Gengamma

About the book

The Thombar, also known as Dombar, are a Dravidian tribal community found primarily in villages around Salem and Tiruchirappalli districts of Tamil Nadu. They are traditionally skilled as jugglers, acrobats, rope and basket weavers and pig, sheep rearing people. The story centers on Gengamma, a woman from this pig-rearing community who finds inspiration in a social worker and becomes a catalyst for transformation among her people. Witnessing the struggles of peasants and weavers who courageously fight for their rights, Genga is moved to action. She mobilizes her community to abandon begging and reclaim their dignity, inspiring them to pursue lives of self-respect and purpose. This book has bagged the first prize in 'Pennezhuthu Potti' competition 2025 under the Best Novel category.

About the author

Poet, orator, and writer Se Punithajothi was born in Andipatti and currently resides in Chennai. She has published three poetry collections and one essay collection. She received the Asokamitran Creative Encouragement Award presented by Navina Kalai Ilakkiya Madai (Modern Arts and Literary Forum) for her poetry collection 'Suppuvin Kanaa Magal' (Suppu's Dream Daughter). Her poetry collection 'Mouanakoothu' (Silent Dance) received the Sowma Award. She has received over 16 awards to date. She has written and published poems, essays, and short stories in various magazines.