Literature is more powerful than history: Su. Venkatesan

Sahitya Akademi award-winning writer and Member of Parliament Su. Venkatesan asserted that literature possesses greater power than merely recording history. On Friday, he spoke at The Hindu office, stating that he weaves the tales of contemporary individuals within a historical context. "History is a tool," he remarked, questioning the significance of discussing a 2,000-year-old story compared to a current event.

Venkatesan's first novel, Kaval Kottam, won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi award and is an epic based on Madurai's history. He explained that literature, rather than a history book, has a more profound impact. For instance, despite numerous books on the India-Pakistan Partition, a single short story by Manto has left an immense mark, highlighting the power of literature.

In his second novel, Veerayuga Nayagan Velpari, Venkatesan incorporated all his knowledge about the Sangam era in various ways, creating a complete world—a painting drawn with elements like astronomy, maritime wisdom, and flora. When questioned about the extent to which historical writers should adhere to reality, Venkatesan clarified that significant historical facts cannot be entirely changed.

"If you completely alter history, the work will not endure. Hence, our artistic liberty lies in how we reenact the events that took place in history," he noted. Venkatesan was asked to choose between being a writer or a public representative for social change. He emphasized that literature's impact and longevity are immense, while immediate relief is addressed as a representative.

Literature serves a different purpose, making direct comparison impossible. Venkatesan concluded by stressing the necessity of continually reimagining historical stories, making them relevant to our current times. He viewed this as a political act conducted within the realm of cultural adversaries.