Writer Tamil Prabha, Kamal Haasan, Pa. Ranjith, Editor of Neelam Magazine, Vasuki Bhaskar
Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan on Sunday inaugurated Neelam Books, a guide retailer and a cultural house, created by filmmaker Pa. Ranjith, in Egmore.
In his speech, Mr. Haasan mentioned caste continues to be his fundamental enemy in politics. “I have been saying this from 21 years of age. I have become mature since then in the way I express it, but I have not changed that thought. After the invention of the wheel, God is the greatest invention of man. Leaders such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar who came three generations before us fought to eliminate caste from politics. It is yet to happen. I see Neelam Panpattu Mayyam [Neelam Cultural Centre] as a continuation of that fight,” he mentioned.
Mr. Haasan mentioned the way in which Maiam and Neelam are spelt is perhaps totally different, however the effort is the identical.
Mr. Ranjith mentioned the books on sale on the retailer would assist to create political consciousness. “We have decided to feature books — be it poetry, literature and so on — written to create political awareness and there won’t be books that are written primarily for commercial purposes,” he mentioned.