The book is an introduction to the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham which is an
anthology of 4000 Pasurams (hymns). It recounts the religious experience of
the Twelve Dravidian seers called Alvars who sought communion with
God. The Prabhandham is a manual of living , of balancing spiritually and
worldly success. Selections from the magnum opus have been selected
to acquaint the readers with the Dravidian minstrels.
The first 35 pages introduce the readers to the Prabhandham and brief
sketches about the Alvars,The body of the book contains a pasuram by pasuram
translated in English of some select hymns. These masterpieces represent the
full spectrum of the Alvars mystical experience and leaves us with lessons that
anchor our lives. Each pasuram stands distinctive in style and tone and prepares
the reader for a memorable reading experience.
Vengrai Parthasarathy who is 86 years old,graduated from the University
of Madras and then obtained his post-graduate Law degree from the same University.
Later he did a two year course in International and Constitutional Law under
late Professor C.H.Alexandrowitz. He has also done a course in Mass Communicaltion
He has been in the Public Relations line, all of them in Public Undertakings)
throughout his career and retired as Senior Manager (PR) of Bharat Electricals , Hyderabad.
Over the years he has written and published several articles on various subjects
in national dailies such as The Hindu,The Times of India, The Statesman,
Deccan Herald,The Indian Express as well as The Indian Year Book of International Affairs
to mention a few
His book on ThiruppAvai has been published by Ramakrishna Mission, Chennai.
Mr. Vengrai Parthasarathy now resides in USA with his son and daughter.