Today is his Birthday!

Today is his Birthday! 04.03.1965

Acknowledging his unique qualities beyond the role of a revolutionary, we observed first-hand how one maintains their individual dignity amidst the chaos of war, and it was him who exemplified it best. – For someone who heads an administration wing, there were many days, when we observed how he illustrated how one should lead by example and action and not just by words. He was an exceptional cinematographer, known for his highly innovative digital camera work, accidentally, the first time I held a camera in my hands, it was his camera.

He embarked on a path paved by the illustrious Kittu Anna, who served as his guiding mentor in the dynamic realm of the media industry. Whether the media was in print, radio and / or in television broadcast, he was exceptionally proficiency in all of these different formats. During his entry into the world of print media, particularly in newspapers, it relied heavily on film roll cameras as the primary tool for capturing images. As a photographer during that era, his work centered around the intricate process of shooting and producing captivating images for print media, However, as technology advanced, the emergence of digital cameras revolutionized the field of photography and the transition from film to digital marked a significant shift in the way images were captured & processed.

His legacy lives on—as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through the lens. His artistry and adaptability have forever shaped the way we perceive and consume media. By seamlessly bridging the gap between analog and digital, he have etched his name not only in the records of media history but also in the hearts and minds of those who bear witness to his extraordinary talent. A large number of Medagu’s (Honorable) pictures were taken by Jawan Anna. Jawan Anna’s exceptional work resulted Medagu’s profound sense of love and admiration. We have always maintained a continuous schedule of radio programs, featuring a mix of special events and daily broadcasts. – there was also a practise where every employee had to give their appraisal related to the broadcasting.

Whether it came from Vanni, from the fields of battlefronts or from Tamil Nādu within the Indian subcontinent, he never failed to provide us the experience gathered from those spheres by organising a range of educational events, from seminars, workshops to panel discussions, where knowledge is exchanged. – At the same time, he never backed down from the stance, that if mistakes were made on the radio, the person who made them were held accountable and were made to answer for them. Particularly, during the broadcasting of Heroes Day held on 27th Nov, there existed a real danger of attack from the occupying forces, hence he would always be on duty for alternative arrangements to address any disruptions affected by the potential attacks, embodying the title; the voice of the organization. From setting up the broadcasting towers for the special broadcasts, to the completion of those broadcasts, every single aspect is taken care of by him.

Given the broadcasting stations intent and usage, the surrounding environments are always dangerous, and in those circumstances, he used to go to those places without any hesitation and instill confidence in the employees situated there. He was truly pivotal and radical in bringing the message to the masses in an era when the use of telecommunication devices (other than the organisation’s communication devices) was virtually non-existent before peacetime. His strict stance is that News regarding the Self-determination struggle and the organisation should be dependable, honest, and released in a timely manner. His stringent criteria and standards regarding news releases to public are still implemented without deviation. None were his equal when it came to gathering the first-hand accounts, humanitarian analysis, and news coverage of the countless significant zones of engagement experienced during wartime of armed struggle.

Proficient in staff development, he firmly believed that every member of the radio staff partake in as many supplementary responsibilities as they are able to manage. The foundational belief was any of those who have served under his administration for a year could integrate and add value to another department seamlessly. His management methodology was that everyone’s labour and man-hours served are recognised and valued. He possessed an exceptional ability to identify talented individual and cultivating their potential. Based on my experience, I would like to share two insights: I was given the responsibility of interviewing and documenting the founding figures of the nation for producing an upcoming program called; “Vala-Nādu” (Growing Country), At that time, if I had to venture out into the field, I used to go to the field with Tavapal-Anna, and for the first interview of “Vala-Nādu”, I was to interview Mr. Arun who was in charge of the health department at that point in time. Upon arriving at the location, in the presence of Tavapal-Anna, I arrived at the conclusion that he should interview Mr. Arun.

I conveyed this to Tavapal-Anna, stating, “You handle it.” He agreed and proceeded to conduct the on-site guest interview, which was subsequently broadcast to the viewers. The following day, Jawan-anna contacted me and conveyed; “That program was assigned to you, if it was meant for Tavapalan to handle, I would have assigned it to him”. Since then, I have interviewed personally more than 15 founding figures of the nation for the program which has led to great introductions to leading figures and have contributed to valuable opportunities. Likewise, during peace time, Pongu-Tamil (Awake Tamils) events were held in the Northern Eastern part of Tamil-Eelam. A Pongu-Tamil event was organized at the Eastern University of Batticaloa, Vantharumoolai. Tavapal-Anna, who had gone to Jaffna, Tamil Eelam, was unable to return to cover the event on the specified date, despite all prior radio announcement being aired. Javan-anna called and told me, “I want you to go to Batticaloa and do a live broadcast, you can do it.

” Colin-anna who is now based in Norway, took me to the site. – I did the live broadcast of the event for over four hours alone, and Javan-anna’s unwavering faith and confidence placed on us, surpassing our own beliefs, continues to leave me awe-inspired and speechless even today. As metaphors exists harmoniously in poetry, as editorial resides within news articles, as various components synchronizes seamlessly within a vehicle, as lens are vital within a camera and as radio frequency are fundamental to broadcasting, Javan-anna’s intricate knowledge of various moving parts stands as a testament to his unique personality and character. Today is his Birthday! Warm and profound wishes to you, dearest elder brother. You are forever etched at the pinnacle of our heart.