Highly regarded academic and a visiting professor at the California University, USA, Dr. Abdullah was formerly known as Periyardhasan. Born in the state of Tamil Nadu in India, he is a well known psychologist, orator, writer and politician.
Dr Periyardhasan is also a seasoned actor. His performance in award winning movie Karuthamma, that highlighted the obnoxious practice of female infanticide in a village in Theni district, won many accolades.
Inspired by the teachings of Periyar, a well known atheist leader in south India, Mr. Seshasalam, changed his name to Periyardhasan. Since then Dr Periyardhasan has been a staunch atheist and preacher.
His search for the Truth started about ten years ago and culminated in his accepting Islam in 2009. Periyardhasan's acceptance of Islam is one of the defining moments of the decade as far as the Muslim community of Tamil Nadu in India is concerned. Dr. Periyardhasan, who has changed his name to Abdullah, says that Islam is the only religion in the world that follows a book directly revealed from God. He also added “I was well known in India for my atheist theology and later I became to realize that religion is the only way out for human beings both in this world as well as in the hereafter”.
Since becoming a Muslim he has delivered speeches in Dubai, Kuwait, United Kingdom, and Malaysia in addition to numerous public talks in India, sharing his experiences as to why he embraced Islam. After a long journey of 45 years of preaching atheism, he began to study The Quran since the year 2000. He explains how Quran is an authentic source of Truth. Dr Abdullah is popular for analytical and convincing talks. His motivational lectures provide much needed guidance to the youth, through the will of Allah.
Dr. Abdullah is visiting Australia on the invitation of Subcontinental Muslim Association of Australia (SMAA) from September 21, 2010. He will be delivering a number of public speeches in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane during his stay. His main public engagement will be an English lecture in Melbourne Copland Theatre, Melbourne University on 02/10/2010 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, inshaAllah.