After teaching history at the college level for four decades, N. Bakthavathsalu has taken to the written word to tell youngsters the stories of the land and its people.

Former Professor of History at Pachaiyappa’s College, Bakthavathsalu recently published Five Great Leaders of Tamil Nadu, a 43-page book that focusses on the lives and political achievements of C. Rajagopalachari, Periyar E.V.R., K. Kamaraj, C.N. AnnaDurai and M. Karunanidhi.

Prof. Bakthavathsalu, a resident of D Sector, Anna Nagar West Extension, said that keeping the young readership in mind the book was kept slim and its message as crisp and lucid as possible.

“I consider the four the greatest leaders of this era. It is important for students to know about the political history of the State,” said Prof. Bakthavathsalu.

He clarifies that he is not affiliated to any political party.

“Rajaji opposed Mahatma Gandhi and even stayed out of Congress for a few years. Kamaraj was responsible for an increase in the literacy rate and built many dams across the State. The book throws light on many such contributions from these leaders,” he said.

Prof. Bhathavatsalu has also authored school books published under the aegies of Tamil Nadu Textbook Society and contributed to Tamil Encyclopedia brought out by Thanjavur Tamil University.

The appendix lists out the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu from 1920 to 2018. The book is priced at ₹50.

For more details, contact Prof. Bakthavathsalu at 044-2615 0110.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by K. Lakshmi / June 29th, 2018