[citation needed] Millions of people across Tamil Nadu woke up to his voice every morning for several years.
The five-minute programme, presented in simple colloquial Tamil, the common man could relate to and punctuated by anecdotes meant to make you smile and ponder, was broadcast without a break from 1988 until his retirement in 2002.
[citation needed] All India Radio's station director K. Srinivasaraghavan said "Swaminathan's communication skills, use of simple language and a subtle sense of humour led to his being given the opportunity to present 'Indru oru Thagaval' (i.e. Today One Message)".
Former station director of AIR, Chennai, G Selvam, said "Swaminathan left his mark in writing scripts and plays, in discussions, poetry sessions, children's programme and short stories.
[6] Swaminathan appeared in a small role as a judge in Kaadhale Nimmadhi (1998) and also as assistant editor of Vaigarai magazine in the film Ilakkanam (2006).