‘Samoogathin Mugam’ (The Face of Society), a book authored by senior journalist and writer B. Thirumalai, was released on Thursday during the annual Pongal celebrations organised by the Tamil Scholars’ Research Centre.
The research centre, which has been hosting these festivities for 27 years, added a literary significance to this year’s event by featuring the book launch as its centre piece.
This work marks the author’s 65th publication and comprises 32 articles divided into seven major themes, each addressing critical social issues and offering potential solutions.
The first copy of the book was released by the Additional Advocate General of Tamil Nadu, Ajmal Khan, and received by film director Ameer.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ameer pledged his support for the research centre’s long-standing demand to rename the Chennai–Kanyakumari National Highway as “Kural Vazhi Saalai” (The Kural Way).
He committed to being actively involved in future advocacy efforts to achieve this goal.
In keeping with tradition, Pongal was prepared in ceremonial clay pots. T. Nagarajan, Mayor in-charge of Madurai Corporation, distributed the offerings to event attendees, commuters at the bus terminus, small vendors, and laborers.
The event was presided over by the president of the research centre, advocate C.J. Rajan. Several notable figures shared their insights at the launch, including Henri Tiphagne, founder and executive director of People’s Watch, along with other prominent scholars and legal experts.
Published – January 16, 2026 08:02 pm IST
