A. Vanilla

Vanilla(1971) was born in Vandavasi in Thiruvannamalai district ,Tamil Nadu, India.  She works as a teacher for Maths, at government high school, Tiruvannamalai. She is also a writer and publisher who has penned short stories and poems on feminism and women in history, under her publication “Akani Veliyedu”, in an attempt to keep the conversation going on the ever existing issues faced by women in the subcontinent.

Her works include an anthology of 54 women writers from 1932 to 2015; a collection of poems called “Yeria thuvang um kadal” (Sea that begins to burn), “Veliye” (Outside). “Brindavum elam paruvathu aangalum” (Brinda and a few young men). However, her most impactful work yet has been the poem “Oru vaguparai yum sila ilavarasigalum” (A classroom and a few princesses) that throws light on the poor sanitation facilities in schools. Vennila have published over 15 titles on women in history, feminism, sexual abuse and more.

Vennila runs a publication called “Akani Veliyedu”, and has been writing and publishing for the last 15 years.

Her accolades:

Chennai Book Fair , Best Author Award at Neyveli Book Fairs , Sculptor Foundation Award, Kavipparasaru – Poet’s Day Award, Elati Literary Award, Tamuseh Award, Shakti-2005 Award. Her book, “Dream Like Death” is a prize in the Tamil Nadu State Development Department’s 2007 bestselling book .

Link for the interview: https://www.dtnext.in/News/City/2017/02/26105444/1028089/Tamil-Nadu-teacher-uses-power-of-pen-to-bring-change.vpf