சு. காந்தி துரை சிறுகதைகளில் மனிதநேயம்

Humanism in the Short Stories of Su. Kanthi Durai

Abstract

Humanity originates from the natural and fundamental quality of humanness. Tamil traditional works such as Thirukkural, Tholkappiyam, and Siddhar poems testify that the defining characteristic of humanity is acting without any expectations when helping others. In the 21st century, as humanistic values fade amid a mechanized lifestyle, modern Tamil short stories engage in an effort to reclaim those traits. Based on the short stories "Thunikkara Sami" and "Nalla Manithar" from S. Gandhi Durai's collection Puthu Vaazhkai, this paper analyzes the humanistic thought reflected in them. The act of Thunikkara Sami, who identified a child's basic needs—food, clothing, and shelter—to help them pursue an education and lovingly provided them, is described as the pinnacle of humanity. Similarly, through an unknown man who helped a helpless mother and daughter, it is highlighted that humanity remains alive today in some corner of the world. By comparing quotes from Thiruvalluvar, Thayumanavar, Vallalar, and poet Pratap, this article establishes that S. Gandhi Durai's short stories emphasize the virtues of compassion, love, and gratitude in human life. The conclusion of this study is that these short stories instill confidence that humanity has not completely perished in a mechanized life.