Sujatha

Biography:

S. Rangarajan, better known by his pen name Sujatha, was a prominent Indian author, novelist, and screenwriter who predominantly wrote in the Tamil language. His literary repertoire includes over 100 novels, 250 short stories, ten science-themed books, ten stage plays, and a collection of poems. Sujatha was highly regarded in Tamil literature and was a regular contributor to popular Tamil periodicals like Ananda Vikatan, Kumudam, and Kalki. Additionally, he made significant contributions to Tamil cinema by writing screenplays and dialogues for numerous films.

Beyond his literary pursuits, Sujatha was an accomplished engineer and played a pivotal role in the development of the electronic voting machine (EVM) during his tenure at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The EVM, which he supervised the design and production of, continues to be used in elections across India. His innovative thinking extended to coining new Tamil terms for computer-related concepts, a contribution widely embraced by software companies for translating their products into Tamil.

Sujatha’s writing style was marked by its simplicity and his ability to connect with a broad readership. His works often delved into technology, a departure from the prevalent themes of social dramas and historical novels in Tamil literature. His association with popularizing technology was notable, with writings like “Silicon Chip” and “Yen, Yedharku, Eppadi” in various publications. Additionally, he created memorable characters like Ganesh-Vasanth in his detective stories, reminiscent of James Hadley Chase’s iconic duo. Later in life, he focused on essays and dedicated time to reading classic Tamil literature and staying updated on information technology developments.

Born in Chennai, Sujatha spent his childhood in Srirangam, where he was raised by his paternal grandmother due to his father’s frequent job transfers. He completed his education at St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirapalli, and pursued engineering in Electronics at the Madras Institute of Technology. Notably, he shared a friendship with Dr. Abdul Kalam, who would later become the President of India. Sujatha’s early works were inspired by the stories published in popular Tamil magazines, eventually leading to his own contributions to Tamil literature. He embarked on a career in the Civil Aviation Department and later worked at Bharat Electronics Limited in Bangalore until his retirement, residing in Chennai until his passing.