Voice of the Margins: Societal Issues in the Translated Works of Imayam

Abstract

One of the most influential voices in contemporary Tamil literature, Imayam, is examined in this paper for his unwavering realism and moral dedication. Imayam, who writes under the pen name V. Annamalai, creates stories that highlight the real-life struggles of Tamil Nadu's Dalits and other underprivileged groups. He explores the connections between caste, gender, and economic oppression in works like Beasts of Burden (Koveru Kazhuthaigal), The Begetter (Pethavan), and Sellatha Panam, bringing to light the brutality ingrained in daily life in rural and semi-urban areas. Imayam's dedication to social justice and authenticity is demonstrated by his use of spoken Tamil and oral storytelling traditions, as well as his refusal to romanticise poverty or impose moral standards.