A doctor by profession Ezhuth Aani’s literary journey began from his school days when he won many
prizes for Tamil poetry and English essay. Although many of his poems and articles had been published
before, his literary career took a steep upward trajectory on January first 2013 when he published his
debut book, an anthology of 80 Tamil poems, entitled “Vinthaiyai Viriyuthadi (Expanding Wonder).” His
works were acclaimed by many scholars including Kavikko Abdul Rahman and Erottu Thamilanban, both
winners of President’s Sahitya awards. “I don’t want to be given an easy pass as a physician who also
dabbles in literary writing,” says Ezhuth. “I want my writing to be judged on its own merit.” Perhaps it is
for this reason that he uses his nom de guerre in all his non-medical writings. Even in the medical field
he has authored many papers and a book chapter. In fact the multi-faceted Ezhuth has even had the
privilege of naming a new and innovative operation after his birthplace, as “Yarl Flap.”
Ezhuth announced his desire to write novels at his debut book release and soon kept his word by
releasing two novels in Tamil, in 2014 and in 2015. These two have now been published in English. The
first, I am the Lord” is very relevant to the current Indian society. It dwells deeply into the sordid world
of religious conversions and brainwashing. The author debunks many of the arguments put forward by
those who want to change others. “Religion is cultural,” says the author. “It has nothing to do with
spirituality. Any attempts to mass convert a people by coercion or by incentives is a cultural invasion.”
Although he writes fluently in Tamil, Ezhuth wants his creations to be in English. “I don’t want my ideas
to be confined to one language or one narrow region. I am a globalist and whether we like it or not
English has become the Universal language.” His aunt, Ms. Parvathi Nagasundaram is a well-respected
personality in the teaching of English in Sri Lanka who has authored many books in that field. “I was
fortunate that Paru took me under her wings and taught me English from a very early age,” says Ezhuth.
“When you learn a language at an early age, you can think in that language instead of having to translate
two ways in your mind.” Initially he sought help from Prof Parvathy Vasudev of Chennai to translate
from Tamil to English.
Ezhuth’s second novel “Another Tale of Two Cities” had many rave reviews in Amazon and Goodreads.
It is based on 15th century Cambodia during the dying days of the glorious cities of Angkor Wat and
Angkor Thom. It is about a people facing annihilation from many fronts, including climate change.
Ezhuth did a lot of research and based his fictional work on historical facts. This unique work spans many
theatres including the Forbidden City of the Ming emperors, the court of King Parakramabahu VIII of Sri
Lanka and the Vijayanagara emperor. It incorporates a passionate romantic tale and a struggle between
duty and love.
Ezhuth followed this with the next novel, bRAINBOW, which is totally different to his previous works.
This time it is about a contemporary problem affecting many families. It is about a woman with
dementia whose family tries to keep her safe. Safety comes with restrictions and the heroine sees these
as attempts to control her. Can dementia be a theme for an interesting story? “Yes,” believes the
author. “We don’t know what is going on in their minds. Obviously they view things differently. There is
a lot going on in the lives of these patients and it is not only interesting but is also very poignant. It is a
challenge to bring out their story without making it too drab.” The novel actually ends on a hopeful
note.
Riding with Ravan is Ezhuth’s fourth novel, published by Locksley Hall Publishing. “I have been friends with Suhail Mathur of The Book Bakers
Literary Agency for many years. I wanted to write something that would promote friendship between
the people of India and Sri Lanka. What better plot than Ramayan, to bind the two nations together?”
says Ezhuth, who has a lot of family living in India. “And I wanted to create a new genre, retrograde
science fiction.”
In fact Ezhuth still raves about Suhail’s cover design for I am the Lord. “It is one of the most powerful
images I have ever seen on the cover of a novel,” he says.
Ezhuth hopes that Riding with Ravan will cast Ravan in a better light and will promote friendship
between the people of the two countries. He hopes it will have spin off effects such as cartoons and
travel trails.
What about the future? Ezhuth has two completed manuscripts which he hopes to publish in the coming
years. “Right now I don’t have time to start a new novel,” he says. “Starting a new venture will require a
lot of time doing background research before even putting pen to paper.” Ezhuth works full time as a
vascular surgeon and academic in New York.
The multitalented author has not limited his skills to medicine and writing. He has a patent pending for a
new respirator mask which he believes will provide better protection than the current ones. Ezhuth lives
in New York with his wife, Dr. Mythily Ramanathan.
