He Was a Tamil Teacher-Orator Known Across the World
Recalling Pappaiah’s evolution as a pattimandram speaker, Nedumaran said Pappaiah initially dealt with literary subjects but later began focusing on issues concerning the common man. “
Chennai: Solomon Pappaiah was not just a colleague but like an elder brother and a role model as an orator, said R. Nedumaran, retired head of English department, The American College, Madurai, recalling his simplicity, literary sensibility and ability to connect with the common man.
“I have known him since 1967 and was his junior colleague at The American College. We took part in several literary events together and used to call him ‘Anna’,” Nedumaran told Deccan Chronicle.
He recalled meeting Pappaiah this week on September 8 at the Treasury Office in the Madurai Collectorate. “He asked me whether I could translate his Purananuru, Agananuru and Tirukkural commentaries into English. It is shocking to hear that he is no more,” he said.
Recalling Pappaiah’s evolution as a pattimandram speaker, Nedumaran said Pappaiah initially dealt with literary subjects but later began focusing on issues concerning the common man. “His choice of subjects struck a chord with people and helped him reach a wide audience,” he said.
Describing him as a multifaceted personality, he said Pappaiah’s simplicity and accessibility made him popular among people across generations. “He was a teacher and orator known to Tamils across the world. He also taught public speaking to students and encouraged them to develop confidence in expressing their views,” Nedumaran said.
He also recalled Pappaiah’s simple lifestyle, including his habit of riding a motorcycle during his early years. Nedumaran signed off by saying that Soloman Pappaiah’s death was a great loss to the literary world and to American College.
