My mother, Sow Ramabai Joshi, came to Chennai as a young bride of 17 after her marriage in 1927.

She had serious problems in coping with the local language Tamil. In those days very few spoke or

understood English or Hindi and managing in the market or with servants at home became very difficult.

Hence she decided to compile a mini dictionary to help other Maharashtrians who came to Tamilnadu

 

When we grew up and she had some leisure she patiently started compiling words and phrases used

in day to day life. More words were added as she learnt them. Their meanings and nuances were

discussed with friends and Tamil scholars. Gradually the collection was built up and the first edition

priced at Rs 3 per copy was published in 1961. It had very good response although it was a niche

product with a very limited demand.

 

Even after this publication she continued to add phrases and words in her copy. And when she moved to Pune in 1970 she started free tuitions in spoken Tamil to those who were interested in learning it. These tuitions helped her to add even more words.

 

After her death in 1972 my father incorporating these additions published a second edition in 1974. Even this edition is now over. Since profit has never been a motive of our family in this venture it will not be difficult to print additional copies but the main problem is in distributing them.There is also one more thing to be considered. Our lifestyle and needs have changed so much during the last fifty years since the first edition was published that this book may be inadequate for today’s commerce. But even then it will serve its purpose in many ways. And now the increasing use of Tinglish in our day to day life is an added advantage!

 

Since practically all of us now have computers/tablets/smartphones I decided to make a PDF version of the book. The advantages are many. There are no printing costs and distribution problems. The user will also be able to get it quickly. It can be quickly forwarded to anyone in the world or downloaded anywhere and anytime from a website. One can also easily take printouts of the required pages quickly. The bookmarks on the left hand side will enable the user to go quickly to the word he or she requires.

 

Hence I have requested our Maharashtra Mandal to upload it on their website and inform the members about its availability on their site. You may also upload it on a suitable website. It will be good if you also include the contents of this mail along with it since it will explain the background of the book. 

 

I am especially grateful to my friend Sri Chandrashekhar Joshi of Shree J Printers, Pune for converting the dictionary into a compact and elegant PDF file. I now have pleasure in forwarding it to you and would request you to use it if you find it useful and also forward it to those who will find it useful

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Ashok Joshi, Chennai

 

April 20, 2012