Madurai (Tamil Nadu), Sept 11 (PTI) Eminent Tamil scholar, veteran professor, and iconic ‘Pattimandram’ (debate) moderator Solomon Pappaiah died due to illness here on Friday, triggering an outpouring of grief from political leaders and the global Tamil community.
He was 90, sources said.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar mourned the demise of the veteran orator, describing it as an “irreparable loss” to the world of Tamil literature and culture.
In a condolence message posted on ‘X’ by Lok Bhavan, the Governor said: “Deeply pained to learn about the demise of Mr. Solomon Pappaiah, a famous Tamil debate speaker, Tamil scholar, and an outstanding orator of Tamil literature and culture.” “Through his excellent oratorical skills, sense of humor, and profound knowledge of Tamil, he enriched the thoughts of the public and had the honor of taking the greatness of the Tamil language and literature to many generations,” Arlekar said, conveying his deep condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, and countless fans, and praying for the departed soul to rest in peace.
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay expressed profound shock and sorrow, highlighting Pappaiah’s role in elevating the traditional debate format.
“Deeply saddened and pained to learn of the demise of Tamil scholar Professor Solomon Pappaiah, who took the pride of the Tamil language and the lifestyle of Tamils to the world through debate stages,” read a post on his official X account.
The statement emphasised his monumental contribution in delivering social messages to the masses through humor-laced speeches and profound erudition.
“His role in transforming debates from mere entertainment events into thought-provoking intellectual platforms is phenomenal. His demise is an irreparable loss to the Tamil-speaking world,” the post added, extending condolences to his family, friends, and Tamil enthusiasts globally.
In a detailed condolence message, DMK chief M K Stalin said, “Pappaiah had earned the immense love of Tamils worldwide through his “smiling face, captivating Tamil, and the fragrance of the Madurai soil.” He also lauded Pappaiah’s dual mastery over classical literature and public speaking. “Just as he was an expert in ancient Tamil literature, having authored a commentary on the Thirukkural, devised a new order for the Purananuru, and researched Kamban, he was equally gifted with the ability to speak in simple, humorous language,” the former Chief Minister said.
Highlighting his cultural impact, Stalin noted that for Tamils, festival days like Pongal and New Year effectively began with Pappaiah’s television debates.
He described the late scholar as the “proud identity of modern Madurai” who nurtured numerous public speakers, creating what could be termed a “Pappaiah lineage.” Stalin also fondly recalled his personal bond with the scholar, noting that Pappaiah’s affection for him and the late leader Kalaignar (M Karunanidhi) remained steadfast regardless of whether the party was in power.
Recalling a recent interaction, Stalin said: “When I visited Madurai last May for various events, he came to his doorstep to welcome me during a public meeting. I told the professor, who had lost his wife only a few months prior, to take care of his health. The mind refuses to accept that he has left us today.” Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) General Secretary T T V Dhinakaran also expressed deep anguish over the veteran scholar’s demise.
“The news of the passing of Professor Solomon Pappaiah, one of the most outstanding Tamil scholars and a famous debate speaker, due to illness brings immense pain and sorrow,” Dhinakaran said in a statement.
Praising Pappaiah for enriching debate platforms with elegant and humorous ideas in simple language, the AMMK leader extended his condolences to the grieving family, relatives, and fellow Tamil enthusiasts, praying for the departed soul to rest in peace. PTI JR JR ROH
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