few occasions, turned fatal too.
CPI (M) State secretary Shanmugam, who received the first copy, said that he was overwhelmed by Mr Kathir’s immense contribution. He urged the doctors in Tamil Nadu to read the novel and wished the book brought in the much needed change to the society.
Publisher Marudan, in his introductory remarks, said that the novel, which has 496 pages and priced at ₹600, is a socially realistic book.
Hailing the author of the NGO, now as a novelist for his maiden launch of the book, he hoped that the writings would go a long way and set a tone for transformation of the Dalits in the society.
He appealed to the next generation to read the book without fail.
Presiding over the event, writer Semmalar said that she was excited to read the novel and described it as interesting.
Offering felicitations, professor Panneerselvam, writer Bava Chelladurai, journalist Vinod, cine directors Vetrimaran and Saravanan and actor Sasikumar hailed Mr. Kathir for his new role as a novelist. They also acknowledged the role of Evidence in bringing out the criminals before the law and giving relief to the victims. Kousalya, whose husband was a victim to caste killing, also spoke.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Kathir said that his journey as an NGO over the last two decades had inspired him to write the book and thanked his well-wishers for the support during challenging times.
Earlier, Muthu from Evidence welcomed the gathering. Rani Meenakshi proposed a vote of thanks. Following an appeal from actor Mr. Sasikumar, the publisher announced a discount of ₹100 for each purchase at the venue.
The Hindu Bureau
Courtesy : The Hindu
Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights