The centenary year of the former DMK Chief Minister M Karunanidhi is seeing a series of activities in his memory. But what came as a surprise a week ago is the announcement by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin issuing direction nationalising all literary works of Karunanidhi without royalty. In other words, his family members have given up all claims to the proceeds from the publication of his works.
Thus all the works of the Kalaignar, or artist as Karunanidhi was addressed, will be nationalised as was done in the case of 179 scholars, for which royalty to the tune of Rs 14.42 crore is being issued by the state government.
The literary works of Karunanidhi include 15 novels, 30 dramas, 15 short stories, over 200 poems and other writings. His popular plays include: Anarkali, Udhayasuriyan, Unnaithaan Thambi, Ilaignan Kural, Ore Mutham, Socrates, Samrat Asokan, Silappathikaram. Other popular works include Vellikkizhamai, Surulimalai, Vaankozhi, Pudhaiyal, Ore Ratham, Oru Maram, Poothathu Arumbu, Periya Idathu Penn.
Though he was not keen on studies and even failed, he began writing at the age of 13 with his 'Manava Nesan' (those affectionate towards students), a handwritten newsletter, published in 'Dravida Nadu' of former Chief Minister CN Annadurai. His command over Tamil saw him rise to be a litterateur. He penned film scripts, including the iconic 'Parashakthi', that propagated Dravidian ideology.
He began publishing 'Murasoli' from 1942, which went on to become the mouthpiece of the DMK party. His letters to party cadres that appeared in Murasoli have been compiled and published. Six volumes of autobiographical treatises reflect on his life, thoughts and works: 'Nenjukku Needhi' (justice for heart).
With such a voluminous body of work, Karunanidhi's family has made it available for free publication and better reach. Perhaps, in the midst of the dwindling Dravidianism, the first family of the DMK wanted to keep the light burning.
Under the Copyright Act of 1957, a writer has all the legal rights, including to reproduce, issue copies, perform, adapt or translate. But, on the death of the writer the copyright goes to the legal heirs. They can assign copyright to anyone they chose in return for compensation. However, 60 years after the death of the writer, the writer's works automatically enters the public domain and can be published by anyone without the permission of the heirs.
In Tamil Nadu, the then Karunanidhi government in 2001 established the Tamil Virtual Academy (TVA) for online education in Tamil language. TVA collaborated with legal heirs/original owners of copyright to get them to assign rights for certain works to the state government. All books nationalised by the state are released in the public domain under an Universal Public Domain Dedication licence (cco 1.0). With this licence the work could be copied, modified, distributed and performed without permission.
He was born on June 3, 1924 in Thirukkuvalai in Nagapattinam district. He died on August 7, 2018. As part of his centenary celebrations, the union and the state government together released a Rs 100 commemorative coin early this month. In February this year a memorial of Karunanidhi was inaugurated. There are book release and various other programs going on since June 2023.
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