Chinnamanur Subramaniam Chellappa

Chinnamanur Subramaniam Chellappa, or C.S. Chellappa, was a famous Tamil writer, journalist, freedom fighter, and activist. He was born on 29 September 1912. His father, Subramania Iyer, was a government servant and also a nationalist who spun charkha and attended meetings with national leaders. Chellappa's upbringing took place in this nationalist environment, and he wore Khadi, attended meetings with his father, and sang patriotic songs. 

Talking about his education, Chellappa finished his Bachelor's degree in Economics but could not obtain his diploma because he struggled with understanding English Literature and failed four times. 

Chellappa was as inspired by the non-violent ideas of Mahatma Gandhi as he was by the revolutionary ideas of Bhagat Singh. He participated in Batlagundu Satyagraha and was arrested for six months. 

Chellappa began his journey as a writer in 1934 with his debut story "Margazhi Malar." After four years, he earned his first payment of 5 rupees from a published piece for a brief narrative. Newspapers such as Jayabharati and Tamil Nadu saw his contribution. 

His renowned writings and productions included "Vaadivasal," "Jeevanamsam," and "Suthanthira Thagam." Suthanthira Thagam was honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award posthumously in 2001. Chellapa also involved himself in literary criticism, evident through his works such as Mayathachan, Ramaiyyavin Sirukathai Kalam, and Oothupathi Pul.

Chellappa was an essential part of the Tamil literary movement "Manikodi," where he collaborated with many established writers of that time. He also founded "Ezuthu," a literary magazine. 

Chellappa spent the last years in a small room in a crowded Chennai bylane. However, his surroundings and his ill health couldn't prevent him from completing his three-volume epic novel "The Thirst for Freedom." He died on 18 December 1998.