Manavai Musthafa

Manavai Mustafa (15 June 1935 – 6 February 2017) was an Indian Tamil scholar, editor, and writer known for his contributions to scientific Tamil literature, linguistic development, and translation. His work included translating and editing key texts and promoting the use of Tamil in science and technology.

Early life Born on 15 June 1935 in Ilangakurichchi near Manapparai, Madras Presidency, Mustafa grew up in Pilathu, a village near Dindigul. After schooling, he received his bachelor's degree from Jamal Mohamed College, Trichy, and his master's degree from Annamalai University. He was a student of Tamil scholar T. P. Meenakshisundaram at Annamalai University.

Career Mustafa held several important positions throughout his career. He served as the managing director of the Southern Languages Book Trust for 40 years and as the editor of the magazine Book Friend for four years. For 35 years, he edited the Tamil edition of the UNESCO Courier, an international monthly magazine.

He presented research papers at seven World Tamil Conferences between 1968 and 1995. At the 1980 World Tamil Conference in Madurai, he addressed the issue in the presence of then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran, who asked him to submit a petition. His book Medical Terminology won first prize in the Special Publications category that same year.

Death Manavai Mustafa died on 6 February 2017 in Chennai at the age of 81.