Subramania Bharathiyar (11 December 1882 – 11 September 1921) was a Tamil writer, poet, journalist, Indian independence activist , social reformer and polyglot . Popularly known as "Mahakavi Bharathi" ("Great Poet Bharathi"), he was a pioneer of modern Tamil poetry and is considered one of the greatest Tamil literary figures of all time. His numerous works included fiery songs kindling patriotism during the Indian Independence movement . He fought for the emancipation of women , against child marriage , vehemently opposed the caste system , and stood for reforming society and religion. He was also in solidarity with Dalits and Muslims . Born in Ettayapuram of Tirunelveli district (present-day Thoothukudi) in 1882, Bharathi had his early education in Tirunelveli and Varanasi and worked as a journalist with many newspapers, including The Hindu, Bala Bharata, Vijaya, Chakravarthini, the Swadesamitran and India . In 1908, an arrest warran