V N Swami

V. N. Swami (born 1931 in Manambuchavadi, Thanjavur district) is a veteran journalist, author, and chronicler of modern Indian history whose works focus on the Indian freedom struggle and the often-overlooked contributions of journalists, Islamic scholars, and marginalized communities. Widely respected in journalistic and literary circles, Swami has remained an active writer for more than seven decades, with a passion that continues well into his nineties.

Early Life and Education

Born as Vandu NagaSwami Samayya, his name evolved into the widely recognized “V. N. Swami” due to a school registration error and later journalistic usage. Swami completed his SSLC at Veeraraghava High School, Thanjavur, and equipped himself with shorthand and Tamil typewriting skills—tools that would become crucial in his journalistic career. At the age of 19, he became the assistant to the social reformer Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, accompanying him on travels, recording his speeches, and preparing them for publication in Viduthalai. This early experience not only shaped Swami’s writing skills but also gave him deep exposure to socio-political thought and grassroots activism.

Career in Journalism

Swami’s career in journalism began after short stints in clerical and typing assignments. Encouraged by mentors and senior journalists, he joined the newly launched Tamil Nadu newspaper in Madurai. His career, however, was marked by resilience, as he faced challenges such as suspensions and dismissals during the formative years of the press industry. In 1968, Swami joined Dinamani, where he served until his retirement in 1989 as Chief Correspondent. His insightful columns, especially “Celebrities” (a Monday feature on political events), earned him a loyal readership. Beyond Dinamani, Swami also contributed to newspapers like Engal Naadu and Dina Seithi, and to periodicals such as Tughlaq, where he wrote on rare court judgments and historical anecdotes.

Author and Historian

Swami’s body of work extends far beyond daily journalism. His books highlight the contributions of Muslims, revolutionary women, tribal communities, Saurashtrians, and even foreign women in the Indian independence struggle—groups often neglected in mainstream histories. He has received Kalaignar Ezhuthukole Award in 2021, the first recipient of this award, for his 50+ years of contribution to journalism. Some of his most noted works include: • Suthanthira Porattathil Sourashtrar (2019) • Vidhuthalai Poril Pazhangudi Makkal (2019) • Pugalpettra Kadarporgal (Famous Seawars), honored with awards from Thanjavur Tamil University, the Seethakaathi Foundation (2019), and the Thiruvika Award (2020) by the Tamil Nadu Government. His research into the role of Islamic scholars and Maulanas during the freedom struggle further underscores his dedication to documenting inclusive histories. Swami is presently engaged in writing a comprehensive history of the Indian independence movement, a project that reflects both his scholarly rigor and his lifelong passion for recording history.

Legacy

Though retired from formal journalism more than three decades ago, Swami remains deeply committed to writing and research. His journey—from a teenage assistant to Periyar, to Chief Correspondent of Dinamani, to an award-winning author—represents the resilience of a generation that bridged activism, journalism, and historical scholarship. V. N. Swami’s work stands as a testament to the power of the written word in preserving collective memory and honoring the unsung heroes of India’s freedom movement.

References

1. https://inmathi.com/2023/04/05/veteran-scribe-writes-book-on-journos-of-freedom-struggle/76626/#:~:text=He%20has%20written%20the%20book,learnt%20Tamil%20typewriting%20and%20shorthand. 2. Senior Jounalist & Writer Mr. V.N. Swami - Interview – Sida Neli - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrODod4t7jc 3. Daily thanthi Newspaper - https://www.dailythanthi.com/news/tamilnadu/121st-birthday-leaders-pay-homage-to-s-p-adithanar-statue-1181844