Category Archives: Uncategorized

How to write a short story? Today, the 28th of June is Thi Ja’s birthday and his 100th birth anniversary. We share with our listeners an essay that he wrote in 1969 for a magazine on how to write short stories. Drawing on interesting metaphors on the short story craft, a peek into the innerContinue reading “Sirukkadhai Ezhuduvadhu Eppadi?”

Ramaratnam, a true gentleman with sophisticated tastes and a pleasing manner befriends the author. A passing remark leads the author to question Ramaratnam’s intriguing past. Ramaratnam begins the search for the fragment of his past which he believes he too had forgotten. Where does his search lead him? This weekend on Father’s Day, we presentContinue reading “Thedal”

Thija travelled to Japan for two months in the 1960s and was very impressed by the country, its people and the culture. He then wrote a travelogue “Udaya Sooriyan” based on his experiences in Japan. This week, we share a short story which captures the essence of the country’s people.

In this charming story of a special friendship bound by the love for music between a 5 year old and a sangeetha vidwan and guru, ThiJa crafts an endearing story of trust with a rare mastery that leaves you smiling throughout!

An unpardonable indecent act by the house owner! How could he even think of doing such a thing… at his age?! What made him do it? The author confronts him. In this unpublished story of his, Thija’s mischievous humor leaves us wondering if the house owner’s reasons for the act are indeed to be takenContinue reading “Portion gaali”

The sudden, unexpected loss of a loved one leaves us with grief, lonely, barren and a flood of memories. An old man reminisces the day when his wife ran in the sweltering afternoon heat of a summer – all for what?! This story is dedicated to all those who lost someone near and dear thisContinue reading “Veyyil”

In this delightful story where a hapless bird is rescued and reluctantly adopted by a family, Thija provokes us to think of what attachment and loyalty mean to humans and to the bird. Have a listen!

Wishing all the listeners a Happy Mother’s Day. In case you are wondering why we are posting a story titled “Appa Pillai” on Mother’s Day, tune into this endearing story of a man musing about his mother when a teary eyed visitor comes asking for help.

One day, a retired old bearded man has unexpected visitors seeking his advise. Was the advise useful? In his characteristic humour, ThiJa pens this lighthearted story that unfolds as they get talking. Tune in!

The author walking back to his home in the darkness finds the temple door shut and is surprised that even the temple tower light (gopura vilakku) has been turned off! What is the reason, he wonders. In this well-known story, Thija crafts a moving drama on the circumstances that led to the switching off ofContinue reading “Gopura Vilakku”