“Our Brother Anna”, “The Tale of a Gurukulam”, “The Guy Who Asked Why” – Three Childrens Comic Book Review

1. Our Brother Anna

The book is an insight into C.N. Annadurai’s (Anna) life and work—how he began as a simple journalist and writer for media like the Viduthalai newspaper founded by Thanthai Periyar, his meaningful, brave, and logical writings, and his progress toward founding the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and renaming “Madras State” to “Tamil Nadu.”

The renaming of the state from Madras State to Tamil Nadu was an act of pride for all Tamil people, including me!

I liked how Anna’s victories were depicted step by step, providing a slow transition from humble origins into a major position following a steady climb up. For instance, the author showed the transition from his beginnings as a journalist to becoming the founder of the DMK, providing a vision of slow but major change. He didn’t use emotions to lead; he used logic. His logical writings made people understand their own rights.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who wants to know about Anna’s life’s work, and his journey from humble origins to a major political leader. How did Anna feel with each of his victories? That’s a question for the next chapter.

📚 Details of the book:

2. The Tale of a Gurukulam

The story is set in the early 1920s at the Cheranmahadevi Gurukulam (also known as the Tamil Gurukulam) in Cheranmahadevi, Tirunelveli. This book is an insight into how a single boy’s will to discover why there was no equality led a long way toward shaping the future.

I enjoyed this book as it shows Periyar’s will to listen and act, establishing equality among the students. For example, in the scene where Mani talks about the discrimination he faced, all the unfairness felt so sad to hear.

After equality is restored, Mani feels more peaceful, as he knows that neither himself nor anyone else will be treated unfairly based on caste anymore. Like moving from a dark labyrinth to a sunny meadow, the restoration of equality isn’t just about restoring equal rights, but about ensuring safety, both physically and emotionally.

This is why I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about the Self-Respect Movement, Periyar’s verbal battle for equality, and the success that followed.

📚 Details of the book:

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3. The Guy Who Asked Why

This book is an insight into Thanthai Periyar’s lifetime achievements. Told through a conversation-like narrative between a boy and Periyar, this book shows how Periyar believed in equality among all.

I enjoyed how Periyar narrated his work, giving detailed explanations to the boy about his achievements. His “Why” about the reason everyone should be treated equally is one of the main drivers behind his achievements.

For instance, Periyar’s belief in equality is shown when he asks the boy to treat him as an equal, calling each other ‘thozhar’ (friend). Asking to be called Thozhar is an act of selflessness, showing that Periyar had no intention of being a boss or a “Very Important Person.” It was very surprising for a great leader to be so humble.

The boy represents all of us. By asking questions, he helps us understand our rights. This book is very inspiring, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about Thanthai Periyar’s victories, his equality movements, and how he brought equal rights to all.

📚 Details of the book: