On International Men’s Day, we take a look at a few achievers in Coimbatore.

C. Palaniswamy called as Kovai Gnani is a poet who created a name for himself by proving his true passion for writing in spite of being visually challenged.

Born in Somanur, Coimbatore, this 78-year old has to his credit over 50 books that include his researches, articles, poetry, and more. He has also worked in several magazines like Nigazh, Vaanampaadi. He maintains that everyone should possess a copy of ‘My Experiments with Truth’ by Gandhi. He is a great devotee of the works of Vivekananda, Bharathi and Tagore.

He is not just a writer but also an active Marxist who worked hard to spread the notions of Marxism. He lives alone in his house. He reads with the help of an MA graduate. Even at this advanced age, he has not stopped working for the language he loves. His message is: “Great men are those who value another life as much as they value their own and will always be true heroes. However, on this International Men’s Day, it is hard to find great heroes to wish.”

S.N. Mohammed Salahuddin (21), triple jumper from PSG College of Arts and Science, is the son of former international athletes, triple jumper K.S. Mohammed Nizamuddin and long jumper Mujitha.

He won his first international bronze medal when he was in Plus-I. For five continuous years, he was the national champion in triple jump. Recently he took part in an athletic meet in Korea and bagged the sixth place. So far, he has received around 40 medals at the State, national and international levels.

His message to Covai Post on International Men’s Day: “Believe in hard work. Hard work will bring you achievements. Men concentrate on their goals and should not get distracted.”

On International Men’s Day, a couple of people talk about the men they admire.

S. Sudarsan, an engineer, voted for late President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

“My passion to be a teacher is greatly inspired by my social science teacher at school. With his knowledge in every possible field, this man has always been an inspiration. On this day, I would like to thank him. Thank you sir,” says Nikitha Baiju.