Kanakasabai Subburathinam, 29 April 1891 – 21 April 1964, popularly called Bharathidasan was a 20th-century Tamil poet and rationalist whose literary works handled mostly socio-political issues. His writings served as a catalyst for the growth of the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu. In addition to poetry, his views found expression in other forms such as plays, film scripts, short stories and essays. He was mentored by Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyar (after whom he called himself "Bharathidasan").