Awards AppointmentsTuesday, 14 July 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
Poomani, Sahitya Akademi Award-winning Tamil writer and chronicler of karisal bhoomi, dies at 79
Writer Poomani, known for Agnaadi and karisal bhoomi narratives, died in Chennai on June 13, 2026 at the age of 79.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On June 13, 2026, Sahitya Akademi Award-winning Tamil writer Poomani died in Chennai at the age of 79, and the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister announced that he would be accorded state honours.
Key specifics
- Poomani received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for his novel Agnaadi.
- Agnaadi is set against the Sivakasi (1899) and Kazhugumalai (1895) communal riots.
- His novel Vekkai was adapted into the National Award-winning film Asuran by director Vetrimaaran, starring Dhanush.
- Poomani was born as Manickavasagam in Andipatti near Kovilpatti and worked in the Cooperative Department.
- He also directed Karuvelam Pookal for the NFDC and the television serial Penakkal.
Exam lens
Awards and literature question type: Sahitya Akademi 2014, Agnaadi, Sivakasi 1899, Kazhugumalai 1895, Asuran, Vetrimaaran, Dhanush. TNPSC may ask the award year, the novel, and the film adaptation linked to Poomani.