Renowned Tamil writer Poomani (original name Pulithurai Manickavasagam) passed away

¨     Renowned Tamil writer Poomani (original name Pulithurai Manickavasagam) passed away on 12 July 2026 at the age of 79.

¨     He was a celebrated novelist and short-story writer from Tamil Nadu.

¨     His writings focused on rural life, farmers, labourers, marginalised communities, and social realities.

¨     He is regarded as one of the leading modern Tamil prose writers.

¨     Poomani received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for his novel Agnyaadi.

¨     The Sahitya Akademi Award is one of India's highest literary honours.

¨     It is presented annually by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters.

¨     His acclaimed novel Vekkai was adapted into the 2019 film Asuran.

¨     The film starred Dhanush in the lead role.

¨     Asuran was directed by Vetrimaaran.

¨     Poomani also directed the film Karuvelam Pookkal for the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).

¨     His mortal remains were kept at his residence in Kovilpatti.

¨     His last rites were scheduled for 13 July 2026.

¨     The Sahitya Akademi is India's National Academy of Letters under the Ministry of Culture.

¨     The Sahitya Akademi Award is presented for outstanding literary works in 24 recognised Indian languages.

¨     The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) is a Government of India public sector enterprise that promotes and supports film production and development.