Era Natarasan is an Indian writer who contributed towards English and Tamil literature. He is best known for authoring children’s books, science, and fiction. He is the author of bestseller English novel, Ayisha, which earned him the nickname, Ayesha Natarasan. He has been honoured multiple times by the Government of Tamil Nadu for his literary contributions, including the “Bal Sahitya Puraskar Award” from Tamil Sahitya Academy for Vigyana Vikramadhithyan Kadhaigal, a science fiction book for kids.
Era. Natarasan: The Inspiring Voice of Modern Tamil Literature and ‘Ayisha’ Fame
He was born on 8 December 1964 in Lalgudi, Trichy District, Tamil Nadu. He is also a prolific educator and teacher, who currently serves as Head master of the Krishnasamy Memorial Matric Higher Secondary School, in Cuddalore near Puducherry.
Natarasan started his writing career as a poet in the Tamil weekly Ananda Vikatan in 1982. Initially, he wrote in literary magazines. But he switched to short stories, choosing themes like Science and Science fiction for children. He contributed more than 150 books, mostly belonging to science fiction and children’s literature.
Beyond science and children’s books, his literary canvas spans complex adult fiction, deep historical research, and poetry. Notable works include Vigyanavikramathithan, Madrasila, and Kaalam.
His celebrated book, Vigyana Vikramadhithyan Kadhaigal, includes the history of the medical inventions of some great vaccines. He is a psychologist and an educational scholar associated with educational activism. He has translated Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed, a book on education into Tamil. Era. Natarasan’s articles and interviews on education have appeared in many leading magazines and dailies.
Era. Natarasan – Some interesting and lesser-known facts
1. Four of his stories have been made into short films – Ayesha, Madhi, Rathathin Vannathil, and Vattathin Pakkangal.
2. His name is mostly linked with science fiction and children’s literature in Tamil and English.
3. He authored an award-winning book, Idhu Yarudaya Vagupparai, exclusively for teachers.
4. He appeared in a cameo role in one feature film, Ammavin Kaipesi.
5. His book, Ayisha, has been translated into multiple languages, including English, French, Hindi, and Malayalam. It was adapted into an award-winning short film and is frequently used in teacher-training institutes across India to advocate for compassionate education.
6. He is a speaker at literary festivals, educational forums, and book fairs, consistently fighting for reforms to reduce the academic burden on children.
Also read: Pa. Raghavan: The Master of Tamil Political Non-Fiction and Modern Novels
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