Veteran Tamil scholar, professor and renowned pattimandram (debate) judge Solomon Pappaiah passed away in Madurai on Sept 11. He was 90 and had been unwell in recent days due to age-related health issues.
A native of Madurai, Pappaiah became a familiar face to audiences through decades of televised pattimandram programmes. Known for presenting deep ideas in simple Tamil with humour, he helped take the debate format to wider sections of the public.
He was born on February 22, 1936, in Sathankudi village near Thirumangalam in Madurai district. He served for many years as a Tamil professor and also published an accessible commentary on the Thirukkural.
Pappaiah also appeared in a few films directed by Shankar, including Mudhalvan, Boys and Sivaji. Over more than 30 years, he hosted and judged thousands of debates worldwide.
For his contributions to Tamil literature, the Union government honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2021. Leaders and members of the public have been expressing condolences following his death.
