Sahitya Akademi Award-Winning Writer Poomani Dies

Renowned Tamil writer Poomani, also known as Pulithurai Manickavasagam, died on 12 July 2026 at the age of 79 due to age-related health issues. He was a novelist and short-story writer from Tamil Nadu, and his works focused on rural life, marginalised communities, and social realities in Tamil literature.

Poomani and Tamil Literature

Poomani wrote in Tamil and became known for fiction that portrayed the lives of farmers, labourers, and socially excluded groups in rural Tamil Nadu. His literary output included novels and short stories, which placed him among noted modern Tamil prose writers.

Sahitya Akademi Award and Major Works

Poomani received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for his novel Agnyaadi. The Sahitya Akademi Award is one of India’s major literary honours and is given annually by the Sahitya Akademi, the national academy of letters. His novel Vekkai was adapted into the 2019 film Asuran, which starred Dhanush. The adaptation brought one of his well-known literary works into mainstream Indian cinema.

Film Work and Final Rites

Poomani also directed Karuvelam Pookkal for the National Film Development Corporation of India, commonly known as NFDC. His mortal remains were kept at his residence in Kovilpatti, and his last rites were scheduled for 13 July 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Sahitya Akademi is India’s national academy of letters and functions under the Ministry of Culture.
• The Sahitya Akademi Award is given for literary works in 24 recognised Indian languages.
• Asuran was released in 2019 and was directed by Vetrimaaran.
• NFDC is a public sector enterprise under the Government of India linked to film promotion and production.

State Honour

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced that the state government would accord State honours for Poomani’s final journey. Poomani’s death was reported on 12 July 2026, and the official state tribute was announced on 13 July 2026.