The book entitled The Poetry of Subramania Bharathi: Tradition and Modernity was published by Acadedmica Press, Washington, USA in September 2024. It is edited by P.V. Laxmiprasad, a scholar, author, and editor of 43 books. Subramania Bharathi is widely regarded as Mahakavi-Poet's Poet. He is a poet of masses and patriots. A born poet and a patriot, Bharathi was greatly moved by the Indian struggle for freedom. It is a scholarly work of ten leading Indian contributors assessing Bharathi’s life and work as one of the country’s leading poets, a native of Tamil Nadu, a state in South India. Bharathi belonged to a generation and century when India was waging its freedom struggle, and he was widely known throughout the country as one of the cultural leaders. From a humble background, he rose to fame by dint of hard work.

This critical book throws light on different aspects of his poetry. There are ten scholarly papers in this volume. The contributors worked on nationalistic poems, prayer songs, philosophical poems, didactic songs, and poems on social issues. His poetry is the result of confrontation with the stark realities of life.  The poetic art of Subramania Bharathi is unique for one major reason it combines within itself a huge prism of critical thinking in its entirety and developmental approaches to human living. Bharathi’s devotional poems are filled with questions and dialogues. This intellectual curiosity makes his devotional poems a unique blend of faith and reason. Unlike traditional devotional poems that emphasize submission, Bharathi’s verses are a call to action. He redefined the relationship between the devotee and the divine, making it more personal and questioning.  Even in his devotional poems, Bharathi’s social conscience shines through. His legacy as a devotional poet lies in reminding us that true devotion can be a force for positive change in the world. His songs strengthened and improved people’s lives and increased their sense of patriotism. Despite advances in gender equality, women still face discrimination. Bharathi’s poetry projected these problems of women in his poetry. Further, Bharathi weaves the thread of mystical thread and transcends from being a mortal man to being an immortal. He refers to the past glory of the nation, love for language, and respect for martyrs. While applauding the power of collectiveness, Bharathi emphasizes the accountability of society in safeguarding the individual’s interests. He envisions a culture that is free, classless, open, democratic and equal. His Jnanartham can be considered at once as a celebration of ancient wisdom as cited in the Vedas and the Bhagavadgita.

Thus, the critical volume of essays remains a treasure trove of Bharathi’s poetry in Indian Criticism, a testament to originality, class, and scholarship. This vital book serves as a secondary source for research scholars.