Kerala writer

V. Madhusoodhanan Nair

2015-06-25T07:24:00.001+04:00

Prof. V. Madhusoodanan Nair was born on 25th February1949 at Aruviyodu a hilly hamlet by the river Neyyar, down south in Neyyattinkara in the district of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Madhusoodhanan Nair imbibed quite early the tradition of many a ritualistic song from K.Velayudhan Pillai, his father, who was a reciter of Thottam Pattu. Soon after securing his M.A he has had a brief stint at journalism before joining St. Xavier’s College, Thiruvananthapuram.

He took to writing poetry while at school and began publishing his pieces only in 80’s. His first collection “Naranathu Bhranthan’ was published in 1992. He is the recipient of Kerala Sahithya Akademy Award, Kunju Pillai Award and K. Balakrishnan Award.

He is well versed in Malayalam, English, Hindi, Sanskrit and Tamil. He has written and rendered lyrics for three Malayalam films and wrote lyrics for Tharangini and Manorama Music.

He is now fully devoting his time to his literary works having retired from the College as the Professor and Head of the Department of Malayalam.

He is married and having three children. He is now residing in Thiruvananthapuram

Education & Research
He completed his M.A. scoring high marks from University College. He passed the translation training course from the State Institute of Languages and did two refresher courses from Academic Staff College, Thiruvananthapuram.

As a part of research he completed a thesis in the subject ‘ The influence of Vedic Metaphors and mythical images in the poetry of Vallathol’

Membership in Cultural bodies
· Member, Advisory Board, central Sahitya Academy, New Delhi
· Member, Kerala Sahitya Academy General Council (2 terms)
· Member, State Curriculum Committee, Government of Kerala
· Managing committee member, Asan Memorial, Thonnakal
· Member (for 3 years), Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation Planning
· Member, Executive Committee, C.V. National Foundation
· Life Member Drishyavedi, Thiruvananthapuram

Awards
· Sahitya Academy award for poetry in the year 1992
· Asan Award for Poetry – 2003
· Kunju Pillai Award for poetry in the year 1986
· K.Balakrishnan Award for poetry in the year 1990
· R.G. Mangalom Award –2003
· Souparnikatheeram Prathibhapuraskaram – 2003

Books Published

1. Naranathu Bhranthan (Poetry) D.C. Books [The best seller in India. 22 editions in 8 years]

2. Gandharvam (Poetry) D.C. Books
3. Eliotum Richardsum (Criticism) State Institute of Languages
4. Asia Kanmunpil (Sociological) State Institute of Languages
5. Science Nikhantu (Lexical) State Institute of Languages
6. Nadodi Vignanam (Folk lore of Kerala) (Kerala Vignanakosam)
7. Budhivikasam (Special education) Kanmani Publishers

Gireesh Puthenchery

2015-02-06T14:48:00.000+04:00

Gireesh Puthenchery (23 September 1959 – 10 February 2010)^[1] was a noted Malayalam lyricist and screenwriter. He also served as a governing council member of the Indian Performance Rights Society (IPRS). He won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyricsseven times. He died on 10 February 2010 in Kozhikode.

Life and career

Gireesh was born to Pulikkal Krishna Panicker and Meenakshiyamma in Puthenchery near Ulliyeri village in Koyilandy taluk inKozhikode district (Calicut). His father was an astrologer and Ayurvedic practitioner and his mother was a Carnatic musician.

Beginning his career with the 1988 film Chakravaalathinappuram, Gireesh went on to write lyrics for about 1556 songs in about 328 Malayalam films.^[1] His first popular hit songs were from the 1992 movie Johnny Walker. During a career spanning over two decades, he had penned many hit songs in Malayalam cinema. He wrote the most number of film songs in Malayalam. He was also one of the most honoured lyricists, having won the State Award seven times including four in consecutive years from 2001 to 2004.^[2]Cassanova, released in 2012, was his last film.

Besides writing lyrics for several hit songs, Gireesh had also written the screenplay for the films Brahmarakshassu, Pallavur Devanarayanan and Vadakkumnadhan and the story for Kinnaripuzhayoram, Meleparambil Aanveedu and Kerala House Udan Vilpanakku. He was scripting a film by the name of Raman Police, in which Mohanlal was expected to play the lead role.

Death

Gireesh was admitted to a private hospital in Kozhikode after he suffered a stroke on 6 February 2010. He was twice operated upon, but his condition did not improve and he suffered a brain haemorrhage and died at the hospital on 10 February 2010. He is survived by his wife Beena and two sons Jithin Krishnan and Dinanath.

Selected filmography

Lyricist:

Pranaya Sandhyayoru Vensooryante (Ore Kadal – 2007)
Yamuna Veruthe(Ore Kadal – 2007)
Kanmani Ninte Oramakal Mathram (Chakravalathinappuram – 1988)
Janmantharangalil (Enquiry – 1990)
Shanthamee Rathriyil (Johnny Walker – 1992)
Thamberin Thaalam (Thalasthanam – 1992)
Sooryakireedom Veenudanju (Devaasuram – 1993)
Angopangam Swaramukharam (Devaasuram – 1993)
Vande Mukunda Hare (Devaasuram – 1993)
Nandakishora Hare Madhava (Ekalavyan – 1993)
Kaikkudanna Niraye (Maya Mayuram – 1993)
Paal Nilavil Swayam Nanyuvano (Pravachakan – 1993)
Vellithinkal Poonkinnam (Meleparambil Aanveedu – 1993)
Paal Nilavil Swayam Nanyuvano (Pravachakan – 1993)
Porunee Varilam Chandralekhe (Kashmeeram – 1994)
Olachangalee Omanachangathee (Kinnaripuzhayoram – 1994)
Poonilamazha Peythirangiya (Manathe Kottaram – 1994)
Maanam Thelinje Ninnal (Thenmavin Kombath – 1994)
Enthe Manassiloru Naanam (Thenmavin Kombath – 1994)
Oru Poovithalin Naru Punchiriyayi (Agnidevan – 1995)
Nilavinte Neelabhasma (Agnidevan – 1995)
Yatheemin Sulthan Vanne (Chantha – 1995)
Manjil Pootha Sandhye (Minnaminunginum Minnukettu – 1995)
Malar Maasam (Nirnayam – 1995)
Ponnambili Pottum Thottu (No. 1 Snehatheeram Bangalore North – 1995)
Japamam Veda Sadhakamayi (Punnaram – 1995)
Thechippove Thenkashippove (Radholsavam – 1995)
Maaleyam Marodalinju (Thacholi Varghese Chekavar – 1995)
Devakanyaka Sooryathamburu (Ee Puzhayum Kadannu – 1996)
Rathingal Poothali Charthi (Ee Puzhayum Kadannu – 1996)
Neeyurangiyo Nilave Mazhanilave (Hitler – 1996)
Ponnum Poovum Varichoodam (Ishthamanu Nooruvattom – 1996)
Nilakkayalolam (Kaanakkinavu – 1996)
Manassu Oru Manthrikakkoodu (Kaliveedu – 1996)
Chola Kilikal (The Prince – 1996)
Harimuraleeravam (Aaraam Thampuran – 1997)
Paadi Thodiyiletho Ponnanjilimel (Aaraam Thampuran – 1997)
Manathe Chandiranothoru (Chandralekha – 1997)
Thaamarappoovil Vaazhum Deviyallo Nee(Chandralekha – 1997)
Pinneyum Pinneyum (Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu – 1997)
Ee Thennalum Thinkalum Pookkalum (Nee Varuvolam – 1997)
Manjolum Rathri Maanju Yathramozhiyode (Oru Yathramozhi – 1997)
Aattuthottilil Ninne Kidathi Urakki Melle (Poonilamazha – 1997)
Doore Maamara Kombil (Varnappakittu – 1997)
Manikyakkallal Menjumenanje Mamanikkottaram (Varnappakittu – 1997)
Aarodum Mindathe (Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala – 1998)
Malayannar Kannan Margazhi Thinkale (Kaikkudanna Nilavu – 1998)
Moovanthi Thazhvarayil (Kanmadam – 1998)
Swarnadala Kodikal Mudrakalakkiya Manassin Maaya Nadanalayam (Manjukaalavum Kazhinju – 1998)
Doore Oru Thaaram (Meenathil Thalikettu – 1998)
Neeyente Pattil Sree Ragamayi (Nakshathratharattu)
Sundariye Sundariye (Oru Maravathoor Kanavu – 1998)
Enthe Mulle Pookkathoo (Panchaloham – 1998)
Aaro Viral Neeti (Pranayavarnangal – 1998)
Ethrayo Janmayi Ninne Njan Thedunnu(Summer in Bethlahem – 1998)
Oru Rathri Koodi Vidavangave (Summer in Bethlahem – 1998)
Ponnu Vithachalum Pavizham Methichalum (Aayiram Meni – 1999)
Pularveyilum Pakalmukilum (Angane Oru Avadhikalathu – 1999)
Punchirithanchi Konchikko (Dil Se.. – 1999)
Anuraagapuzha Vakkil (English Medium – 1999)
Melevinninmuttathare (Ezhupunnatharakan – 1999)
Mizhiyoram Oru Moham (James Bond – 1999)
Njanoru Pattu Paadam (Megham – 1999)
Thumbayum Thulasiyum Kudamulla Poovum (Megham – 1999)
Yathrayayi Sooryanguram (Niram – 1999)
Vennila Kombile Rappadi (Usthaad – 1999)
Deenadayalo Raama (Arayannangalude Veedu – 2000)
Manassin Manichimizhil (Arayannangalude Veedu – 2000)
Manimuttathavani Panthal (Dreams – 2000)
Parayam Njan Marannu (Millennium Stars – 2000)
Pazhanimala Murukanu Pallivel Aayudham (Narasimham – 2000)
Kanakamunthirikal (Puraradhivasam – 2000)
Dhum Dhum Dhum Dhum Dooreyetho Rakkilippattil (Raakkilipaattu – 2000)
Niranaazhi Ponnil Manalaryan Nellil (Valyettan – 2000)
Yadhuvamsha Yaamini (Dubai – 2001)
Kudamulla Kammalaninjal (Ee Parakkum Thalika – 2001)
Chandamani Sandhyakalude Nadayil (Praja – 2001)
Akasha Deepangal Sakshi (Raavanaprabhu – 2001)
Ariyathe Ariyathe Ee Pavizha Varthinkal Ariyathe (Raavanaprabhu – 2001)
Marannittumenthino Manassil Thulumbunna (Randam Bhavam – 2001)
Pathinaalam Ravinte Pira Pole Vannallo (Sharjah To Sharjah – 2001)
Chingamasam Vannuchernnam (Meesha Madhavan – 2002)
Ente Ellamellamalle (Meesha Madhavan – 2002)
Karimizhikkuriviye Kandeela (Meesha Madhavan – 2002)
Sreelavasantham Peeliyuzhinju (Nandanam – 2002)
Karmukil Varnante Chundil (Nandanam – 2002)
Innale Ente Nenjile (Balettan – 2003)
Chilamboli Katte (C.I.D. Moosa – 2003)
Vaavo Vave Vannummakal Sammanam (Ente Veedu Apoontem – 2003)
Urangaathe Raavurangee Njan (Gourisankaram – 2003)
Enthe Innum Vannela (Gramaphone – 2003)
Marakkudayal Mukham Marakkyum (Manassinakkare – 2003)
Melle Onnu Padi Ninne (Manassinakkare – 2003)
Thamara Noolinal Memme (Mullavalliyum Thenmavum – 2003)
Aaroral Pularmazhayil (Pattalam – 2003)
Pamba Ganapathi Paarin Adhipathi (Pattalam – 2003)
Pinneyumwtho Rakkili Paadi (Akale – 2003)
Junile Nilamazhayil (Nammal Thammil – 2004)
Thotturumiyirkkan (Rasikan – 2004)
Omale Nee Oonjalaadan Vaa (Wanted – 2004)
Enthu Paranjaalum Nee Entethalle Vaave (Achuvinte Amma – 2005)
Thiranurayum Churul Mudiyil (Anandabhadram – 2005)
Aararum Kaanathe Aromal Thaimulla (Chandrolsavam – 2005)
Munthiri Paadam (Kochi Rajavu – 2005)
Oru Chiri Kandal (Ponmudipuzhayorathu – 2005)
Marannuvo Poomakale (Chakkaramuthu – 2006)
Mallikappoo Pottu Thottu (Madhuchandralekha – 2006)
Attinkarayorathe (Rasathanthram – 2006)
Arappavan Ponnu Kondu (Vaasthavam – 2006)
Gange Thudiyil Unaraum (Vadakkumnadhan – 2006)
Kalabham Tharam (Vadakkumnadhan – 2006)
Panasandhayaoru (Ore Kadal – 2007)
Ravereyayi Poove (Rock & Roll – 2007)
Ishtakkarikkishtappettoru Pattu (Sooryan – 2007)
Manassiloru Poomaala (Innathe Chintha Vishayam – 2008)
Amma Mazhakkarinu Kann Niranju (Madampi – 2008)
Oh Priya (Twenty:20 – 2008)
Mullulla Murikkinmel (Vilapangalkappuram – 2008)
Koovaram Kili Paithale (Banaras – 2009)
Enikku Paadanoru Pattilundoru Pennu (Ivar Vivahitharayal – 2009)
Mayunnu Pakal (Meghatheerdham – 2009)
Nattu Pattu Ketto (Vairam – 2009)
Happy Husbands (Happy Husbands – 2010)
Shikkar full song (Shikkar – 2010)

Scriptwriter:

Brahmarakshassu (1990)
Pallavur Devanarayanan (1999)
Vadakkumnadhan (2006)

Story:

Meleparambil Aanveedu (1993)
Kinnaripuzhayoram (1994)
Kerala House Udan Vilpanakku (2004)

Awards

Kerala State Film Awards:

2004 – Best Lyricist – Kathavasheshan
2003 – Best Lyricist – Gourisankaram
2002 – Best Lyricist – Nandanam
2001 – Best Lyricist – Ravanaprabhu
1999 – Best Lyricist – Punaradivasam
1997 – Best Lyricist – Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu
1995 – Best Lyricist – Agnidevan

Asianet Film Awards

2008 – Best Lyricist Award – Madambi
2006 – Best Lyricist Award – Vadakkumnadhan
2004 – Best Lyricist Award – Maampazhakkaalam

Remembering the great lyricist Gireesh Puthenchery

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gireesh_Puthenchery

Edasseri Govindan Nair

2015-02-06T14:34:00.003+04:00

Edasseri Govindan Nair (Malayalam: ഇടശ്ശേരി ഗോവിന്ദൻ നായർ; 23 December 1906 – 16 October 1974) was a prominent Indian poet from Kerala who wrote in his nativeMalayalam tongue. His works include 19 books and over 300 poems in 10 anthologies, 6 books of plays and a collection of essays.

Biography

Born in Kuttippuram, in Malappuram District in Kerala (India) on 23 December 1906. Father was P. Krishna Kurup and mother Edasseri Kalathil Kunjukutty Amma. The child was named "Govindan", a very common name meaning "Lord Krishna".

"Edasseri Kalathil" is the name of Tharavad or ancestral home. Being "Nair" by caste Govindan was subjected to the matriarchal custom which was prevalent amongst Nairs. The custom placed mother's eldest brother as head of family or "Karanavar" and in a position of economic power and decision making in the family. The Karanavar was expected to manage the property and meet the needs of the sister and her children. But the system had degenerated and neglect of the nephews by the Karanavars had become rampant. Edasseri Tharavad had fallen to hard days on account of poverty. Govindan received hardly any support from the Tharavad and the sad demise of his father in 1921 brought Govindan's education to an abrupt end at primary level itself. His mother ardently wished to admit him to the High School, but she did not have the means.

Faced with the harshness of poverty the son thought only how to take up a paying job so that he could earn sufficient income to save his mother from the pangs of hunger. With this aim in mind he went to the town of Alappuza with his cousin called Sankarettan. There was to be no pay during apprenticeship, just a dole to keep body and soul together!

At Alappuza, he managed to give tuition and could save Rs. 2/- when an acquaintance from the home village, Kuttippuram, happened to visit Alappuza. Edasseri entrusted the princely amount of Rs. 2/- to him for buying a blanket for his mother. But, as fate would have it, the mother was not lucky to receive the amount, for she was by then stricken with smallpox and died on the day previous to the day the man arrived at Kuttippuram. Edasseri never recovered from this sense of unredeemed debt. His inconsolable sadness later found expression in the poem "Bimbisarante Edayan (Shepherd of King Bimbisara)".

After working as a clerical apprentice under Sankarettan for ten months, Edasseri joined M. Krishna Menon as a resident assistant clerk. During this period he came in contact with Manjoor Parameswaran Pillai in Alappuza and a highly erudite person. Thus far Edaseri's literary world was confined to a few works of Ezhuthachan (considered as father of Malayalam poetry- Adhyatma Ramayanam being his masterpiece), Cherusseri, Kunjan Nambiyar, Venmani poets, Naduvam and Vallathol. Association with Manjoor greatly enlarged Edasseri's capacity to appreciate good literature. The duo was in fact madly in love with literature paying more attention to literary discussions and reading to the neglect of their office work. This trait obviously did not make them any dearer to those under whom they were working. Once the friends went up to the Pier of Alappuza to receive a copy of "Malayala Manorama" in which the celebrated poem "Kochu Seetha (The Little Seetha)" was being published in serial. So much was their eagerness to read the poem that they altogether forgot about the clients waiting for them in their offices! The employers did not take to their love of poetry kindly which according to them was nothing more than an "obsession with titillation"! Edasseri did not dispute his employer, but had to remain humble. As a result he had to be secretive about his literary activities and ensure that it did not in any way interfere with the long hours of office work. At the end of seven years when he decided to return to Kuttippuram, Edasseri was not very confident professionally. As for Manjoor, he never overcame poverty so much so that in the later years when on occasions he visited Edasseri, despite his own unenviable finances the latter would secretly place some cash in his friend's pocket without the knowledge even of his wife.

During 1929–30 Edasseri worked under Thalasseri Kunhirama Menon in Kozhikode, a town 65 k.m north of Kuttippuram. Those days it was very common amongst the youth to seek employment in Malaysia and Singapore. Edasseri also decided to go to Singapore and arranged with a person who was to shortly arrive from Singapore to take him. He left his job in Kozhikode and returned to Kuttippuram. But unfortunately for Edasseri, the person did not leave the shore of Singapore, but died in that alien land. Unemployed and no prospect of migrating overseas, Edasseri tried his hand as an informal advocate in Panchayat courts, but found that being a clerk was far better and settled for that in a small town Ponani 15 k.m west of Kuttippuram. By 1934 he had accepted being a clerk as his formal vocation and worked under Rama Menon. It is important to note that those days literary activities did not pay in financial terms. We thus find Edasseri always torn between the office which was his livelihood and literary activities which was indeed his life's mission. His close association with the common folks in the course of his profession did help deep understanding of man and brought realism and variety to his writings. This association with people of Ponani made him dear to the people who loved and respected him as Govindan Nair, the person -not the poet- who was always there by their side to solve their problems.

Edasseri married Edakkandi Janaki Amma in mid-January 1938. The grooms were already known to each other as Mr. Raghavan Nair, a lover of literature and maternal uncle of Janaki Amma used to lovingly invite Edasseri to his residence where the two had met. In Edasseri's words: "This bride must have been created by Brahma -the creator- specially for me, a girl simple and madly in love with verses, so much so that she did not find it odd to copy in the same note book the Keertans of Sankaracharya (the metaphysical) and also the translation of verses that I had scribbled from "Pushpabana Vilasam" (a work of sensual romance); only because both were in verse!" This simple girl remained the eternal inspiration to Edasseri in poetry and a source of immense confidence.

Edasseri started writing poems at the early age of twelve although it is inconceivable that there existed a congenial environment in the Tharavad to nurture this talent. Nevertheless, his mother used to recite Ramayana daily and his sister used to tell mythological stories to him and these two indeed stroked the poetic talent in him. Yet another influence was Sankunni Menon the Malayalam teacher in the Primary school who used to recite poetry in great style and in melodious tune.

Edasseri had his formal education till eighth class and it was with his own efforts he learned both English and Sanscrit. In this endeavour both Nalappat Narayana Menon (a well known poet of the time, reverently referred to as Nalappadan) and Kuttikrishna Marar (a scholar and literary critic) helped Edasseri.

Personal beliefs

Although believer of God, Edasseri did not evince interest in visiting temples. He was not a Sakteya (follower of Sakti cult) as many believed him to be. Several of his poems like "Ambadiyilekku Veendum (Revisiting Ambadi)", "Varadanam (A Boon Bestowed)", "Kasavu Poothu (Kasavu has Blossemed)", "Gopika Govindam (Union of Krishna with Gopikas)", "Puthumula (New Sprout)", "Trivikramannu Munnil (In front of Lord Trivikrama (Vishnu)", "Palkadal Kadayumbol (As the milky ocean churned)", Unnikrishnodu (To (lord) Unnikrishna) etc. shows imprint of Vaishnava thoughts. In fact Edasseri had intense desire to complete a long poem reposing his self to Sri Krishna, but he could not make it. Ironically, the poet who echoed celebrations of temple festivities and folklore in his famous poems "Poothapattu (A song on Pootham)" and "Kavilepattu (Song in the Divine Grove)" did not relish festivals and particularly in the later part of his life the poet did not evince interest in temple festivals. The poet articulates his position by showing his preference to limit personal faith to individual rituals.

Possibly the poet had a vision of a secular India where development of scientific temper and social justice were the issues that should be engaging the attention of youth with the role of temples and organised religion retracting to the backdrop and certainly not a priority in the agenda of nation building.

Edasseri was in the forefront of India’s freedom struggle along with other nationalists being an ardent follower of Mahatma Gandhi. He was involved in distribution of "Swatantra Bharatam (Free India)" an underground news paper of the freedom fighters. Edasseri was a source of inspiration in Ponani during Guruvayoor Satyagraha and Quit India Movement. He considered another ardent follower of Gandhiji, Kelappan, as his leader. But for Kelappan, Edasseri was dear friend. It was at the initiative of Edasseri, "Krishnapanikkar Smaraka Vayanasala (A reading room to commemorate Krishna Panikkar) was established at Ponani in the memory of Krishna Panikkar, a freedom fighter, who lost his life suffering torture in the British jail. The Reading Room soon turned into the intellectual and political nerve centre of Ponani. It was a regular meeting place of intellectuals like V. T. Bhattathiripad, Kuttikrishna Marar, Edasseri, Uroob, E. Narayanan, Kadavanad Kuttikrishnan and Akkitham.

Edasseri was disappointed by the post-independence political climate. His conscience did not allow him to be actively supporting any political party. The poet's philosophy is aptly reflected in the following verse:

" Adorable is an idea – As long as it spreads light, but- If it darkens and pours misery Throw it out to make space for the new!"

Let us listen to what Edasseri has said about himself, with his characteristic humour, about his attitude towards theism and politics.

"I believe in God. But, on moments when I have to touch upon hunger and lovelessness – the facts of life which had eternally nagged me – I find that godly humility and respect towards philosophical doctrines leave me in a jiffy. In the poems of the author who swears by Gandhiji, there lie scattered ideas which challenge Gandhism and belief in God. Although I have been a follower of Gandhiji and not studied Marxian doctrine, the poems which were only reflecting the objective social reality were adopted by the communists as a part of their propaganda. One more reason for failure in life: I am red in the eyes of the Congress and a Gandhian in the Communists’ reckoning! But I should be grateful that this position of benign neglect by the political parties really helped the life to be free from various botheration hindering creativity."

The poem Budhanum Njanum Nariyum" (Sree Budha Me and the Tiger) is a typical one in which Edasseri is challenging Gandhism...

Recognition in search of poet

Edasseri believes that it was his drama "Koottukrishi (Co-operative Farming)" which actually introduced him and his poetry to the sensitive readers. "Koottukrishi", the drama, and "Puthankalavum Arivalum (The New Earthen Cooking Pot and Sickle)", an anthology of poems were chosen for the award from Madras Government. Further, Edasseri was sanctioned an annual grant of Rs.600 by the Government of India which was a boon to the poverty stricken poet.

"Oru Pidi Nellikka (A handful of Gooseberries)" was selected for Kerala Sahitya Academy Award in 1969 And "Kavile Pattu (Song in the Divine Grove)" the Sahitya Academy Award in 1970.

Edasseri never pardoned himself and never dotted on his own children excessively. But this apparent strictness verging on harshness did not stand in the way of forgiving others for their faults. In fact he was at times ready to own up other’s mistake to save situations. Thus there was the incident of his friend misappropriating public money because of severe family problems and about to be arrested and sent to jail. Edasseri owned up the moral responsibility, arranged money by mortgaging the house to save his friend from being sent to jail. There is also a story of Edasseri on his way to his office being followed without his knowledge by a lady teacher on her way to school being afraid of wayside Romeos passing lewd comments, as she felt confident that the youth never could misbehave when Edasseri was around. Edasseri was bold and never minced words when confronted with the wealthy people showing disinclination to public activities. There were also occasions when the poet on his way to buy medicine for his own ailing son, donating the money to a poor man who did not have money to buy rice for his family to cook for the day.

Edasseri remained active till end of his life. He was indisposed for a couple of days before his death but did not allow it to come in the way of his duties. The spell of indisposition put an abrupt end to his life when on 16 October 1974 he suffered a massive heart attack at his breakfast table. His wife and young daughter were with him when the end came.

Awards

Government of Madras Award for the play Koottukrishi
Government of Madras Award for the collection of poems called Puthan Kalavum Arivalum
Kerala Sahithya Academy Award for the collection of poems Oru Pidi Nellikka – 1969
Sahitya Academy Award (New Delhi) for the collection of poems Kavile Pattu – 1970
Kumaran Asan Prize (posthumously given) for the collection of poems Anthithiri – 1979

Literary works

Kavile Pattu
kootukrishi
karutha chettichikal
Poothappattu
Puthan kalavum Arivalum
Thathvashasthrangalurangumbol
Oru pidi Nellikka
Anthithiri
Nellukuthukari Paruvinte katha
Ambadiyilekku veendum
Alakavali
Kunkuma Prabhatam
Kuttipuram palam
Ange Veetileku

Poothappaattu-Edasseri Govindan Nair

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edasseri_Govindan_Nair

Anil Panachooran

2015-02-05T14:38:00.001+04:00

Anil Panachooran (born 20 November 1965, Kayamkulam, Kerala, India) is a noted Malayalam film lyricist and poet. A lawyer by profession, Panachooran lives on the income from his lyrical and poetic work. His songs are predominantly on romantic themes.

His noted lines include Chora veena mannil ninnum from the 2007 Malayalam film Arabikkatha by Lal Jose in which he acted as one of the singers and Vyathyasthanamoru Barbaram Balane from the 2007 film Kadha Parayumbol by M. Mohanan which was sung by pradeep palluruthy.

Biography

Anil Panachooran was born in the village of Puthuppally Govinthamuttam in Kayamkulam, a part of Alappuzha district, Kerala. He did his studies from T. K. Madhava Memorial College, Nangiarkulangara, Kerala Law Academy Law College, Thiruvananthapuram and Kakatiya University, Warangal.

Awards

Asianet Film Awards

2007 - Best Lyricist Award -Kadha Parayumbol, Arabikatha
2009 - P. Bhashkaran memorial Golden Award by Kannur Kavimandalam.
2013 - Pravasi Express Awards-Pravasi Express Literary Award 2013.

Filmography

Lyrics

Arabikkatha (2007)
Katha Parayumpol (2007)
Nazrani (2007)
Alibhai (2007)
Anchil oraal Arjunan (2007)
Madampi (2008)
Cycle (2008)
Crazy Gopalan (2008)
Minnaminnikoottam (2008)
Mulla (2008)
Twenty:20 (2008)
Calendar (2009)
Daddy Cool (2009 Malayalam film)
Bhramaram (2009)
Dhrona 2010 (2010)
Cocktail (2010)
Chekavar (film) (2010)
Marykkundoru Kunjaadu (2010)
Note Out (2011)
Arjunan Saakshi
China Town (2011 film)
Seniors (film)
Sevenes(2011)
Spanish Masala (2011)
Black Ticket (2012)

Singer

Arabikkatha (2007)

Actor

Arabikkatha (2007)
Manikyakkallu (2011)
Chala Neeram Chala Munushar (2011)

Makal - Anil Panachooran

Chora Veena Mannil Ninnum

Asianet Interview

Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri (Malayalam: മേല്പത്തൂർ നാരായണ ഭട്ടതിരി)

2015-02-05T14:09:00.003+04:00

Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri (Malayalam: മേല്പത്തൂർ നാരായണ ഭട്ടതിരി; 1559–1645), third student of Achyuta Pisharati, was a member of Madhava of Sangamagrama's Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics. He was a mathematical linguist (vyakarana). His most important scholarly work, Prkriya-sarvawom, sets forth an axiomatic system elaborating on the classical system of Panini. However, he is most famous for his masterpiece, Narayaneeyam, a devotional composition in praise of Guruvayoorappan (Krishna) that is still sung at Guruvayoor Temple.

Birth and education

Bhattathri was from Melpathur, on the north banks of Bharathapuzha River, close to the holy town of Thirunavaya, near Tirur, that was famed as the theatre of the Mamankam festival. Bhattathiri's father was Mathrudattan, a pandit himself. Bhattathiri studied from his father as a child. He learned the Rig Veda from Madhava, Tharka sastra (science of arguments in Sanskrit) from Damodara and Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar) from Achyuta Pisharati. He became a pandit by the age of 16. He married Achuta Pisharati's niece and settled at Thrikandiyur in Tirur.

He was one of the last mathematicians of the Sangamagrama school, which had been founded by Madhava in Kerala, South India and included among its members: Parameshvara, Neelakanta Somayaji, Jyeshtadeva, Achyuta Pisharati, Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri and Achyuta Panikkar. It flourished between the 14th and 16th centuries and the original discoveries of the school seems to have ended with Bhattathiri.

Narayaneeyam

The Narayaneeyam is a devotional Sanskrit work, in the form of a poetical hymn, consisting of 1036 verses (called 'slokas' in Sanskrit). It was written by Bhattathiri in 1586 AD and gives a summary of 18,000 verses of the Bhagavata Purana.

Pisharati has been affected by rheumatism. Unable to see his pain, by yogic strength and by way of Gurdakshina, Bhattathri is said to have taken the disease upon himself and relieved his guru. To relieve Narayana of this disease, Ezhuthachan, a Malayalam poet and Sanskrit scholar hinted- "meen thottu koottuka" (start with the fish). On the face of it, the suggestion would seem offensive to an orthodox Brahmin, who are strict vegetarians. However, Bhattathiri, understanding the hidden meaning, decided to present the various incarnations of Vishnu starting with the fish, as narrated in the Bhagavata Purana in a series of Dasakas (groups of ten slokas). Upon reaching Guruvayur, he started composing one dasaka a day in the presence of the Lord. The refrain in last sloka of every dasaka is a prayer to him to remove his ailments and sufferings. Every day, he sang 10 shlokas on Sri Guruvayoorappan. Each set of 10 poems ends with a prayer for early cure. In 100 days he finished his compositions. On 27 November 1587 when he finished the last dashakam ("Ayuraarogya Sowkhyam") he was cured. The 100th canto composed on that day gives a graphic description of this form of the Lord from the head to the foot. On that day he had a vision of the Lord in the form of Venugopalan. He was 27 then. He was a propounder of Purva Mimamsa, Uttara Mimamsa and Vyakarana.

Reference : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melpathur_Narayana_Bhattathiri

M. N. Vijayan

2015-02-02T18:27:00.005+04:00

M. N. Vijayan (also known as Vijayan Mash) (8 June 1930 – Oct.3, 2007) was an Indian writer, orator and academic. He died of cardiac arrest on live television on 3 October 2007

Early life

Vijayan was born in the Lokamaleshwaram district of Thrissur, Kerala. He attended Pathinettarayalam L.P. School, Kodungallur Boys High School, Ernakulam Maharajas College, and Government Law College, Ernakulam. He was awarded a Master of Arts in Malayalam language and Literature from Madras University.

Academic career

He joined Madras New College as a teacher in 1952. He worked as a lecturer at University College, Trivandrum for a brief period before joining Brennen College, Thalassery, in 1960 as Malayalam lecturer. He retired in 1985.

Political and journalism career

From 1960 to 1999 M. N. Vijayan stayed at Dharmadam, Thalassery. Vijayan worked as the editor of the cultural weekly Deshabhimani owned by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)). He was President of Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham (Progressive Association for Art and Letters) and Adhinivesha Prathirodha Samithi (Council for Resisting Imperialist Globalisation), a leftist think-tank based in Kerala which collaborated with the CPI(M). He was removed as editor of Deshabhimani when leaders of the provincial Communist Party felt he did not adhere to the party line. He opposed the policy of some state level leaders and other leftist intellectuals to accept foreign funding of political work.^[1] He was also for a time the editor of the controversial periodical Padom, notably criticising a Kerala state government program called People's Campaign for Decentralised Planning ( People's Plan) and its creator Thomas Isaac. Vijayan and Professor Sudheesh's articles in Padom against the "people's plan", a program aimed at decentralisation of power, became a controversial issue. Later a Kerala court ruled that the allegations of foreign funding of the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP) had been proven by Sudheesh and Vijayan.[3] Vijayan and Sudheesh had started Paatom in 2000, and started to attack on CPI(M)'s social democratic stands and attitude towards World Bank and IMF . He resigned from Purogamana Kala Sahithya Sangham as a result of a disagreement with M. A. Baby, then in charge of the CPI(M).

The cultural programme Manaveeyam of CPI(M)-led LDF government of Kerala was criticised for the extravagance of the programmes and the elitist audience to which the ps catered, and also for the fact that the "people's art and culture" gave way to bourgeois concepts under the influence of neoliberalism. Vijayan also led an ideological debate against social democratic deviations. When the leader of Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishad (a pro-CPI(M) Science forum) M. P. Parameswaran went ahead with his "theory of the fourth world" campaign, it was alleged that a theory that had been opposed by the late ideologue of the party, E. M. S. Namboodiripad, was now being resurrected after his death. Vijayan and his followers resisted P. Govinda Pillai's controversial critical remarks against A. K. Gopalan, Namboodiripad and others on ideological grounds. Though, initially, CPI(M) leadership was forced to expel Parameswaran and Depromote Pillai from the state committee because of the high reputation that Vijayan enjoyed among the party supporters, writers and the literate, later the Social Democrats group got control over the CPI(M) organisation. There were similar attacks against other left-leaning intellectuals like Dr. B. Ekbal (leading to Ekbal's expulsion from CPI(M)) who were trying to re-examine the direction of left-wing politics in Kerala.

Vijayan did not attend many public meetings during his last years as a result of his ill health, but continued to write weekly columns in Samakalina Malayalam, an Indian Expressgroup of publications, Janashakthi and Maruvakku. The column was originally published weekly in Deshabhimani until he parted ways with the paper. He was also the editor of the monthly Maruvaakku.

Writings

Most of Vijayan's publications are compilations of his speeches. He is considered to be a powerful orator. He used psychology, Marxism and social science as tools to analyse life and literature. Some prominent writers, including M. Krishnan Nair, Thinakkal Padmanabhan has said that Vijayan's writings are difficult to understand, as he does not follow conventional grammatical structures.V. C. Sreejan, criticises that Vijayan's style is densely figurative, hence vague and often meaningless. He was a pioneer of the use of psychological criticism in Malayalam Literature, and influenced contemporary Kerala culture.

Vijayan's works were nominated on several occasions for literary awards, but in keeping with a general aversion to institutionalism, he rejected any state-sponsored awards that he won.^[14]

List of published works

Bhayavum Abhayavum ഭയവും അഭയവും (The Fear And Refuge)
Pradhirodhangal പ്രതിരോധങ്ങൾ (Resistances)
Chithayile Velicham ചിന്തയിലെ വെളിച്ചം (Light in the Pyre)
M.N. Vijayante Prabhashanangal എം.എൻ. വിജയന്റെ പ്രഭാഷണങ്ങൾ (M.N. Vijayan's Speeches)
Varnangalude Sangeetham വർണ്ണങ്ങളുടെ സംഗീതം (The Music of Colours)
Kavithayum Manashastravum കവിതയും മനശാസ്ത്രവും (Poetry And Psychology)
Sheersasanam ശീർഷാസനം (Standing Upside Down)
Kazhchappadu കാഴ്ചപ്പാട് (Perspective)
Vaakkum Manassum (The Speech and The Thought)
Puthiya Varthamanangal (Latest News)
Noothana Lokangal നൂതന ലോകങ്ങൾ (New Worlds)
Fascisathinte Manashasthram ഫാസിസത്തിന്റെ മനശാസ്ത്രം (The Psychology of the Fascism)
Marubhumikal Pookkumbol മരുഭൂമികൾ പൂക്കുമ്പോൾ (When The Deserts Blossom)
Samskaravum Swathanthriavum സംസ്കാരവും സ്വാതന്ത്ര്യവും (The Culture and the Freedom)
Adhikaram- Anuragam- Athmarahasyangal (Power- Passion- Private Matters)
Fascism- Prathyaya Shasthram-Prayogam- Pradhirodham (Fascism- The Philosophy -Practice- Protest)
mn vijayante lokangal:couter discources of mn vijayan(ed.shooba

ks)

Intellectual mentor and counselor

Though not a qualified medical practitioner, Vijayan worked for many years as a pro bono counsellor, using Freudian techniques. Many writers, intellectuals, journalists and political activists have described him as an intellectual mentor. The November 2007 issue of Samayam Masika was devoted to articles by a variety of public figures about Vijayan and his influence, both on them personally and upon others, including M. T. Vasudevan Nair (writer, film director, Jnanpith Award winner), N .Prabhakaran (writer, academic),Mohanan Cherukadu (writer), Appukkuttan Vallikkunnu (journalist), P. Surendran (writer), Dr. Abdul Azeez (Doctor), Kunhappa Pattanoor (poet), Umesh Babu K.C. (Poet and political activist), A. V. Pavitran (writer), Anil Kumar A. V. (journalist, political activist), Dr. Vatsalan Vatuseeri (writer), Dr. Prabhakaran Pazhassi (writer, Professor), Choorayi Chandran (Political activist, Educationalist), N. Shasidharan (writer).

His studies on Vailoppilli, a well known Malayalam poet, and especially the poems "Mampazham" and "Sahyante makan", using Freudian techniques attained wide acclaim.^[17] He was a staunch critic of communal organisations and he used a significant part of his oratory and writings to back Communist Party of India (Marxist) in their ideological and material resistance against the invasion of fascist forces with venomous separatist aims in Tellicherry and Kerala. M.N.Vijayan, his wife and his residence at Dharmadam, Thalassey, provided a haven for people who faced psychological problems. With utmost affection Vijayan mash and his wife served them. He is the general editor of Nammute Sahityam Nammute Samooham (Our Society Our Literature), a four volume research book on literature and society of Kerala.

Vijayan became a mentor for many writers, leftist politicians and journalists. He was a critic of NGOs like Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad which polluted the sensibilities of Malayalees. Vijayan died while he was addressing a press conference in Thrissur, explaining how non- governmentally funded organisations like Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad function in Kerala, camouflaging their imperialist agenda by wearing a leftist mask. Parishath and its activities lost credibility when Ernakulam Chief Judicial Magistrate dismissed the defamation case filed against Paatom, a magazine which exposed the fishy trails of such organisations. "You are selling your credibility... It is hijacking democracy ...", Vijayan said about Parishath and its supporters in the last press conference. Thrissur Current Books and Akam Samithi Thalassey published the early works of M.N.Vijayan. Thrissur Current Books published the Complete Works of M.N. Vijayan in ten volumes under different titles, like literature, politics, culture, interviews, speeches, biography, memoirs, etc. The first M.N.Vijayan library was inaugurated at Kannur. Govt. Brennen College Malayalam department has constituted the M.N.Vijayan endowment in 2010 for outstanding students of Malayalam literature.

Family

The son of Pathiyasheril Narayana Menon and Moolayil Kochammu Amma, Vijayan was married to Sharada, and has a son, V.S. Anil Kumar (also a writer and lecturer)worked as the students dean in Kannur university, and two daughters, Dr. Sujatha Balachandran and Sunitha Rajagopal.

Death

Vijayan died of cardiac arrest on 3 October 2007. He was speaking at a televised press conference at Thrissur to explain the defamation case filed by KSSP President Pappootty over an article that appeared in the Paadham magazine. Caught on film, his last words were "It's not the individual, but the nation is important. This language should be used if it has to be heard, it was Bernard Shaw who said this." During the speech, Vijayan had been suffering from headaches and drowsiness. The cameras continued filming, effectively broadcasting his death on national television as he rapidly lost consciousness and slumped backwards in his chair. Kerala Kaumudi left the space of its main headline blank showing respect to Vijayan and commented "The death which doesn't have any title." His body was cremated with State honours in Kodungallur, Kerala.

References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._N._Vijayan

Kovilan

2015-02-02T18:13:00.000+04:00

Kandanisseri Vattomparambil Velappan Ayyappan (9 July 1923 – 2 June 2010) or V. V. Ayyappan, better known by his nom de plume Kovilan, was a Malayalam language novelist and freedom fighter from Kerala state, South India. He is considered as one of the most prolific writers of contemporary Indian literature.^[1] In all, he had authored 11 novels, 10 collections of short stories, three essays and a play. Though the settings of his stories varied from military camps in frozen Himalayas to obscure village in Thrissur, he brought to bear a universal dimension on them transcending the limitations of space and time. Though initially he was branded as a writer of military stories, Kovilan soon proved that he looked at life with its varied dimensions. His works like Thottangal, A Minus Band Ezhamedangal reflected the existential dilemmas of human beings instead of depicting mere external situations and realities in a linear mode. But Kovilan received the highest critical appreciation for his later work Thattakam, a powerful and poignant portrayal of generations of people in his ancestral hamlet.

He won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1972 and 1977 and the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 1998. He was also a recipient of the Kerala state government's highest literary honour Ezhuthachan Puraskaram in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Malayalam literature.^[2] He had been a Fellow of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi since 1997 and Sahitya Akademi since 2005

Early years

Kovilan was born in Kandanassery in Guruvayur, Thrissur to Vattomparambil Shanku Velappan and Kotakkattil Kunjandi Kali. He did his early education at the Kandanisseri Excelsior School and Nenmini Higher Elementary School. He then joined the Sahitya Deepika Sanskrit College at Pavaratty at the age of 13. He had the good fortune to attend classes by the scholars like K. P. Narayana Pisharody, P. C. Vasudevan Elayathu, M. P. Sankunni Nair, Cherukadu and Srikrishna Sharma. Even as a student, he had shown interest in writing poems and stories. As a budding writer, poetry was Kovilan's primary passion. But life and time of his adolescence – the oppressive colonial and feudal rule, the casteist social milieu, widespread rural poverty that climaxed in stark famine during the war years, the agony of fracturing familial and social bonds and the inner urge to rebel maturing into politically conscious militancy – compelled him to switch over to fiction as a wider arena of self-expression.

A staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi, Kovilan left the Sanskrit College to participate in the Quit India Movement. That marked the end of his formal academic education. By the time he quit, he had written at least three novels.

Military life

He joined the Royal Indian Navy in 1943 and was trained in Anti-submarine Detecting Operations. He served in Bengal sea, Burma and Singapore. He quit following the Royal Indian Navy mutiny of 1946 and returned home. While back in Kerala, Kovilan maintained a close friendship with Vaikom Muhammed Basheer, Joseph Mundassery and C. J. Thomas. He also took part in the trade union movements. In 1948 he passed SSLC and worked for a while as a stenographer for Joseph Mundassery. In 1948, he joined theIndian Army Corps of Signals as Radio Mechanic.^[4] He also specialised in electronics. For five years he lived in the Himalayas. While in army, he came in contact with soldier-turned-writers Parappurath and Nandanar. He also worked as National Cadet Corps training officer at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. He retired from the Indian Armyin 1968 as Havildar Major and settled down at Pullanikunnu at Kandanassery.

Death

Kovilan died on 2 June 2010 in Kunnamkulam, aged 86.^[5] He was suffering from some respiratory problems. His wife Sarada predeceased him in 1999. They had three children: Vijaya, Ajithan and Amitha. His grand daughters are Dr. Arya Ajith Vattamparambil who works at Amrita Medical College, Ernakulam and Pournima Jayaprakash who is practising law in Attingal.

Writings

Kovilan, who led a simple life, is considered as one of the most prolific writers of contemporary Indian literature. His works stand apart by originality in their themes, sharp characterisation and style. In all, he had authored 11 novels, 10 collections of short stories, three essays and a play.

Kovilan has written 4 novels—A Minus B (1958), Ezhamedangal (Army Wives, 1965), Thazhvarakal (The Valleys, 1969) and Himalayam—with military experiences as their background. A Minus B was originally published in a weekly. However, not satisfied with the output, Kovilan dismantled and rewrote the novel. A Minus B brought Malayalam novel to new heights. This was the first Malayalam novel with characters from every part of India. In its portrayal of life in a military barrack, it doesn't have a central character or a conventional beginning or end. The novel was translated into English by N. Kunji and was published by Kerala Sahitya Akademi, Thrissur. Ezhamedangal, Thazhvarakal andHimalayam can be considered as a trilogy. Set against the impending Sino-Indian War the characters in these novels encounter the ontological questions of life and death in their own way with an apocalyptic urgency. The archetypal image of dancing Siva, synchronised in line and space with the deluging war, is invoked in Himalayam through a complex architecture and a distilled poetic diction. The cosmic dimensions of this trilogy still elude the literary pundits.

Thottangal (Incantations, 1970), the first post-service novel of the writer, narrates the delirious memories of an old woman in the night of her death whose life was shipwrecked turning the dreams of her childhood into nightmares. Bharathan, the protagonist in Bharathan, published during the prevalence of the Emergency, is a historical metaphor that incises the sociopolitical realities of post-independent India. Bharathan is implicated, persecuted an tried in a mock court of establishment and sentenced to the destined death. The novelist cruelly reveals that the wages of innocence in our pseudo society is nothing lesser than its elimination.

His most popular novel was Thattakam (The Terrain, 1995). A grand narrative of epic dimension it is the saga of a land and its people, its mythical genesis and long sojourn into a civil society. The novel unfolds itself through umpteen anecdotes sprouting from legends, oracles, revelations, fantasies and historical events themselves. The narrative invents its own time and space that allows free passage of countless generations across the past, the present and the future. The novel won him national recognition with the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 1998. It was described in the fellowship citation as "a saga of a land and its people, its mythical genesis and long sojourn to reach a civil society. The novel unfolds itself through innumerable anecdotes sprouting from legends, oracles, revelations, fantasies and historical events. Its structure closely follows the magic of loosely connected episodes being integrated into a meta-narrative, reminiscent of the great Indian epics. The narrative invents its own time and space that allows free passage of countless generations across the past, the present and the future. In this mission, Kovilan develops a linguistic symphony that blends the dialects and language of myriad social strata. Thattakam will certainly leave its reader spellbound to muse over the super-human imagination and artistic stamina that its author is endowed with."

Kovilan's first collection of short stories was Oru Palam Manayola (A Measure of Red Arsenic). This book was published in the year 1957. The story Tharavadu (Ancestral Home) is included in this collection. Kovilan's other collections of short stories include Ee Jeevitham Ananthamanu (1957), Orikkal Manushyanayirunnu (1960), Oru Kashanam Asthi(1961), Vendam Kadi (1969), Thervazhchakal (1971), Pitham (1971), Shakunam (1974), Adyathe Kathakal (1978), Sujatha (1979), Theranjedutha Kathakal (1980) and Kovilante Kathakal (1985). A tele-serial based on his novel Thottangal was beamed on Doordarshan. Some of his short stories also have been adapted for tele-screen.

Style and recurring themes

Ever since Kovilan's stories started getting published in the periodicals of the 1950s, critics have marked him as 'unique and original' not only for the power of language and deftness for characterisation but also for choice of themes and intense experiences they sought to convey. Right from his debutant novel Thakarnna Hridayangal written at the age of 19 he was obsessively vigilant nit to emulate any models, set not only by others but by himself also. While many established Malayalam writers often betrayed their limitations because they hardly had any experience of living outside their immediate environs, Kovilan had hands-on experiences on riddles and dilemmas of human life as much of his youth in military camps as a radio mechanic, far away from home and hearth. Kovilan's characters depicted, subtly, how human dignity and freedom are hallowed out through regimentation, by powers that be in independent India also just as in the colonial regime. They, however, do not accept their destiny, unquestioned. Kovilan keeps this element of resistance and rebellion in his characters burning. Kovilan's stories that shed light on the lives in and out of military barracks marked a remarkable change in the way stories had been told in Malayalam literature. Kovilan has written four novels—A Minus B, Ezhamedangal, Thazhvarakal and Himalayam—with military experiences as their background. Apart from the pan-Indian lives and terrains that he introduced, through writings, he restructured the narrative concepts, hitherto familiar to Malayalam fiction. Kovilan jettisoned the idea of linear narrative woven around a protagonist. He experimented with the new technique of so many characters revealing themselves at so many junctures simultaneously in a cobweb-like narrative pattern.

Kovilan's visions are reflected in his works, right from the choice of the subject to the use of the language and imagery. Even when he shared the concerns of the progressive writers movement of the state, his sensibilities were radically different. When many of his peers were passionately experimenting with modernist trends in fiction writing, drawing inspiration from popular English and European writers, Kovilan sought his roots and soul, the traditions, culture and language of the common people, the soulful tales and tunes of the community that he lived in, and the countless characters that he encountered in his speckled life. Poverty and hunger had been the primary concerns of the writer. His quest for human dignity and art of telling complex stories in a stunningly simple language were remarkable. Writer and social critic Sukumar Azhikode once said that the gap between life and literature was very little in Kovilan's works.

Kovilan was a staunch votary of the labour class during his lifetime. Kovilan was always in the forefront in opposing tendencies against democracy. He was as one of the early leaders of the progressive literary movement. Kovilan was a storyteller who embraced leftist humanism and possessed an impressively high degree of social perspective. Kovilan's works had immensely contributed to transforming a community bogged down by conservatism to one that was progressive and socialist in outlook.^[6]

In a 1977 article titled Modernism in the Novel, Kovilan talked about one of his most important concerns as a writer: "To put a live human being on the post-mortem table in his fundamental state, without his clothes or make-up, to open him up like a frog in the zoology lab, with his chest and abdomen nailed flat, and his heart pounding still, even after the studies – we have not had many such instances in our novels, to show the beats of human character in the raw like this... Hunger is a human being's primary craving... And the war pangs of hunger are the true nature of human beings. The ruckus that happens here in the pretext of ‘modernism' is enough to drown these pangs of hunger. This is not literature, but literary vulgarity." In another article written nearly a decade later, he said: "Dialogues will never become literature. A writer cannot realise the vagaries of human life merely through dialogues. But, human being! It is never a single being. More masquerades than a chameleon. Never-ending masks. As the masks fall off one by one, the story touches you more and more deeply."

Poet and critic K. Satchidanandan notes:

“

He wrote pure prose, not poetic prose. In an era when prose writers revelled in poetic expressions, Kovilan wrote a prose that was plain and lean. Its beauty was raw and unadorned. Though Kovilan's works were initially categorised as Pattala Sahityam or soldier's writings, it was clear after the publication of Thattakam andThottangal that they were more than that. Writers seek legends. Kovilan realised that there is a legend behind every man. He sought to document this. He explored the legends of his village. His stories bridged local and regional history.^[7]

”

Awards

1971: Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (Novel) for Thottangal
1977: Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (Story) for Sakunam
1995: Muttathu Varkey Award
1997: Kerala Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
1997: A. P. Kulakkad Award for Thattakam
1998: Kendra Sahitya Academy Award for Thattakam
1998: Kerala Sahitya Parishath Award for Thattakam
1999: Vayalar Award for Thattakam
1999: N. V. Prize for Thattakam
2004: Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
2006: Ezhuthachan Award
2008: Mathrubhumi Literary Award

Bibliography

Novels

Title	Title in English	Year	Publisher
Thakarnna Hridayangal	Broken Hearts	1946	Arunodayam Press, Vadakkencherry
A Minus B		1958	Current Books, Thrissur
Ezhamedangal	Army Wives	1965	Current Books, Thrissur
Thazhvarakal	The Valleys	1969	Current Books, Thrissur
Thottanngal	Incantations	1970	Current Books, Thrissur
Himalayam	The Himalayas	1972	Current Books, Thrissur
Bharathan		1976	Poorna Publications, Calicut
Janmantharanngal	Through Many Births	1982	Sahithya Pravarthaka Co-opertaive Society, Kottayam
Thattakam	The Terrain	1995	Current Books, Thrissur

Novelettes

Title	Title in English	Year	Publisher
Board Out		1936	Current Books, Thrissur
Tharavadu	The Ancestral Home	1963	Current Books, Thrissur

Short Stories

Title	Title in English	Year	Publisher
Oru Palam Manayola	A Measure of Red Arsenic	1957	Current Books, Thrissur
Ee Jeevitham Anadhamanu	This Life is Orphaned	1957	Current Books, Thrissur
Orikkal Manushyanayirunnu	Once a Man I was...	1960	Current Books, Thrissur
Oru Kashanam Asthi	A Piece of Bone	1961	Current Books, Thrissur
Vendamkadi	The Unwanted	1969	Current Books, Thrissur
Thervazchakal	Apparitions	1971	Current Books, Thrissur
Pitham	The Bilious Child	1971	Current Books, Thrissur
Sujatha		1971	Poorna Publications, Calicut
Sakunam	The Omen	1974	Sahithya Pravarthaka Co-opertaive Society, Kottayam
Adyathe Kathakal	Stories of Early Days	1978	Sahithya Pravarthaka Co-opertaive Society, Kottayam
Theranjedutha Kathakal	Selected Stories	1980	Sahithya Pravarthaka Co-opertaive Society, Kottayam
Kovilante Kathakal	Stories of Kovilan	1985	Current Books, Thrissur
Suvarna Kathakal	Golden Stories	2002	Green Books, Thrissur
Ente Priyappetta Kathakal	My Favourite Stories	2003	DC Books, Kottayam

Play

Title	Title in English	Year	Publisher
Ninte Viswasam Ninne Poruppikkum	Your Faith Ensures What Happens to You	1957	Current Books, Thrissur

Miscellaneous writings

Title	Title in English	Year	Publisher
Kovilante Lekhanangal	Essays of Kovilan	1984	Sikha Publications, Calicut
Kathayum Kathakalum	Stories Behind the Stories	1957	Poorna Publications, Calicut
Athmabhavangal	Self Reflections	1995	Jwala, Ariyannur, Thrissur

Referance: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kovilan

Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan

2015-01-17T15:54:00.002+04:00

Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan (Malayalam: തുഞ്ചത്ത് രാമാനുജൻ എഴുത്തച്ഛൻ, Tuñcattŭ Rāmānujan Eḻuttacchan) was a Malayalam devotional poet and linguist from around the 16th century. Today he is known as the father of Malayalam language– the principal language of the Indian state of Kerala and the union territory of Lakshadweep – and it's literature.

Ezhuthachan was born in Trikkantiyur, near the present day Tirur municipality, in south Malabar in an under-privileged sudra caste. After the birth of his daughter, Ezhuthachan became a monk and wandered throughout southern India before finally building his monastery at modern day Chittoor, Palghat.

Ezhuthachan's contribution to the Malayalam language is widely considered as unparalleled. He brought massive changes and standardisation in the language through his works. He translated the two Hindu epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata, to Malayalam for the common man with the mingling of the Sanskrit and Dravidian languages.

According historians and linguists, Ezhuthachan refined the "style" of Malayalam language and it was during his period that Malayalam literature attained its "individuality" and Malayalam became a "fully fledged" independent language. He also brought the language to the level of the non-Brahmins's understanding. Ezhuthachan used Malayalam language to challenge the prevailing social conditions. He is known for using his literary works as a powerful tool against the rule of privileged. Ezhuthachan is also considered as a significant voice of the Bhakti movement in Kerala.

Ezhuthachan's other major contribution has been in establishing an (51 character) alphabet system equivalent to Sanskrit instead ofVattezhuthu, the 30-letter script of Malayalam.

The highest literary honour instituted by the Kerala Government is known as the "Ezhuthachan Award".

Ezhuthachan is generally believed to be lived c. 16th century. Though poet – turned – historian Ulloor S Parameshwara Iyer has surmised that he was born in 1495 AD and lived upto 1575, other scholars are not sure about it. Backed by painstaking research, C. Radhakrishnan argued that Ezhuthachan’s age must have been between 1475 and 1550 AD. It is however generally accepted that he lived in the sixteenth century.

Ezhuthachan was born at Trikkantiyur, near the modern-day municipal town of Tirur, in south Malabar. His precise birthplace is now known as Thunchan Parambu. His parent's names are not known clearly and there is some confusion about Ezhuthachan's actual name as well. After completing his education he got married but embraced "sanyasa" after the birth of a daughter. Leaving house he travelled to various places in Andhra and Tamil Nadu and learnt Telugu and Tamil. Some scholars surmise that his Ramayana andMahabharata were adopted from the Telugu versions of these Sanskrit epics. Though born in an under-privileged class (a low caste belonging to the "sudra" varna) of the social hierarchy of the times, Ezhuthachan had mastered the Veda and the Upanishads.

It is believed that Ezhuthachan on his way back from a pilgrimage to Tamil Nadu had a stopover at Chittur (in Palghat) and settled down at Thekke Gramam near Anikkode with his disciples. A monastery, then called "Ramananda ashrama" and now known as the Chittur Gurumadhom, was constructed by him on a piece of land donated by the Nair barons of the area. In this village he founded a Rama temple as well as a Siva temple. Ezhuthachan lived for nearly four decades at the monastery, writing his masterpieces (such as Adhyatma Ramayanam and Sri Mahabharatam). In his monastery, he trained a group of famous disciples, such as Suryanarayanan Ezhuthachan, Karunakaran Ezhuthachan, Devan Ezhuthachan and Gopalan Ezhuthachan. Suryanarayanan's Skandapuranam, Karunakaran's Shivaratri Mahatmyam and Devan's Vijnana Ratna andVedantasaram are still considered as gems of religious literature in Malayalam.

The madhom is flanked by temples of Rama and Siva and the street has an array of Agraharas (where the twelve Brahmin families migrated along with Ezhuthachan live). At the madhom, some of the instruments used by Ezhuthachan are still preserved. A Sri Chakra and a few idols worshipped by him, the stylus, the wooden slippers, and a few old manuscripts are exhibited for visitors. Ezhuthachan's samadhi is also situated there.

Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri, the author of famous Narayaneeyam, was a friend of Ezhuthachan. It is said that when he sought the advice of Ezhuthachan about how to start his intended book, he gave him a cryptic advise to "start with fish", meaning to start with Matsya avatara - the fish avatar of god Vishnu. Bhattathiri understood the enigmatic message and started composing his poem in the Guruvayur Temple.

Caste of Ezhuthachan

The exact "caste" to which Ezhuthachan belonged under the large umbrella of "sudra" varna - if indeed he was a sudra - is still not known to the historians. Ezhuthachan is currently an Other Backward Class (through out Kerala state) in the reservation system present in India. [19] Until the early decades of twentieth century they were popularly known by the caste name "Kadupattan" , but there after it was changed and officially declared as Ezhuthachan. Their traditional occupation was salt making and palanquin bearing. It was not uncommon in the past few centuries, that meritorious members from this community had said to been taken up various avocations,including teaching.

According to Nair Service Society, Ezhuthachan was one of the prominent personalities who belonged to the Nair community. Meanwhile, the Akhila Kerala Ezhuthachan Samajam, the organisation that represents the Ezhuthachan community, has come forward with an objection, saying that Thunchath Ezhuthachan was not ‘Nair’, and that he belonged to the ‘Ezhuthachan’ community.

According to Arthur Coke Burnell, the famous 19th century Sanskrit scholar, Ezhuthachan was indeed a low - caste man. "His real name is forgotten; Thunchaththu being his house/family-name, and Ezhuthachan indicating his caste". In 1865, Burnell discovered the manuscript ofDevi Bhagavatam allegedly translated and adapted from Sanskrit by Ezhuthachan, allegedly copied by his sister, preserved at Puzhakkal in the Chittur taluk. He wrote that "the author's stool, clogs, and staff are preserved in the same place; it thus looks as if Ezhuthachan was a monk of some order."

There are also legends that Ezhuthachan was an "illegitimate" Nambudiri Brahmin. Ellis has noted that

"Ezhuthachan was Brahman-without-a-father and on that account has no patronymic. The difficulties with which he had in consequence to struggle gave him an energy of character which it is probable he would not have possessed had his cast been without blemish. The Brahmins envied his genius and learning and are said to have seduced him by the arts of sorcery into the habit of ebriety, wishing to overshadow the mental powers which they feared. The poet, however, triumphed on his habits, though he could not abandom them, and in revenge against those whom he considered the cause of his debasement, he opposed himself openly to the prejudices and the intolerance of the Brahmans. The mode of vengeance he chose was the exaltation of Malayalam, declaring it his intention to raise this inferior dialect of Tamil to an equality with Sanskrit. In the prosecution of this purpose he enriched the Malayalam with the translations, all of which, it is said, he composed under the immediate influence of intoxication."

Burnell agreed with Ellis, saying that "Ezhuthachan [sic] lived in the 17th century; there is no reason for supposing that he was a Brahmin father's illegitimate son; he was certainly an Ezhuthachan (or schoolmaster) by caste."

Other sources consider him as a Kaniyar by caste. This community of traditional astrologers were well versed in Sanskrit and Malayalam. During the middle ages, when people, other than Brahmins, were denied of the right for learning Sanskrit, only the Kaniyar community had been traditionally enjoying the privilege for accessing and acquiring knowledge in Sanskrit, through their hereditary system of pedagogy. They were learned people and had knowledge in astrology, mathematics, mythology, the Vedas and Ayurveda. They were generally assigned as preceptors of martial art and literacy. In addition to the common title Panicker, the members of Kaniyar from the South Travancore and Malabar region were known as, Aasaan/Ezhuthu Aasans/Ezhuthachans (Father of Letters) respectively, by virtue of their traditional avocational function as village school masters to non-Brahmin pupils.

Cultural contributions

Ezhuthachan - although he lived around 16th century AD - is considered as the father of Malayalam language and Malayalam literature. No original compositions are attributed to Ezhuthachan. However, his contribution to the Malayalam language through Adhyatma Ramayanam is considered unparalleled.

Adhyatma Ramayanam, written in Kilippattu style, is considered as a landmark of Malayalam literature. Ezhuthachan used different Dravidian metres in the cantos of his poems: "Keka" for Bala Kanda and Aranya Kanda; "Kakali" for Ayodhya, Kishkindha and Yuddha Kanda; and "Kalakanchi" for Sundara Kanda. Throughout the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam, Adhyatma Ramayanam is still recited - as a religious practice - in Hindu homes in Kerala. According to critic K. Ayyappa Panicker, those who seeAdhyatma Ramayanam merely as a devotional work "belittle" Ezhuthachan.

Adhyatma Ramayanam, his other major work Sri Mahabharatam (translation of Hindu epic poem Mahabharata), and shorter pieces Irupathinalu Vrittam and Harinama Kirtanammark the confluence of Sanskrit and Dravidian linguistic streams.[38] However, there is no unanimity of opinion among the scholars about the authorship of certain other works generally attributed to him (such as Devi Bhagavatam).

Adhyatma Ramayanam is also a spiritual text that gave momentum to the Bhakti cult in Kerala. Ezhuthachan, along with Poonthanam Nambuthiri, was one of the prominent Bhakti devotional poets in Kerala.

Thunchan Parambu
Thunchan Parambu - the legendary location of Ezhuthachan's ancestral home - is now a Hindu pilgrimage centre. People from around Kerala come to take sand from the Thunchan Parambu to use in the initiation of their children to the alphabet (a Hindu ceremony). Every year, hundreds of people bring their children to Thunchan Parambu to write their first letters during the Vijayadasami (Dussehra) which falls in the months of October–November. Children are initiated into the "world of letters" by masters, teachers or parents by holding their fingers and writing the letters in a plate filled with rice. The letters will also be written on their tongues with a golden ring.

Cultural depictions
Theekkadal Kadannu Thirumadhuram (2004) by C. Radhakrishnan: a novel written by C. Radhakrishnan that sketched Ezhuthachan’s life and journeyed through the emotions he must have gone through. The take-off point for Radhakrishnan’s research was the tale of Ezhuthachan he heard as a child from his grandparents.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/

Anand (P. Sachidanandan)

2015-01-17T15:38:00.002+04:00

P. Sachidanandan (born 1936), who uses the pseudonym Anand, is an Indian writer.

Anand writes primarily in Malayalam. He is one of the noted living intellectuals in India. His works are noted for their philosophical flavor, historical context and their humanism. Veedum Thadavum and Jaivamanushyan won the Kerala Sahithya Academy Award.Marubhoomikal Undakunnathu won the Vayalar Award. He did not accept the Yashpal Award for Aalkkootam and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Abhayarthikal.

Sachidanandan was born in 1936 at Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district(Trichur) of Kerala. His father was a primary school teacher.

He graduated in Civil Engineering from College of Engineering, Trivandrum in 1958. He retired as Planning Director of the Central Water Commission after a career which included extended stints working in Gujrat, Mumbai and Bengal. He also worked in the military for four years in the Short Service Commission.

Writing

It was the famous critic Govindan who helped Anand publish his maiden novel Alkkoottam. At age 34, it was his first ever published work.

It was a new experience for the Malayalee readers and the book received rave reviews and pungent criticisms alike. He followed Alkkoottam (Crowd) with three more equally abstract novels: Maranacertificate (Death Certificate), Abhayarthikal (Refugees) and Utharayanam. These books made Anand a writer with considerable standing in Malayalam.

But it was in the late eighties and early nineties that Anand came up with two more novels, Marubhoomikal Undakunnathu and Govardhanante Yaathrakal, which made him an icon in Malayalam literature.

Contemporary Malayalam writer M. Mukundan made the following comment about Anand's style.

Anand's is the most articulate voice in Kerala today, which questions the moral premises of politics and most importantly, resists Hindu fundamentalism. His essays and novels unmistakably establish a metaphor of resistance.

The prose in Anand's novels is taut - no moon will ever rise in it, nor flowers blossom or river breezes waft through. His language, stripped to the bone, sometimes challenges the reader to go through it.

He has also written many short stories and articles, most of which deal with plight of the ordinary people who are exploited by the people in power. Anand's characters are not necessarily a Malayali, and often weaves in historical elements into his stories. More often they are also located outside Kerala.

Anand is also a prolific essayist.

Awards

1. Vayalar Award, 1993.
2. Odakuzhal Award, 1996.
3. Sahitya Akademi Award, 1997.
4. Muttathu Varkey Award, 2000.
5. Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize, 2012.

Criticisms
The 'abstractness' of Anand's writing has been a cause for criticism, from people alleging he does not actually name concrete people and organizations, instead relying on a historical and abstract narrative, even in his political essays. Balachandran Chullikkadu, a well-known poet in Malayalam, once said that Anand is the messiah of NGOs.
Books by Anand

Novels

Alkkoottam (The Crowd)
Maranacertificate (The Death Certificate)
Utharayanam
Abhayarthikal (The Refugees)
Marubhoomikal Undakunnathu (The Deserts come into existence)
Govardhante Yaathrakal (The Journeys of Govardhanan)
Vyaasanum Vighneswaranum
Apaharikkapetta Daivangal
Samharathinte Pusthakam
Vibhajanangal
Parinamathinte Bhoothangal (The Ghosts of Evolution)
Dweepukalum Theerangalum (Islands and Shores)

Short story collection

Asantham
Veedum Thadavum (Home and Prison)
Ira (Victim)
Odiyunna Kurisu (The Breaking Cross)
Samvadam (Convesations)
Naalamathe Aani (The Fourth Nail.)
Kathakal, Aatmakathakal (Stories, autobiographies)

Dramas

Savaghoshyathra
Mukthipadham

Other Books

Sambhashanangal (Dialogue with Sachithanandan, the poet)
Idavelakalil
Jaivamanushyan (The Biological Man)
Vettakaaranum Virunnukaaranum
Prakriti, Paristhithi, Daaridryam, Jalam, Oorjam
Kannadilokam
Nashtapradeshangal
Stanam Thettiya Vasthu

Poems

Thadhagatham

In view of the recent expose on the unholy activities at the Ashram of 'Amma ' ( Amritanandamayi ) by Gail Tredwell through her book, "Holy hell" , a systematic attempt is on in Kerala to prevent any discussion about this book. Both legal and extra- legal measures are being imposed on people to prevent

O. Chandu Menon

2015-01-17T15:14:00.000+04:00

Chandu Menon was born on 9 January 1847 in Kelaloor near Pinarayi in the present day Kannur District.

Chandu Menon got his first lessons from Koran Gurukkal, one of his neighbors. He learnt Sanskrit poetry, drama and grammar from Pandit Kunjanbu Nambiar. About the same time, he received English lessons from a local school and later from K. Kunjan Menon. He had higher school education in the Basel Mission Parsi Memorial School in Thalassery. While studying there he is reported to have qualified for the uncovenanted Civil Service by securing a high rank in the test for that Service. In 1864 his mother died when he was in the matriculation class and he was forced to abandon studies.

Chandu Menon got married to Lakshmikutty Amma in 1872. The couple had six children.

Chandu Menon started his career as a clerk in the government service. William Logan, author of the Malabar Manual appointed him as a clerk at Sub-Collector's office. After working in various offices in Malabar, he slowly rose to the position of a Munsiff, and in 1892 became the sub-judge of Calicut. Chandu Menon reportedly assisted Willam Logan in the preparation of Malabar Manual.

Chandu Menon was also a social reformer. He was a member of the committee constituted to inquire on Marumakkathayam and report on the Malabar Marriages Bill. His observations on matrimony among Nairs and polyandrous matrimony of Nair women that prevailed during the time are of historical importance. He was given the title of Rao Bahadur in 1898 for excellent service.

Chandu Menon died on 7 September 1899 at his Oyyarath residence in Thalassery due to cardiac failure.

Literary career

He was inspired by his wife to write his first novel Indulekha. He attempted to fashion the work after the English novels popular during those days and depicted the love and lives life of an upper caste woman and her sad destiny. The novel attempted to discuss the topics of feudalism, polygamy and caste oppression.

His 1889 work, Indulekha, was the first Malayalam fictional work which met with all the requisite characteristics of a novel according to widely accepted Malayalam literary convention. It is not the first novel per se, as Kundalatha (a much inferior work) by Appu Nedungadi pre-dates it by a year. Indulekha throws light on the Nair community during the second half of the nineteenth century when it was undergoing a transformation following western influences and English education. It exalts education and satirizes the orthodox practices of temporary marital alliances between Nair women and Namboodiri men. Indulekha was translated into English 1891 by the-then Collector of Malabar district. Indulekha is claimed to be the only Malayalam novel to be reprinted every year for over hundred years.

He began a second novel named Sarada, the first part of which appeared in 1892. This novel was meant to be in two parts. However, he was unable to complete the sequel, which never got published.

Two English speeches made by Chandu Menon, one on Administration of Justice in Ancient Times and another under the auspices of the Sir T.Muthuswamy Iyer Memorial Committee have been published in book form.

Major awards and recognitions

He reportedly received a letter from the Prime Minister of England, W. E. Gladstone, passing on Queen Victoria's appreciation of Chandu Menon's services to Malayalam literature in 1892.
The Government of India conferred on him the title of Rao Bahadur in 1897.
Madras University recognised his merits, appointed him as Examiner for the Law Degrees in 1898.
He was also honoured by Madras University by nominating him as a Fellow of the University.

Watch the melodious romantic song, "Varivande Nee" sung by Kamukara Purushothaman Nair from the classic Induleka, based on the famous novel written by O Chandu Menon.

Olappamanna (Olappamanna manakkal Subramanian Namboothirippad)

2015-01-17T15:04:00.002+04:00

Olappamanna (Olappamanna manakkal Subramanian Namboothirippad; 1923-2000) was a famous poet of Kerala, India. He was born on January 10, 1923 in Vellinezhi in Palakkad district into Olappamanna mana, a wealthy family with a feudal past known for its patronage of artists and musicians. After his college education, he was engaged in the timber and rubber business and was associated with Yogakshema Sabha and Purogamana Sahithya Samkhadana for some time. During the period 1950-1964, he was the president of the Ezhakkad and Kotteppadam panchayaths of Palakkad district.

He was awarded the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1967 for the collection of Kathakavithakal and Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 1989 for Nizhalana. The other awards include the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Lifetime Contribution (1998), Odakkuzhal Award (1988) and N. V. Puraskaram(1992). He has also held the office of Chairman ofKerala Kalamandalam. He died on April 10, 2000.

Works

Veena
Kalpana
Kilungunna Kaiyamam
Kulampadi
Asareerkal
Ehisoonari
Olichupokunna Njan
Panchali
Elathalam
Nagemakkutty
Kadhakavithakal
Aanamuthu
Amba
Suphala
Dukhamavuka Sukham
Rubberwifum Mattu Kavithakalum
Nizhalana
Jalakappakshi
Varinellu

എന്റെ വിദ്യാലയം -ഒളപ്പമണ്ണ

ക്ലാസ്‌- V (പുതിയ സിലബസ് 2014) മലയാളം പാഠപുസ്തകത്തിലെ കവിതയുടെ പൂർണ്ണരൂപം

Vailoppilli Sreedhara Menon

2015-01-17T14:55:00.005+04:00

Vyloppilli Sreedhara Menon (11 May 1911 – 22 December 1985) was a renowned Indian poet of Kerala. He was born on 11 May 1911 in Kaloor in the Ernakulam district. After taking his bachelor's degree in science he took B.T. and joined as teacher in government service in 1931.

He started writing under the pen name 'Sree' and his very first collection 'Kannikkoythu' (Maiden Harvest), which came out in 1947, attracted the attention of critics by its innovative style free from the clutches of the Romantic tradition. He was associated with Samastha Kerala Sahithya Parishath the biggest forum for Malayalam writers at that time, for more than 10 years. He represented Kerala in the national poets' meetings held at Delhi (1951 and 1969) and Bangalore (1965). In 1970 he toured the Soviet union. He was the first President of Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham, a forum of progressive writers led by leftist intellectuals and artists.

He is considered by literary historians as one of the major voices in Malayalam poetry who marked the transition from the Romanticto the modern era. A scientific insight into the historical roots of social evolution and a deeper understanding of the psychological undercurrents of the human mind characterise his poetry. His mastery of the medium is evident in all his poems both lyrical and narrative.

Many critics consider the long poem Kudiyozhikkal (Eviction of the tenant) as his magnum opus. In the prefatory lines to the poem the poet says: "Punchiri! Ha, Kuleenamam kallam. Nenchu keeri njan nerinekkattaam" (The smile! Oh, It's but a noble lie. Let me tear open my chest and show you the truth). The poem is a ruthless self-examination of a middle class land owner who realizes that the future belongs not to himself but to his poor tenant whom he despises at heart.

He died on December 22, 1985 and his body was cremated on the banks of river Bharathappuzha (also called 'Nila'), as he had wished.

Awards and honors

Madras Government Award
M. P. Paul prize
Kerala Sahithya Academy Award (1965) for Kaipavallari
Kendra Sahithya Academy Award (1972) for Vida
Vayalar Award (1981) for Makarakoythu
Sovietland Nehru Award (1964)
Odakkuzhal Award

Selected works

Kannikoythu
Sreerekha
Onappatukar
Makarakoythu
Vithum Kaikkottum
Vida
Kaipavallari
Kuruvikal
Kudiyozhikkal
Minnaminni
Pachakkuthira
Mukulamala
Krishnamrigangal
Charithrathile Charudrisyam
Anthi Chayunnu
Kunnimanikal
Risyasringanum Alexandarum (Play)
Kavyalokasmaranakal (Autobiography)
Mambazham
Yugaparivarthanam

Mambazham -- Vailoppilli Sreedhara Menon

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/

Changampuzha Krishna Pillai

2015-01-17T14:16:00.001+04:00

Changampuzha Krishna Pillai was a celebrated Malayalam poet from Kerala, India, known almost exclusively for his romantic elegy Ramanan which was written in 1936 and sold over 100,000 copies. It is a play writtern in the form of verse.Ramanan, written in the romantic tradition, remains a best seller. It is a long pastoral elegy allegedly based on the life of Changampuzha's friend Edappally Raghavan Pillai. He is credited with bringing poetry to the masses with his simple romantic style. He died of Tuberculosis at a young age of 36. His style influenced next few generations of Malayalam poetry.

"Changampuzha Smaraka Grandhasala" (meaning Changampuzha Memorial Library) and the Changampuzha Park, are two institutions established as memorial for the great poet at his birthplace Edappally. He died at the age of 37. His tomb is maintained by the Cochin Corporation and Greater Cochin Development Authority. The area of his tomb belongs to his maternal family property. Few lines from his poem 'Spandikkunna Asthimadom' was inscribed on his tomb. The lines are:

"My biggest failure,
Is having an honest heart,
In this faulty world."

Early life

Born on 11 October 1911 at Edappally, presently part of Kochi City, coming under the Ernakulam District of Kerala State, Changampuzha Krishna Pillai had his elementary education there itself. He completed his school education at Aluva and Ernakulam. College education was from Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. Later, after working as a clerk in Military Accountant's Office at Pune and at Kochi, he went to Chennai for studying Law, which he could not complete due to financial problems. He later worked in a press at Thrissur. It was during this time he wrote many of his works, though he had started writing even when he was a student. He had to study his own poem at the B.A. Honors class, a rare experience, indeed.

Even though he had only about 25 years of creative period in his life, he became an epic poet, without writing any epic poem following the conventional norms. His legendary pastoral elegy, Ramanan was sold more than 100,000 copies, a record that still stands firm in Malayalam. Famous Malayalam critique Prof. Joseph Mundassery who was the first Education Minister of Kerala State and also the first Vice-Chancellor of Cochin University, was highly impressed reading 'Ramanan', and wrote his own introductory remarks for its 15th reprint praising the elegy.

Changampuzha's other famous works include Vazhakkula, Divyageetham, Yavanika, Bashpanjali, Manaswini, Sankalpakanthi, Devageetha, Spandikkunna Asthimatam, Udyana lakshmi, Patunna Pisachu, novel Kalithozhi and others. He was a close friend of Edappally Raghavan Pillai, another great poet of his time. 'Samastha Kerala Sahitya Parishath', an organisation of Malayalam literary workers had its first convention at Edappally. Changampuzha worked hard for its success.

Changampuzha started a career as a clerk in Port trust. He could not continue there due to health and personal reasons. He took up another assignment at a Printing Press (Mangalodayam) at Thrissur. He got married and became a father of three children. Later, he started suffering from tuberculosis and became bed ridden. Finally in 1948 he died at the age of thirty six and nine months. His body was cremated in the compound of his house at Edappally. An appropriate monument has been erected there, which is visited by the lovers of Malayalam language.

Works:
oetry
Ramanan
Vaazhakkula
Divyageetham
Devageetha
Bashpanjali
Spandikkunna Asthimaadam
Rekthapushpangal
Madirolsavam
Padunna Pisachu

Prose
Kalithozhi .
Katharathnamalika.

"Ormayil Changambuzha"-Special Programme on Poet

Changampuzha Krishna Pillai"

O.N.V. Kurup

2015-01-05T16:03:00.000+04:00

A poet, who, with his imaginative skills, created poetic expressions that often dealt with the very land he belonged to; its events, people and situations that he experienced. Prof. O. N. V. Kurup was born on May 27, 1931 at Chavara, in Kollam District, where he also spent his school days. Mr. Kurup did his college education at the S. N. College, Kollam and University College, Thiruvananthapuram for his graduation in Economics and masters programme in Malayalam respectively. Even though Mr. Kurup lost his father at the age of eight, he was fortunate to learn the basics of Malayalam and Sanskrit from him.

His first major effort in poetry began during his school days, which also saw his first published poem Munnottu (Forward) in 1946, penned in the backdrop of his patriotic feelings. As a child, Mr. Kurup used to read the epic Adhyatma Ramayanam, every evening, during the month of Karkkitakam. The poetic aspects of the epic, its style and presentation further strengthened Mr. Kurup?s ability to express and experiment with his chosen subjects, later in his career as a poet.

Reckoned as one of the best in the poetic world inside and outside Kerala, Mr. Kurup in his professional stint as a teacher, started off with the Maharaja?s College in Kochi, as lecturer in 1957. Later this poet genius, as a teacher, inspired the campuses of University College, Thiruvananthapuram; Arts and Science College, Kozhikode and Government Brennun College, Thalasseri. Mr. Kurup also served as the Head of the Department at the Government Women's College in Thiruvananthapuram. Before his retirement from teaching service in 1986, he was visiting Professor of Calicut University for one year.

Prof. O. N. V. Kurup and his perception of poetry as an art and an expression with a purpose, invariably dealt with the actions, thought process, drawbacks, limits, state of affairs and all that could be experienced through the five senses and Mother Earth. To Mr. Kurup, a poem ultimately becomes a passionate wish for a common cause, or a means to unite hearts with showers of love and compassion. Still, on a different plane, according to Mr. Kurup, poems can be an outpour of feelings, weighed down by loss, despair and helplessness. All these, are common phenomenon, which plays its part in the drama that unfolds as life, everywhere.

Romanticism and poetry share a bond that is as old as poetry and poets. And for Mr. Kurup, the inclination to nurture and maintain romantic elements in many of his poems seems to be like his second nature. His first poetry collection was Porutunna Soundaryam in 1949. Mr. Kurup has also come up with a book titled - Dahikunna Panapatram (The Thirsty Chalice), featuring a collection of his poems from 1946 to 1956. Some of his poetic works in Malayalam that have touched the heart and soul of thousands and became subjects of veritable entertainment and source of inspiration include, Marubhumi, Nilakkannukal, Mayilppili, Oru Tulli Velicham, Agni Salabhangal, Aksharam, Karutta pakshiyude pattu, Uppu, Bhumikku Oru Charamagitam, Sarngakappakshikal, Mrgaya, Tonniaksharangal, Aparahnam and Ujjayini. He has also written a collection of poems for children, called Valapottukal.

Mr. Kurup?s contribution in the literary domain of Kerala is widely appreciated for his excellence in poetry. But to his credit, he has a handful of works in prose. And this includes titles like Kavitayile Samantara Rekhakal, Kavitayile Pratisandhikal, Ezhuthachan - Oru Padanam, Patheyam, Kalpanikam, Pushkin - Swatantrya Bodhatinte Durantagatha.

Making a difference to traditional pursuits of a poet, Mr. O. N. V. Kurup and his lyrical wonders soon began casting a strong impression in the Malayalam films and dramas. He is a music enthusiast, and this personal trait too worked towards the successful creation of a string of memorable Malayalam film songs, most of them, melodies with a distinctive touch of Mr. Kurup. He still relishes writing evergreen lyrics for film songs.

As a poet, who has made a mark of his own in the literary world of Kerala as well as outside Kerala, Mr. Kurup?s stature as a poet of eminence and also as an accomplished academician, made him associate with many national and international programmes. Some of these were his visit to USSR as member of an Indian Writers Delegation to participate in the 150th birth anniversary of Tolstoy, Represented India in the Struga Poetry Festival, Yugoslavia (1987), Presented poems on Beethoven and Mozart in the Department of German, Bonn University, Indian delegate to the CISAC World Conference held in Berlin (1998) and Fellow of the Kerala Sahitya Academy in 1999. Among the responsibilities that came his way so far, he was member of the Executive Board of the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi from 1982 to 1986, and currently serves as the Chairman of Kerala Kalamandalam.

Accolades and recognitions has been part of his life ever since Mr. Kurup struck an everlasting chord of love with poetry. Agni Salabhangal the poetic work by Mr. Kurup was awarded the Kerala Sahitya Academy Award in 1971. He was also awarded with the Kendra Sahitya Academy Award in 1975 for his poem Aksharam. A noted poetic work of Mr. Kurup titled Uppu won the Soviet Land Nehru Award in 1981 and also the Vayalar Rama Varma Award in 1982.

He has also won the Kerala State film awards twelve times, for the best lyricist. But the pinnacle of recognitions bestowed on Mr. Kurup till date, remains the coveted national award Padmashri, which he received in1998.

The septuagenarian poet is without doubt the few among his contemporaries, who continues his poetic pursuits with an undying fervor. And in the process, Mr. O. N. V. Kurup remains as one of the highly respected and accomplished poets of modern Kerala.

Poetry

O. N. V.'s first published poem was 'Munnottu' (Forward) which appeared in a local weekly in 1946. His first poetry collection namedPorutunna Soundaryam, came out in 1949. He published a book named Dahikunna Panapatram (The Thirsty Chalice) which was a collection of his early poems during 1946–1956.

Poetic works

List of Poetry by Kurup

#	Name	Translation in English	Year of publishing
1	Daahikunna Paanapaathram	The Thirsty Chalice	1956
2	Marubhumi	The Desert
3	Neelakkannukal	Blue Eyes
4	Mayilpeeli	Peacock Feather	1964
5	Oru Thulli Velicham	A Drop of Light
6	Agni Shalabhangal	Fire Moths	1971
7	Aksharam	Alphabet	1974
8	Karutha Pakshiyude Paattu	Song of a Black Bird	1977
9	Uppu	The Salt	1980
10	Bhumikku Oru Charama Geetham	A Dirge for the Earth	1984
11	Shaarngka Pakshikal		1987
12	Mrigaya	Hunting	1990
13	Thonnyaksharangal	Nonsense Alphabets	1989
14	Aparahnam	Afternoon	1991
15	Ujjayini	Ujjain	1994
16	Veruthe	Gratis (For Nothing)
17	Swayamvaram	Swayamvara	1995
18	Bhairavante Thudi	Drum of Bhairavan
19	Oyenviyude Ganangal *	Songs of O.N.V.
20	Valappottukal **	Pieces of Bangle
21	Sooryageetham **	The Song of Sun

*Collection of 1500 songs. **Poems for children

Prose list

List of Prose by O. N. V.

#	Name	Translation in English
1	Kavitayile Samantara Rekhakal	Parallel Lines in Poetry
2	Kavitayile Pratisandhikal	Crisis in Poetry
3	Ezhuthachan – Oru Padanam	Ezhuthachan – A Study
4	Patheyam	Food carried
5	Kalpanikam	Imaginative
6	Pushkin – Swatantrya Bodhatinte Durantagatha

Lyricist

In addition to the valuable contributions he had given to the Malayalam literature, he is one of the leading lyricists in Malayalam film/drama/album industry. He was the part of many dramas by Kerala People's Arts Club (KPAC) which has a major remark in the revolutionary movements of Kerala. Kalam Marunnu (1956) was his first film which was also the first film by the famous Malayalam composer G. Devarajan. Since then he has been active in film until date and was honoured with one national award and thirteen state awards (the most by a Malayalee). He has penned for about 900 songs in about 232 films and a numerous songs for plays and albums. His partnerships with Salil Chowdhury and M. B. Sreenivasan was so popular in Malayalam film industry. He has made many hit songs with popular music directors, including G. Devarajan, V. Dakshinamoorthy, M. S. Baburaj,Raveendran, M. K. Arjunan, K. Raghavan, Shyam, Johnson, Mohan Sithara, M. G. Radhakrishnan, S. P. Venkatesh, Ouseppachan, Vidhyadharan etc..

Awards

Civilian honours

2011 – Padma Vibhushan
2007 – Honorary Doctorate (honoris causa) by University of Kerala
1998 – Padma Shri

Literary awards

O. N. V. has won numerous awards for his literary works.

2011 – Kamala Surayya Award for Dinantham
2011 – Thoppil Bhasi Award
2010 – COSINE Award
2009 – Ramashramam Trust Award
2007 – Ezhuthachan Award
2007 – Jnanpith Award for his overall contributions to Malayalam literature (Announced on 24 September 2010)
2006 – Vallathol Award
2003 – Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam Sahitya Award
2002 – P. Kunhiraman Nair Award for Ee Purathana Kinnaram
1993 – Aasan Prize
1990 – Odakkuzhal Award for Mrigaya
1982 – Vayalar Award for Uppu *1979-Pandalam Keralavarma Janmasathabdi Smaraka Award(Poetry)
1981 – Soviet Land Nehru Award for Uppu<
1975 - Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award (Malayalam) for Aksharam
1971 - Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (Poetry) for Agni Salabhangal

Film awards

National Film Awards

1989 - Best Lyricist – Vaishali

Kerala State Film Awards

2008 – Best Lyricist (Film – Gulmohar)ONV won the Kerala State Film Award for the Best Lyricist thirteen times:

1990 – Best Lyricist (Film – Radha Madhavam)
1989 – Best Lyricist (Film – Oru Sayahnathinte Swapnathil, Purappadu)
1988 – Best Lyricist (Film – Vaishali)
1987 – Best Lyricist (Film – Manivathoorile Ayiram Sivarathrikal)
1986 – Best Lyricist (Film – Nakhashathangal)
1984 – Best Lyricist (Film – Aksharangal, Ethiripoove Chuvannapoove)
1983 – Best Lyricist (Film – Adaminte Variyellu)
1980 – Best Lyricist (Film – Yagam, Ammayum Makkalum)
1979 – Best Lyricist (Film – Ulkkadal)
1977 – Best Lyricist (Film – Madanolsavam)
1976 – Best Lyricist (Film – Aalinganam)
1973 – Best Lyricist (Film – Swapna Nadanam)

Filmfare Awards

2009 – Best Lyricist Award – Pazhassi Raja
2011 – Best Lyricist Award – Paattil Ee Pattil – (Pranayam)

Asianet Film Awards

2001 – Best Lyricist Award -Meghamalhar
2002 – Best Lyricist Award -Ente Hridayatinte Udama

Positions held

ONV has served and headed various office of state and central government organisations. Notably:

Executive Member, Executive Board of the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi from 1982–86.
Chairman, Kerala Kalamandalam – the State Akademi of Classical performing Arts(1996).
Fellow of the Kerala Sahitya Academy in 1999.

He also has been the part of various delegation at international events. Some of the notable among them being:

Visited USSR as member of an Indian Writers Delegation to participate in the 150th birth anniversary of Leo Tolstoy.
Represented India in the Struga Poetry Evenings, Yugoslavia (1987)
Attended CISAC Asian Conference in Singapore(1990).
Visited USA to participate in FOKANA Conference(1993).
Visited USA to inaugurate literary seminar in Kerala Centre, New York (1995).
Presented poems on Beethoven and Mozart in the Department of German, University of Bonn.
Indian delegate to the CISAC World Conference held in Berlin (1998).

Address
O.N.V.Kurup
Indeevaram
Vazhuthacaud
Thiruvananthapuram
Tel: 0471 2322579

Sugathakumari

2015-01-05T15:36:00.001+04:00

Born	3 January 1934 (age 81) Aranmula, Travancore, British India
Occupation	Poet, environmentalist
Language	Malayalam
Nationality	Indian
Alma mater	University College, Thiruvananthapuram
Period	1957–present
Notable works	Raathrimazha, Ambalamani,Manalezhuthu
Spouse	Dr. K. Velayudhan Nair (d. 2003)
Children	Lakshmi

Sugathakumari (born 3 January 1934) is an Indian poet and activist, who has been at the forefront of environmental and feminist movements in Kerala, South India. She is an established writer in Malayalam with a unique voice of her own emotional empathy, humanist sensitivity and moral alertness. Most of her poetic works had a special place for Mother Nature and some of them dwelved on human relationships and emotional traverse of the mind. She played a big role in the Save Silent Valley protest. She is the founder secretary of the Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi, an organisation for the protection of nature and of Abhaya, a home for destitute women and a day-care centre for the mentally ill. She was the former chairperson of the Kerala State Women's Commission.

Sugathakumari has won numerous awards and recognitions including Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (1968), Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award (1978), Odakkuzhal Award (1982), Vayalar Award (1984), Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra Award (1986), Asan Prize(1991), Vallathol Award (2003), Kerala Sahithya Akademi Fellowship (2004), Ezhuthachan Puraskaram (2009) and Saraswati Samman (2012). In 2006, she was honoured with Padma Shri, the country's fourth highest civilian honour.

Early Life

Sugathakumari was born at Aranmula in January 1934 in the Vazahapallil Tharavadu. Her father, Bodheswaran was a famousGandhian thinker and writer, involved in the country's freedom struggle. Prof. V. K. Karthiyayini Amma, her mother, was a well known scholar and teacher of Sanskrit. After completing her graduation from the University College, Thiruvananthapuram, she took a Master's Degree in Philosophy in 1955, and did research for three years on 'Comparative Study of the Concept of Moksha in Indian Schools of Philosophy', but did not complete the thesis.

Personal Life

Sugathakumari's husband Dr. K. Velayudhan Nair (1979–2003) was an educationist and writer. An expert in educational psychology, Nair has to his credit several works, including a widely acclaimed study on Sri Aurobindo's philosophy. They have a daughter, Lakshmi. Sugathakumari's elder sister Hridayakumari is a literary critic, orator and educationist. Hridayakumari won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for the year 1991 for her book Kalpanikatha, a study on romanticism in Malayalam literature.

Literary career

Sugathakumari is perhaps the most sensitive and most philosophical of contemporary Malayalam poets. She is regarded as having given a fresh lease on life to Romantic lyricism in Malayalam poetry. Her poetry makes an odyssey into the very essence of womanhood. She journeys into the psychological subtleties of man-woman relationship. Sugatha Kumari shows a conscious quest for women's identity and integration in her writings. She follows the traditional writing style and has not leaned much towards the modernism in Malayalam poetry. Her poetry has always drawn upon her sadness and unhappiness. "I have been inspired to write mostly through my emotional upheavals; few of my poems can be called joyous. But these days I feel I'm slowly walking away from it all, to a world that is futile or meaningless," says Sugathakumari. Sugathakumari's most famous works include Raathrimazha, Ambalamani(temple bell) and Manalezhuthu. Sugathakumari has also made contribution to the field of children's literature. In 2008, she received an Award for Lifetime Contribution to Children's Literature, instituted by the State Institute of Children's Literature. She also has several translated works to her credit.Sugathakumari's very first poem which she published under a pseudonym in a weekly journal in 1957 attracted wide attention.^[5] In 1968, Sugathakumari won the Kerala Sahithya Akademi for her work Pathirappookal (Flowers of Midnight). Raathrimazha (Night Rain) won theKendra Sahitya Academy Award in the year 1978. Her other collections include Paavam Manavahridayam, Muthuchippi, Irulchirakukal andSwapnabhoomi. Sugathakumari's earlier poetry mostly dealt with the tragic quest for love and is considered more lyrical compared to her later works in which the quiet, lyrical sensibility is replaced by increasingly feminist responses to social disorder and injustice. Environmental issues and other contemporary problems are also sharply portrayed in her poetry.

She has won numerous other awards for her literary works, including the prestigious Vayalar Award and Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, the highest literary honour by Government of Kerala. In 2004, she was given the Kerala Sahithya Akademi Fellowship. She won the prestigious Saraswati Samman in 2012, being only the third Malayalam writer to do so. She was the principal of Kerala State Jawahar Balabhavan, Thiruvananthapuram. She is the founder chief editor of Thaliru, a children's magazine published by Kerala State Institute of Children's Literature.

Social activity

Kumari was inspired by her father's poetry as well as his strong beliefs: 'He was a freedom fighter filled with the all too rare ideals of patriotism and sacrifice.' His example influenced her deeply and led her eventually to the conviction that the writer has an important obligation as a social conscience.

A committed conservationist, Sugathakumari served as the secretary of the Society for Conservation of Nature, Thiruvananthapuram. In the late seventies she led a successful nationwide movement, known as Save Silent Valley, to save some of the oldest natural forests in the country, the Silent Valley in Kerala, from submersion as a result of a planned hydroelectric project. Her poem "Marathinu Stuthi" (Ode to a Tree) became a symbol for the protest from the intellectual community and was the opening song of most of the Save Silent Valley campaign meetings. She was the founder secretary of the Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi, an organisation for the protection of nature. She was also actively involved with various women's movements of the seventies and served as the chairperson of the Kerala State Women's Commission.

Although she is best known as a poet environmentalist, Kumari is also the founder of Abhaya (refuge) – an organisation which gives shelter and hope to female mental patients. Her work to launch Abhaya was prompted by an off-chance visit to the government-run Mental Hospital in the capital, Thiruvananthapuram. There women were housed in 19th century conditions, sexually abused and regularly prostituted to men in the neighbouring police camp. When she visited the hospital she saw 'women's bodies covered with sores and stark naked. They were emaciated and their hair was matted. They didn't even look like human beings.' The horror of this experience was embedded in her mind and she decided on the spot to do something about it, despite opposition to interventions from ngos by professionals in the field.

Sugatha Kumari has received the Bhattia Award for Social Science, the Sacred Soul International Award, the Lakshmi Award for social service and the first Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra Award from the Government of India for her efforts in environmental conservation and afforestation.

Works

Mutthuchippi (Pearl and Oyster; 1961)
Pathirappookkal (Midnight Flowers; 1967)
Paavam Maanavahridayam (Poor Human Heart; 1968)
Pranamam (Salutation; 1969)
Irul Chirakukal (The Wings of Darkness; 1969)
Raathrimazha (Night Rain; 1977)
Ambalamani (Temple Bell; 1981)
Kurinjippookkal (Kurinji Flowers; 1987)
Thulaavarshappacha (The Monsoon Green; 1990)
Radhayevide (Where is Radha?; 1995)
Devadasi (1998)
Manalezhuthu (The Writing on the Sand)
Abhisarika

Awards and recognitions

Civilian honours

2006: Padma Shri

Literary awards

1968: Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry for Pathirappookkal
1978: Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award for Rathrimazha
1982: Odakkuzhal Award for Ambalamani
1984: Vayalar Award for Ambalamani
1991: Asan Prize
2001: Lalithambika Sahitya Award
2003: Vallathol Award
2004: Kerala Sahithya Akademi Fellowship
2004: Balamaniamma Award
2004: Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam Sahitya Award
2004 Mahakavi Pandalam Keralavarma Poetry Award
2007: P. Kunhiraman Nair Award for Manalezhuthu
2008: Award for Lifetime Contribution to Children's Literature
2009: Ezhuthachan Award
2009: Basheer Award
2013: Saraswati Samman for Manalezhuthu
2013: Kadamanitta Award
2013: PKV Award for Literature
2013: Pandit Karuppan Award
2014: VT Literary Award
2014: Mathrubhumi Literary Award
2014: Thoppil Bhasi Award

Other awards

1986: Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra Award
2006: Panampilly Prathibha Puraskaram
2007: Streesakti Award
2007: K. Kunhirama Kurup Award
2009: M.T.Chandrasenan Award

Refarance :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugathakumari

Poonthanam

2015-01-05T15:13:00.001+04:00

Poonthanam was a famous devotee of Guruvayurappan, who lived in Keezhattoor in (Malappuram district), Kerala, India. He was a famous devotee of Lord Krishna (Guruvayurappan). He is remembered for his masterpiece, Jnanappana which means 'the song of wisdom' in Malayalam. Poonthanam was the family name, his personal name is not known.

Poonthanam was born into a Namboodiri Brahmin family. He married at 20, but for a long time, they had no children. He began to propitiate the Lord of Guruvayur and a son was born. He called for a celebration and everybody known was invited, but the child died an hour before the ceremony. Grief-stricken Poonthanam sought refuge at Guruvayur and started praying with the puranic story of Kumaraharanam. He considered Lord Krishna as his son and achieved enlightenement. In his work he writes: "While little Krishna is dancing in our hearts, do we need little ones of our own?" Poonthanam spent the rest of his life reading the Bhagavatham and singing the Lord's glories in simple Malayalam. His magnum opus, Njanappana, was composed during this period. The house which he lived in Malappuram District is now taken care by Guruvayur Devaswom.

He is contemporary of Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri, another famous poet associated with Guruvayur. Lord Guruvaayoorappan has appreciated Poonthanam's bhakthi various times directly and it is believed that he himself came down to earth and taken Poonthanam personally to Vaikuntam.

Vallathol Narayana Menon

2015-01-04T18:35:00.001+04:00

Vallathol Narayana Menon, popularly known as Mahakavi, was a celebrated poet in Malayalam language, which is spoken in the South Indian state of Kerala. Menon was born in Chenara, near Tirur, in Malappuram District of Kerala state, southern India.

Menon is the author of "Sahithya Manjari". He received the title, Mahakavi, for his Mahakaavyam "Chitrayogam". He played a prominent role in setting up the Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy, near the banks of Bharathapuzha River. Later this place was renamed Vallathol Nagar. He raised Kathakali as an art form to the level it is at today. He wrote dozens of kavya.

Menon wrote predominantly in Malayalam, and, along with Kumaran Asan and Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer, was part of a highly creative period in Malayalam literature. Influenced by Rabindranath Tagore, Gandhi, and Karl Marx, as well as by the Sanskrit classics, Menon's poetry evolved from its classical beginnings to increasing expression of nationalist and broadly socialist sentiment.

He wrote in a variety of forms, using both Sanskrit and Dravidian meters. He did not know English. Vallathol's many works include the mahakavya (a form of epic poem), "Chitrayogam" (1914), and the narrative poems "Magdalena Mariyam" (Mary Magdalene, 1921) and "Kochu" Sita (1928), as well as 11 volumes containing his collected romantic poems entitled Sahityamanjari. In addition to subjects from nature and the lives of ordinary people, Vallathol's opposition to the indignities of the caste system and the injustices suffered by the poor form the themes of many of his poems. His own struggle with deafness from his early twenties also features in some works. Vallathol's poetry has been translated into English and Russian as well as Hindi. Kerala Kalamandalam - The temple of classical arts - It is the realisation of a poet's dream, of a life of dedication, of a journey through the agonies of creation, of the ecstasies of fulfillment.

Menon was forty nine years old when the idea struck him. He had been to a friend's house in Kunnamkulam to witness a performance of Kathakali. Several connoisseurs like him were there. They had come with great expectations. The performance was deplorable, shocking. He felt scandalised that this unique art form, well recognised as total theatre, should have fallen to such low depths. He took a silent vow that night. He would dedicate the rest of his life to the resurrection of Kathakali.

The depression that followed some years after the first world war further ruined the classical arts of Kerala. It was only the strength of character and determination of a few dedicated veterans and an occasional shot in the arm by an isolated patron that kept the flame alive. Kathakali and other classical arts could not attract talented youth in numbers as they offered no source of decent livelihood. The artists who performed before the poet at Kunnamkulam shocked him. It was that shock however, that saved Kathakali.

He called together his friends and registered a new society in Calicut in 1927. He christened it the Kerala Kalamandalam. To raise funds for an institution that did not offer a monetary return was not an easy matter. He therefore ventured on a new way of getting money. He secured the Government's approval to start a raffle. It took him and his friends three years to collect a reasonable sum before they could hold the draw at the famous Guruvayur Temple in 1930. The net proceeds of the raffle amounting to Rs. 75,000/ became the capital of Kalamandalam.

The real functioning of the Kalamandalam began in 1930 at the Kakkat Madhom premises at Kunnamkulam. The Mahakavi felt that the institution needed more space and facilities. Manakkulam Mukunda Raja, friend and colleague of the Mahakavi in this venture came forward and offered his premises at Ambalapuram, a few kilometres off Trichur to house the Kalamandalam. When the Kalamandalam was shifted there, the Mahakavi also came and stayed at Ambalapuram so that he could devote his personal attention to the students and teachers. He believed that artists should have a reasonable education and awareness of our classical literature and epics. So he persuaded Kuttikrishna Marar, a scholar of Kerala, to join the institution to teach the students.

By 1936 a reasonably spacious compound was secured on the banks of the Bharathappuzha at Cheruthuruthy and a building put up at considerable expense. The institution was shifted to the new site and started functioning there from 1937. Kalamandalam had established name of its own by then. Students came from different parts of the world to take advantage of the systematic training available there under the direct supervision of the Mahakavi. They included famous danseuse Ragini Devi and the great choreographer and dancer of international renown, Guru Gopinath. The Mahakavi insisted that the teachers of the institution be the very best available. Thus he secured the services of great masters like Guru Kunju Kurup, Pattikkanthodi Ravunni Menon and Kavalappara Narayan Nayar to teach the actor students, Venkatakrishna Bhagavathar to teach music, Moothamana Namboothiripad to teach Chenta and Venkachan Pattar to teach the Maddalam.

In addition to his poetry, Vallathol also translated the Sanskrit Rig Veda and Valmiki's Ramayana into Malayalam verse, as well as producing a prose translation of the Puranas. He was awarded the prestigious honour of Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1955.

Involvement in Nationalist Movement

Menon actively participated in the Nationalist movement. He attended the all India Conferences of the Indian Congress in 1922 and 1927 and rejected a royal honour bestowed upon him by Prince of Wales during his India visit in 1922. Menon remained a great admirer of Mahathma Gandhi and wrote the poem "ente Gurunathan" ("My Great Teacher") in his praise. He wrote several patriotic poems hailing India's nationalist movement.

Works

Abhivadyam
Achanum Makalum
Allah
Badhiravilapam
Bandhanasthanaya Anirudhan
Bapuji
Bhaval Sthotramala
Chitrayogam
Dandakaranyam
Divaswapnam
Ente Gurunathan
Indiayude Karachil
Kavya Manjusha
Kochu Seetha
Magdalana Mariam
Naagila
Oru Kunju Athava Rugminiyude Pashchathapam
Onapputava
Oushadhaharanam
Patmadalam
Paralokam
Randaksharam
Rakshasakrithyam Kilippattu
Ritu Vilasam
Russiayil
Saranamayyappa
Sishyanum Makanum
Sahitya Manjari - 11 Volumes
Sthree
Vallathol Sudha - Two Volumes
Vallatholinte Khandakavyangal
Vallatholinte Padyakrithikal
Vilasa Lathika
Vishukkani
Veera Sringala
Arogya Chinthamani (Health)
Garbha Chikitsakramam (Health)
Granthaviharam (Study)
Prasanga Vediyil (Speech)
Vallatholinte Granthaniroopanangalum Prasangalum(Study)
Vallathol Kathukal (Letters)

ശിഷ്യനും മകനും-വള്ളത്തോള്‍ നാരായണമേനോന്‍

Kunjunni Mash (Poet)

2014-12-30T15:06:00.002+04:00

Kunjunni, popularly known as Kunjunni Mash [English – Kunjunni Master] Mash is a Malayalam equivalent of Teacher/master, was a noted Indian Malayalam poet. He was considered as a children's poet and his poems were short like him.

Born: May 10, 1927 (age 87), Valapad
Died: 2006

Kunjunni did to Malayalam poetry what VKN did to short-story writing. They created their own styles, combining form, content, language and rhythm in a unique, compact fashion.

Kunjunni mostly wrote brief verse noted for its aural impact, simplicity, intensity and directness of expression. His poems comprise simple words, but they evoke complex thoughts.

In this sense, each poem of his invokes the philosophy of the haiku: focus on a brief moment in time, use of colourful imagery, quality of being read in a single breath and a sense of sudden enlightenment.

His major works include Oonu Thotturakkam Vare, Pazhamozhi Pathayam, Kunjunniyude Kavithal, Kadankathal, Vithum Muthum, Kutti Pencil, Namboodiri Phalithangal, Raashthriyam,Kuttikal Padunnu, Undanum Undiyum, Kutti Kavithakal, Kalikoppu, Pazhanchollukal, Pathinanchum Pathinanchum, Aksharathettu, Nonsense Kavithakal, Muthumani, Chakkarappava, Kadalippazham,Kalikkalam and Kunjunni Ramayanam. His autobiography, Enniloode, is noted for its candour, humour and simplicity.

His major contribution was in the field of children's literature. He handled the column for children in the Mathrubhoomi weekly under the pseudonym, Kuttettan, for long. He initiated three or four generations of aspiring writers into the world of words. He taught them correct language and introduced them to the magical realms of literature.

Athiyarathu House at Valappad is a familiar address to children across the State. They had been sending Kunjunni their literary works, scribbled on postcards, and used to get prompt replies. A poem or a short story corrected by Kunjunni has been highly prized by children.

Son of Njayapilly Illathu Neelakantan Moosath and Athiyarathu Narayani Amma, Kunjunni started his career as a teacher at the Chelari school. He joined Sree Ramakrishna Ashram High School in Kozhikode in 1953. He retired from service in 1982.

He returned to his native village, Valapad, in 1987 and was involved in socio-cultural activities in and around Thrissur.

Like his life, Kunjunni's art too was austere and positive. On reading each poem of his, one will say: life is beautiful.

I have a broken bangle piece in my hand/To make my dull moments lighter these are enough).

Teased about being short, the poet wrote: Pokkamillayma'yaa'nente pokkam. Categorising Kunjunni's art is a tall order. The reason: he is unique.

Poems

He was known for writing short poems which appeared to be childlike in form, but conveyed a message. Kunjunni handled the column for children in the Mathrubhumi weekly under the pseudonym "Kuttettan". He initiated three or four generations of aspiring writers into writing. Kunjunni returned to his native village in 1987 and became involved in social and cultural activities in the Thrissur area. He appeared in Bhoomigeetham, a film directed by Kamal. His autobiography, Enniloode, is noted for its candour, humour and simplicity.

One of his two line poems in Malayalam when translated would be like this.

In Cross my Belief, In Purse my Relief.........

One of his famous lines in Malayalam:

Kaakka Paari Vannu, Paara Melirunnu
Kaakka Paari Poyi, Paara Baakkiyaayi

His major works include:

Oonu Thotturakkam Vare
Pazhamozhi Pathayam
Kunjunniyude Kavithakal
Kadankathal
Vithum Muthum
Kutti Pencil
Namboodiri Phalithangal
Raashthriyam
Kuttikal Padunnu
Undanum Undiyum
Kutti Kavithakal
Kalikoppu
Pazhanchollukal
Pathinanchum Pathinanchum
Aksharathettu
Nonsense Kavithakal
Muthumani
Chakkarappava
Kadalippazham
Kalikkalam
Kunjunni Ramayanam

Awards

Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (1974, 1984).
State Institute of Children's Literature Award (1982).
Kerala Sahitya Akademi Lifetime Achievement Award (1988).
State Institute of Children's Literature lifetime achievement award (2002).
Vazhakunnuam Award (2002).
V.A. Kesavan Nair Award (2003).
Tomyas Award

കുട്ടിക്കവിതകളില്‍ ദര്‍ശനങ്ങള്‍ നിറച്ച് ലളിതമായ ഭാഷയില്‍ ലോകത്തോട് സംവദിച്ചിരുന്ന കുഞ്ഞുണ്ണി കവിതകള്‍ക്ക് ഇന്നും മൂര്‍ച്ച കുറഞ്ഞിട്ടില്ല.

Narayana Guru

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Sree Narayana Guru was born under the star 'Chathayam' in the month of 'Chingam' in 1856 AD (1032 of the Malayalam calendar) in the village of Chempazhanthi in Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala as the son of Madan Asan, a farmer, and Kutti Amma. Yet Gurudev reportedly told some of his followers that he was actually born in 1030. When his 60th birth anniversary was being celebrated 1916 he laughingly said "my 60th birthday (sashtabhdhapoorty) was quite a while ago.

His parents, ‘Madan Asan’ and ‘Kutty Amma’ endearingly called him ‘Nanu’. At the age of five, he began his education in the neighboring school in the old “Gurukula” model.'Madan Asan' was also a teacher ("Asan") who was learned in Sanskrit and proficient in Astrology and Ayurveda.

Born: August 20, 1856, Chempazhanthy
Died: September 20, 1928, Varkala
Parents: Madan Asan, Kutti Amma

SIVAGIRI

This is the place where Sree Narayana Guru's tomb is located and place where guru was enlightend and got the salvation. The Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru here attracts thousandsf of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days 30th December to 1st January.

The Sivagiri Mutt, built in 1904, is situated at the top of the Sivagiri hill near Varkala. Even decades after the guru breathed his last here in 1928; Gurudevan's samadhi continues to be thronged by thousands of devotees, donned in yellow attire, from different parts of Kerala and outside.

The Sivagiri Mutt is also the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham, an organization of his disciples and saints, established by GURU.

This place, in due course, developed into the site of the Sarada Temple, and guru established an architecture was simple and different. For the first time in India, a temple with windows and ventilation was devised.The opening of this temple was uniquely marked by the inspirational ceremony of guest of hymns in praise of the mother Sarada. The Guru himself wrote “janani-navaratna Manjari” …… nine Gems in praise of the mother.”

Public acceptance, honours and veneration

The International Center for Sree Narayana Guru Studies was established in 2005. Numerous other institutions, particularly those operated by the SNDP, are named after him.In 2009, the Government of Kerala recommended to the Union Government that ′Daiva Dasakam,′ a prayer song written by Sree Narayana Guru, be adopted as the national prayer song.

Notable disciples

Bodhananda Swamikal
Nataraja Guru

Depictions

The 1985 Malayalam film on the life of Sree Narayana Guru, Sree Narayana Guru by P.A. Backer, won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration of 1985. In 2010, another film on the life of the Guru, titled Yugapurushan, was directed by R. Sukumaran. The 2014 Tulu movie Brahmashri Narayana Guru Swamy also has a story based on his life.

Works

Swanubavageethi

In Malayalam

Atmopadesa Śatakam
Advaitha Deepika
Arivu
Daiva Dasakam
Jeevakarunya Panchakam
Anukamba Dasakam
Jathi Nirnayam
Jathi Lakshanam
Chijjada Chinthanam
Daiva vichinthanam – 1 & 2
Athma Vilasam
Shiva Shathakam
Kolatheereshastavam
Bhadrakaalyashtakam

In Sanskrit

Darsana Mala

Brahmavidya Panchakam
Nirvruthi Panchakam
Slokathrayi
Vedantha Suthram
Homa Manthram
Municharya Panchakam
Asramam
Dharmam
Charama Slokangal
Homa Mantram
Chidambarashtakam
Guhashtakam
Bhadrakaliashtakam
Vinayaka Ashtakam
Sree Vasudeva Ashtakam
'Janani Navaratna Manjari "

In Tamil

Thevarappathinkangal

Translations

Thirukural
Isavasyo Upanishad
Ozhivil Odukkam

Kumaranasan (Mahakavi Kumaran Asan)

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N. Kumaran Asan, also known as Mahakavi Kumaran Asan, was one of the triumvirate poets of Kerala, South India. He was also a philosopher, a social reformer and a disciple of Sree Narayana Guru.

Born: August 12, 1873, Thiruvananthapuram
Died: January 16, 1924, Pallana
Education: Sanskrit College

Kumaran Asan was one of the makers of modern India. Born in a community condemned for centuries to untouchability, he fought against the inequities of a caste ridden society and passionately sang of individual dignity, social freedom and the brotherhood of man. Kumaran Asan was born on the 12th of April 1873 at Kayikkara, a small coastal village in Kerala. His boyhood was spent in learning Malayalam and Sanskrit, and after his contact with Sri Narayan Guru, the greatest Social Reformer of modern Kerala, he took to an intesive study of Hindu religious philosophy. This was followed by a strenous study of Hindu and Buddist philosophy and Sanskrit Literature, over a period of five years spent in Bangalore, Madras and Calcutta. It was at this time that he was also introduced to English language and literature with ehich he became closely acquainted. After his return to Kerala he plunged into the task of organising the S.N.D.P. Yogam for the allround uplift of the Eazhava community.

He married in his 45th year and settled down at Thonakkal. A boat accident on the 16th of January 1924, tok away his life at its prime. Asan's mature works include the ode, "The Fallen Flower", te elegy "The Lament", the monologue "The Meditations of Seeta", and the narrative poems "Nalini", "Leela", the "Tragic Plight", "The Outcaste Nun" and "Compassion". The Fallen Flower delineats, unde the symbolism of the flower, the vicissitudes of Human Life and the essential tragedy at the core of existence. "The Mediatation of Seeta" is an attemp to probe the whole gamut of the emotions of Seeta as she reviewed her past in the solitude occasioned by the departure of her sons to participate in Sri Rama's Ashwamegha Yaga.

While "Nalini" and "Leela" deal with the tragedy of young love, the "Outcaste Nun" and "Compassion" have Buddhist legends for there themes. Steeped in the ancient Hindu and Buddhist lore, he explored the essence of Idian thought, and came to his own vision of life, a vision which is essential tragic. Life is transient and darkened by man's cruelty to man; but life at its best is irradiated with love even under the shadow of sorrow and death; in fact love is the primal force that animates the whole universe. This vision he embodied in forms of rare freshness and power. In the face of the imitative stuff of the neo-classical poets, he asserted the primacy of individual imagination and in more ways than one symbolised the conciousness of modern Kerala.

Early works

Some of the earlier works of the poet were Subramanya Sathakam and Sankara Sathakam, wherein Asan voiced his devotional aspirations. His short poem Veena Poovu (fallen flower) is a literary classic. It paved the way for a new movement in Malayalam literature. His elegy Prarodanam mourns the death of his contemporary and friend A. R. Raja Raja Varma, the famous grammarian. His Khanda Kavyas (poems) like Nalini, Leela, Karuna and Chandaalabhikshuki won critical acclaim as well as popularity. In Chintaavishtayaaya Seetha (Seetha Lost in Thought or The Meditations of Sita) he displays his poetic artistry, while in Duravastha, he patiently and skilfully tears down the barriers created byfeudalism, orthodoxy and casteism and consummates the dictum of the Guru, "One Caste, One Religion, One God for man".

He wrote the epic poem Buddha Charitha for which he got inspiration from Edwin Arnold's Light of Asia. While in Duravastha, he revealed his revolutionary zeal for fighting castedistinctions; a few other poetic works had a distinct Hindu/Buddhist slant.

He died aged 51 as a result of a boat accident in January 1924 while travelling to Kollam from a function in Alappuzha. The boat capsized at Pallana and all on board drowned, except a priest. Kumaranasan was the only poet in Malayalam who became mahakavi without writing a mahakavyam.

The Kumaran Asan National Institute of Culture at Thonnakkal was founded in 1958 in his memory, and includes a small house which he had built on his land.

Works

Handwriting of Kumaran Asan : From the notebooks of Asan kept at Thonnakkal Asan museum
Sthothrakrithikal (1901)This is a collection of poems. The poems published in this volume are longer than those published in Manimaala.
Saundaryalahari (1901)
Veenapoovu''(1907)Asan scripted this epoch-making poem in 1907 during his sojourn in Jain Medu, Palakkad.[4] A highly philosophical poem, 'Veena Poovu' is an allegory of the transience of the mortal world, which is depicted through the description of the varied stages in the life of a flower. Asan describes in such detail about its probable past and the position it held. It is an intense sarcasm on people on high powers/positions finally losing all those. The first word Ha, and the last word Kashtam of the entire poem is often considered as a symbolism of him calling the world outside "Ha! kashtam".
Oru Simhaprasavam (1909)
Nalini (Subtitle: Allengkil Oru Sneham) (1911)
Leela (1914)A deep love story in which Leela leaves madanan, her lover and returns to find him in forest in a pathetic condition. She thus realises the fundamental fact 'Mamsanibhadamalla ragam' (Love is not an artefact of flesh)
Sribuddhacharitham (1915)This is an epic poem (perhaps Kumaran Asan's longest work), written in couplets and divided into five parts.
Baalaraamaayanam (1916)This is a shorter epic poem consisting of 267 verses. Most of these verses are couplets, with the exception of the last three quatrains. There are, therefore, 540 lines in all.
Graamavrikshattile Kuyil (1918)
Prarodanam (1919)
Chintaavishtayaaya Sita (1919)
Pushpavaadi (1922)
Duravasthha (1922)
Chandaalabhikshuki (1922)This poem, divided into four parts and consisting of couplets, describes an untouchable beggar-woman" (also the name of the poem) who approaches Lord Ananda nearSravasti.
Karuna (1923)
Manimaala (1924)This is a collection of short poems.
Vanamaala (1925)This is a larger collection of poems of varying length.

Kumaran Asan also wrote many other poems. Some of these poems are listed in the book Asante Padyakrthikal under the name "Mattu Krthikal" (Other Works):
Sadaachaarasathakam
Sariyaaya Parishkaranam
Bhaashaaposhinisabhayodu
Saamaanyadharmangal
Subrahmanyapanchakam
Mrthyanjayam
Pravaasakaalaththu Naattile OrmakalThis is another collection of poems that come from various letters Kumaran Asan wrote over the course of several years. None of the poems were longer than thirty-two lines.
Koottu Kavitha

The other poems are lesser known. Only a few of them have names:
Kavikalkkupadesam
Mangalam
Oru KaththThis is another one of Asan's letter-poems.
Randu Aasamsaapadyangal

Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri

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Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri (born 18 March 1926), popularly known as Akkitham, is a Malayalam language poet. He was born in 1926 to the couple Akkitham Vasudevan Nambudiri and Chekoor Parvathy Antharjanam. (Woman belonging to Nambudiri community is generally referred as Antharjanam) at Kumaranallur in Palakkad (Palghat) district of the southern Indian state of Kerala and lives there. His house, originally called Amettoor Akkithath Mana, is located at Kumaranelloor of Palakkad district in Kerala. He is a well known Malayalam language poet, essayist, editor and a highly decorated literary personality among contemporary Malayalam writers. Fondly known as Akkittam, his literary works began to gain wide attention in the early 1950s.

Among his works so far is a milestone poem that brought him the Sanjayan Award in 1952. Titled Irupatham Noottandinte Ithihasam(Epic of the 20th Century), this poetic masterpiece of Akkitham is reckoned by many in the literary filed as the one that heralded modernism in Malayalam poetry. In all, some 45 collections of
his poems, plays and short stories by him have been published. Another noted and award winning poetic work of Akkitham was Balidarsanam (Vision of Bali), which fetched him the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 1973. Other noted poetic works of Akkitham included Arangettam, Nimisha Kshetram, Idinju Polinja Lokam, Amritaghatika, Akkithattinte Teranjedutta Kavitakal, and Kalikkottilil. Upanayanam and Samavarttanam are his noted essay works. He also won the Vayalar Award in 2012.

But for this octogenarian poet, his translation of the Srimad Bhagavatam is his life's most valued work. Comprising 14,613 verses, the translation runs over 2,400 printed pages.

Apart from his poetic pursuits, Akkitham also has a keen interest in bringing social reforms relevant to the time. As a member of the Yogakshema Sabha in Thrissur, Akkitham was instrumental in bringing about certain social reforms among the Namboothiri Brahmins of Kerala. He also was very much active in the efforts to promote Vedic studies in association with the famous Vedic Study Centres at Thirunavaya, Kadavalloor and Thrissur. Akkitham also took efforts to achieve the proliferation of Vedic studies among non-Brahmins. A vociferous spokesperson against untouchability, Akkitham demonstrated his unwavering support by participating in the Paliyam Sathyagraha (peaceful protest) against untouchability in 1947.

He is a recipient of numerous awards and recognitions including Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Aasan Prize, Vallathol Award, Lalitambika Sahitya Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Odakkuzhal Award, KrishnaGeedhi Award, Vayalar Award, Nalappad Award, Ezhuthachan Award and the Moorti Devi Award of Jnanpith Award Committee.

After his school education he had his college education also, but did not complete his degree. However he did get exposition in several other fields which include Sanskrit, Music, Astrology and even drawing and painting. Akkitham actually started his career as a journalist. It was through a small magazine called 'Unni nambudiri', a magazine brought out by the Nambudiri Organization working in those period. Also he worked with two other magazines, 'Mangalodayam' and 'Yogakshemam' as Assistant Editor. Later in 1956 he joined All India Radio, Kozhikkode as a script writer and continued there until 1975. Then he shifted to Thrissur to work as the Editor of the programme, 'Vayalum Veedum' (Paddy field and Home) in AIR Thrissur. He was having a major assignment with 'Anaadi', a magazine brought out for popularising Vedas and related issues.

Akkitham's contributions to Malayalam literature are innumerable as well as remarkable. The three small Epics, 'Irupatham noottandinte ithihasam', 'Desa sevika' and 'Balidarshanam' have attracted the attention of almost every lovers of Malayalam literature. More than 18 collections of poems have also come out from his creativity. 'Saagar sangeeth' by C,R. Das has been translated into Malayalam by Akkitham in the same, 'Sagara sangeetham'.

'Unnikkinavukal', Oru kula Munthiringa' and 'Kalikkottilil' are three collections of poems for children. Two collections of songs and a collection of stories by name 'Avathalangal' have also come out in his name. 'Upanayanam' and 'Samavarthanam' are two collections of articles. He has tried his creativity in drama also and has brought out one by name 'Ee ettatthy Nunaye Parayoo'. This drama has been in several school stages, presented by school students during their anniversary celebrations.

Some of Akkitham's poems has been selectively included in the compilation, 'Akkithathinte Theranjedutha Kavithakal' (1986).

His brother Akkitham Narayanan is a world famous painter and sculptor settled in Paris and son Akkitham Vasudevan is an eminent artist lives and works in Vadodara.

Awards

1-Kerala Sahithya Academy Award-1972, Trissur.

2-Odakkuzhal Award1973, Ernakulam.

3-Kendra Sahithya Academy Award-1973,New Delhi.

4-Writers Co-operative Society Award-1975, Kottayam.

5-Ulloor Award-1994, Thiruvananthapuram.

6-Asan Award-1994,Madaras.

7-Lalithambika antharjanam Award-1995, Perumbavoor.

8-Vallathol Award-1996, Thiruvananthapuram.

9-Krishnageethi Award-1997, Kozhikode.

10-Kerala Sahithya Academy Awrad For Total Contribution-1998

11-Krishnashtami Award -2000, Kannur.

12-Devi Prasadam Award-2000, Vellinezhi.

13-Sanjayan Award -2003,Thiruvananthapuram.

14-Padmaprabha Award-2003, Kalpatta.

15-K.P. Narayan Pisharody Award -2004, Thrissur.

16-Amrutha Keerthi Awrad-2004, Amruthapuri, Kollam.

17-Abuddabi Malayali Award-2006.

18-Panthalam keralavarma Raja Sahithya Award-2006, Thiruvananthapuram.

19-Jnanappana Poonthanam Sahithya Award-2006, Guruvayoor.

20-Kabeer Samman (Instituted by Madhyapresh Government )—2007 , March

21-Balamaniyamma Award—2007

22-Ezhuthachan Award – Instituted by Kerala Government, 2007

23-Sanjayan Puraskaram - Malayala bhasha padana vedhi Kannur , 2008

24-Agnihothri Award - 2008

25-Raikwa Rishi Award - 2008

26-Samastha Kerala Sahithya Parishath Awrad For Total Contribution-2008

27-Mathrubhoomi Award—2007

28-Vagbatananda Award—2009

29- Kesavan Nair memorial award - 2010

30-Moorthidevi Award by Jnana peedam - 2011

31- Tomyas award (2011)

32-Vayalar Award —2012

33- Naalappadan Award - 2012

34- Tagore Award - 2012

Titles & Fellowships

1. ‘Sahithya Nipuna’ Title with gold medal conferred by the Govt. Sanskrit College, Thripunithura -1973

2. ‘Sahithya Ratna’ Title with gold medal conferred by the Govt. Sanskirit College , Pattambi – 1973

3. ‘Fellow at the Department of Education’ Govt. of India, New Delhi 1978-1982

4. ‘Panditha Ratnam’ Title conferred by Viswa Samskritha Prathishtan Kochi 1990

5. ‘Senior Fellowship’ Kerala Sahithya Academy 2006 Thrissur.

List of Akkitham’s Books ( അക്കിത്തത്തിന്റെ പുസ്തകങ്ങൾ )

1. Veeravadam ( Challenge ) – Collection of poems 1944
2. Valakkilukkam ( Jingle of Bangles) – Collection of poems 1947
3. Desa Sevika ( She who serves her nation ) – story 1947
4. Madhu Vidhu ( Honeymoon) – Collection of poems 1949
5. Manassakshiyute Pookkal ( Flowers of Conscience) – Collection of poems 1951
6. Manoratham ( The Chariot of mind) – Collection of poems 1951
7. Irupatham Noottandinte Ithihasam ( Epic of the 20th century) – Narrative poem 1952
8. Kuthirna Mannu ( Soaked Earth ) –Narrative poems 1952
9. Anchu Natotipattukal ( Five folk songs) – poems in the form of Ballad 1954
10. Oru Kula Munthiringa ( abunch of graps) – Nursery poems 1959
11. Arrangettom ( debut) – Collection of poems 1961
12. Anaswarante Ganam ( The song of the eternal man)
13. Idinjupolinja Lokam ( The collapsed world )- collection of poems 1961
14. Vennakkalinte Kadha ( The story of Marble) – Collection of poems 1961
15. Sancharikal ( Travellers) – Collection of poems 1961
16. Kadambin Pookkal ( Flower of Eugenia Racemosa ) – Collection of poems 1961
17. Unnikkinavukal ( Embryo Dreams) – Nursery poems 1965
18. Madhu Vidhuvinnu Shesham ( After Hanimoon ) – Collection of poems 1966
19. Oru Kudanna Nilavu ( A hand full of moonlight) – song 1967
20. Karatalarnalakom ( Gooseberry fruits in the palm) – Collection of poems 1967
21. Balidarsanam ( Vision of Bali ) – Narrative poem 1970
22. Nimishakshethram ( Temple of moment ) – collection of poems 1972
23. Akkithathinte Kuttikkavithakal – Nursery poems 1977
24. Manasa Pooja ( Mental worship) – Collection of poems 1980
25. Akkithathinte Thiranjedutha Kavithakal ( Akkitham’s Selected poems) 1985
26. Amrita Ghatika ( Mother of alangatt) – Collection of poems 1985
27. Alangattamma ( Mother of alangatt) – Collection of poems 1989
28. Kalikkottilil ( Play house ) – Nursery poems 1990
29. Sparsamanikal ( Philosopher’s stones) – Collection of poems 1991
30. Sloka Punyam ( Auspicious meter ) 1996
31. Samanvayathinte Akasam ( Sky of Synthesis) 1997
32. Dharmasooryan – ( Narative poem ) 1998
33. Akkitham Kavithakal –(Complete Poems) 2002
34. Anthimahakalam – Collection of poems) 2007

Play
35. Ee Edathi None Parayoo ( This elder sister lies always) 1954

Short Stories
36. Avathalangal ( Discordance of tunes) 1955

Collection of Essays
37. Upanayanam ( Initiation) 1971
38. Samavarthanam ( Convocation) 1978
39. Srouta Sastra Paramparyam Keralathil ( Tradition of Vedic Rituals in Kerala) 1990
40. Hridayathilekku Nokki Ezhuthoo ( Write) looking heart 1995
41. Ponnani Kalari ( Essays about literary culture in Ponnani) 1998
42. Sanjaree Bhavam 2001
43. Vruthavum Chathuravum ( Circles & Squares-Innovative essays of original poetry in nature) 2003

Translation
44. Sagara Sangeetham ( Translation of Sagara Geetham o f C.R.Das ) 1965
45. Thelungu Kathakal ( Thelungu Stories by R.C.Sharma Translation) 1979
46. Utharappara Prasangom (The speech at Utharapara by Aurobindo Translated) 1989
47. Sreemat Bhagavatham – ( Translation from Sankrit to Malayalam ) 2002

Translation of his work into other languages ( മറ്റു ഭാഷകളിലേക്ക് വിവർത്തനം ചെയ്തത് )

1. Epic of the 20th Century ( Translated into English by EMJ Venniyoor) – Published in Malayalam literary survey- Kerala Sahithya Academy, Trishur, Kerala.
2. Balidarsanam ( Translated to English by M.T.N. Nair)
3. Epic of the 20th Century ( Translated into Hindi by Sri. Gopal Jain & V.A. Kesavan Namboothiri) – Published by Samskar Bharathi, Agra, New Delhi.
4. Many Poems translated into French by Jadcq Jouet, Dominic Busset and Geetha Krishnankutty and published in the quarterly journal ‘ Europa’ – September 1993.

Referance:
http://www.akkitham.in/

Vayalar Ramavarma

2014-12-16T18:53:00.005+04:00

Vayalar Ramavarma (28 March 1928 – 27 October 1975), often known as Vayalar, was a modern Malayalam language poet and lyricist from the southern Indian state of Kerala. His famous works include Sargasangeetham, Mulankaadu, Padamudrakal, Aayisha,Oru Judas janikkunnu.

Biography

Many of his poems contain romantic notions about "revolution" and about the triumph of science over religion. He was associated with the leftist political movement in Kerala.Vayalar wrote about 2000 songs for 223 Malayalam movies^[1] and for several plays. Decades past his death, the movie songs he wrote are still popular among Malayalis. Among his most popular songs is the one he wrote for theatre, the KPAC naatakagaanam, "Balikudeerangalae"Born in the village of Vayalar, in Alappuzha district,[Kerala]. His parents were Vellarappally Kerala Varma and Vayalar Raghavaparambil Ambalika Thamburatty. He was awarded Kerala Sahithya Academy Award (Kerala literary academy award) in 1961 for Sargasangeetham, the President's gold medal for best lyricist in 1974, and the Kerala state film award for best lyricist three times. The Vayalar award for Malayalam literature, given on 27 October (his death anniversary) each year, was instituted in his memory.

The "Vayalar-Devarajan" was a prolific lyricist-composer combination which lasted till the death of Vayalar.

Vayalar was married to Bharathy Amma. The couple has four children: Sarath Chandran, Indulekha, Yamuna and Sindhu. Vayalar's only son Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma is now a popular lyricist in Malayalam film industry. Recently, his wife Bharathy Thamburatty wrote a book about Vayalar, Indradhanussin Theerathu, which became controversial.

Published works

Poetry collections:
- Paadamudrakal (1948)
- Konthayum Poonoolum
- Enikku Maranamilla (1955)
- Mulankaadu (1955)
- Oru Judas Janikkunnu (1955)
- Ente Maattolikkavithakal (1957)
- Sargasangeetham (1961)
Khandakaavyam:
- Aayisha
Collected songs:
- Ente Chalachitragaanangal in 6 parts
Stories collection:
- Raktham Kalarnna Mannu
- Vettum Thiruthum
Essays:
- Purushaantharangaliloode
Collected works:
- Vayalar Krithikal
- Vayalar Kavithakal

                 VAYALAR-G.DEVARAJAN MOVIES LIST

 1. Chathurangam              1956  86. Chaayam                   1973
 2. Bharya                    1962  87. Mazhakkaar                1973
 3. Nithyakanyaka             1963  88. Gayathri                  1973
 4. Kadalamma                 1963  89. Darshanam                 1973 
 5. Anna                      1964  90. Enippatikal               1973
 6. School Master             1964  91. Ponnapuram Kotta          1973
 7. Manavatty                 1964  92. Kaliyugam                 1973 
 8. Omanakkuttan              1964  93. Chenda                    1973
 9. Kalanju Kittiya thangam   1964  94. Manushyaputhran           1973
10. Odayil Ninnu              1965  95. Thaniniram                1973 
11. Kaathirunna Nikkah        1965  96. Thenaruvi                 1973  
12. Daaham                    1965  97. Paavangal Pennungal       1973
13. Shakuntala                1965  98. Nakhangal                 1973  
14. Pattuthoovala             1965  99. Chukku                    1973
15. Rowdy                     1966  100.Masappadimathuppilla      1973                                                            
16. Jail                      1966  101. Angathattu               1974 
17. Kalyanarathriyil          1966  102. Thumbolarcha             1974
18. Thilothama                1966  103. Durga                    1974
19. Kanmanikal                1966  104. Neelakkannukal           1974 
20. Arakkillam                1967  105. Chattakkari              1974  
21. Aval                      1967  106. Devi Kanyakumari         1974
22. Ashwamedham               1967  107. Rajahamsam               1974  
23. Kavalam Chundan           1967  108. Vishnuvijayam            1974
24. Naadan Pennu              1967  109. Bhoomidevi Pushpiniyayi  1974 
25. Kasavuthattam             1967  110. Chalanam                 1975
26. Swapnabhoomi              1967  111. Maanishaada              1975 
27. Viplavakaarikal           1968  112. Muchittukalikarante Makal1975
28. Thokkukal Katha Parayunnu 1968  113. Chuvanna Sandhyakal      1975
29. Hotel Highrange           1968  114. Makkal                   1975
30. Yakshi                    1968  115. Atithi                   1975 
31. Thulabharam               1968  116. Kottaram Vilkkanundu     1975
32. Agnipareeksha             1968  117. Alibabayum 41 Kallanmarum1975 
33. Anachchadanam             1969  118. Swami Ayyappan           1975  
34. Patichcha Kallan          1969  119. Priyamulla Sophia        1975
35. Susy                      1969  120. Anaavaranam              1976 
36. Adimakal                  1969  121. Romeo                    1976  
37. Urangatha Sundari         1969  122. Colonellum Collectorum   1976
38. Nadi                      1969  123. Chakravarthini           1977 
39. Kadalppalam               1969  124. Paapathinu Maranamilla   1979  
40. Jwala                     1969  125. Lahari                   1982
41. Koottukudumbam            1969  126. Premalekhanam            1985
42. Kumarasambhavam           1969  127. Ente Ponnu Thampuran     1992  
43. Vaazhvemaayam             1970  128. Prathisandhi (unreleased)1968 
44. Nizhalattam               1970  129. Enikku Nee Mathram       1975 
45. Aranaazhikaneram          1970  130. Rajani
46. Pearlview                 1970
47. Dattuputhran              1970
48. Ningalenne Communistakki  1970
49. Othenante Makan           1970  
50. Thara                     1970
51. Vivahitha                 1970
52. Nilakkyatha Chalanangal   1970
53. Swapnangal                1970
54. Aa Chitrasalabham         1970
55. Thriveni                  1970
56. Kalithozhi                1971
57. Avalalppam Vaikippoyi     1971
58. Oru Penninte Katha        1971
59. Makane Ninakku Vendi      1971
60. Shiksha                   1971
61. Thettu                    1971
62. Navavadhu                 1971
63. Karinizhal                1971
64. Sarashayya                1971
65. Anubhavangal Palichakal   1971
66. Panchavankaad             1971
67. Karakaanaakkadal          1971
68. Inquilab Zindabad         1971
69. Vivahasammanam            1971
70. Line Bus                  1971
71. Agnimrigam                1971
72. Gangasangamam             1971
73. Thapaswini                1971
74. Devi                      1972
75. Punarjanmam               1972
76. Professor                 1972
77. Aaromalunni               1972
78. Mayiladumkunnu            1972
79. Omana                     1972
80. Chemparathy               1972
81. Achchanum Bappayum        1972
82. Oru Sundariyude Katha     1972
83. Gandharvakshethram        1972
84. Maravil Tiriv Sookshikuka 1972 
85. Postmane Kanmanilla       1972

Awards[edit]

Kerala Sahitya Akademi Awards

1961 – Sargasangeetham (poetry collection)

National Film Awards

1973 – Best Lyrics (Song: "Manushyan mathangale srishtichu"; Film: Achanum Bappayum)

Kerala State Film Awards

1969 – Best Lyricist
1972 – Best Lyricist
1974 – Best Lyricist
1975 – Best Lyricist – Chuvanna Sandhyakal, Swami Ayyappan (Posthumous)

മലയാളത്തിന്റെ പ്രിയ കവി വയലാര്‍ രാമവര്‍മ്മ മണ്‍മറഞ്ഞിട്ട് ഇന്നേക്ക് 37 വര്‍ഷം. ഒരു തലമുറയുടെ സ്വപ്നങ്ങളെയും നിരാശകളെയും അക്ഷരങ്ങളുടെ മഴവില്ലില്‍ കോര്‍ത്ത ആ അതുല്യപ്രതിഭ മലയാളിമനസ്സുകളില്‍ ഇന്നും ജീവിക്കുന്നു.

In this episode of Marikkatha Pranayam, Vayalar Ramavarma's former wife, Chandramathi Thampuratti, talks about the late poet and lyricist.

References

Jump uphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vayalar_Ramavarma

Sreekumaran Thampi

2014-12-16T18:37:00.000+04:00

Sreekumaran Thampi (Malayalam: ശ്രീകുമാരന്‍ തമ്പി,is born to Kalarikkal KrishnaPillai & Bhavanikutty Thankachi on 16 March 1940 in Haripad), Alleppey district. is a lyricist, director, producer, and screenwriter in Malayalam cinema.He completed his schooling from Haripad government school He is a civil engineer by education. He is having two elder brothers P.V.Thampi & P.G.Thampi.

Film career

Sreekumaran Thampi, was introduced to the Malayalam film industry by P. Subramaniam as a lyricist in the film Kaatumallika, has produced about 22 films, directed 29, and wrote scripts for 78 films in Malayalam besides writing thousands of songs. He came into the field in 1966, has so far written 3,000 lyrics and directed about 30 films, besides producing 22 films. He is also the author of the well-known literary work Prem nazir enna prema ganam. His work cinema-Kanakkum Kavitayum had won the national award while his films ganam and mohiniyattam bagged the state awards. His career graph is a testimony to his multifaceted talents. He has produced 22 films, directed 29 and penned 3,500 songs. He has scripted 78 films. Yet, this man continues to be a bugbear for many in the Malayalam film industry.

He is a Song-Writer, Screenplay Writer, Film Producer, Director and a Musician. But Mr.Thampi says he is more of a lyricist than a filmmaker. His evergreen songs such asChandrikayilaliyunna Chandrakaantham, Hridayasarasile pranayapushpame and Swonthamenna padathinendhartham. While his films such as Chandrakaantham, Gaanam,Mohiniyattom, Malika Paniyunnavor, Jeevitham Oru Gaanam, Ambalavilakku, etc. became artistic successes; Thampi also made movies such as Naayattu, Simhasanam,Akramanam, Idimuzhakkam, etc. that succeeded at the box office.

Sreekumaran Thampi is widely known as Hrudaya Ragangaluday Kavi (Poet of Love Songs) as majority of his songs invokes romantic moods. Sreekumaran Thampi is known for his obstinate and uncompromised attitude to alter his creations and stays guided with his principles. Sreekumaran Thampi is known for consciously strove to make his songs blend with the scene and also touch it with the muse's wand.

Sreekumaran Thampi has written thousands of film songs, seventy eight screenplays, published four Novels (Kakkathampuraatti, Kuttanad, Kadalum Karalum, Njanoru Kadha Parayam) and collection of poems Engineerayuday Veena, Neelathaamara, En Makan Karayumpol, Sheershakamillatha Kavithakal, Achante Chumbanam, and Ammakkoru Tharaattu). His collection of selected songs titled Hridaya Sarassu has gone to three editions in two years.

Visit his official website: http://sreekumaranthampi.net

Personal life

Sreekumaran Thampi was born in Harippad, Alappuzha District on 16 March 1940 to Kalarikkal Krishna Pillai (from Thonnackad near Mavelikara ) and Karimpalayathu Bhavaniamma Thangachi ( related to Haripattu Koikkal, the Royal House ). His siblings include the renowned novelist P. Vasudevan Thampi who wrote novels like "Sreekrishnaparinthu" ( late that became a hit Malayalam film ) and the former Director General of Prosecutions (Kerala), Advocate P. Gopalakrishnan Thampi. Thampi is married to Raji & is having a son Rajkumaran Thampi & a daughter Kavitha Thampi.His wife Raji and daughter Kavitha have also dabbled in arts. His son, Rajkumaran Thampi (also known as Raj Aditya) was an erstwhile associate of Priyadarshan and later directed a few movies in the Telugu film industry, until his untimely demise in Secundarabad in March 2009. Rajakumaran Thampi is married to Deepthi & is blessed with two daughters Tanmaya & Tanaya.

Awards

Kerala State Film Awards:

2011 - Best Lyricist
1971 - Best Lyricist

Selected filmography

Bandhukkal Shathrukkal (1993)
Amme Bhagwathi (1987)
Yuvajanotsavam (1986)
Vilichu Vilikettu (1985)
Ore Raktham (1985)
Aadhipathyam (1983)
Enikkum Oru Dhivasham (1982)
Gaanam (1982)
Munnettam (1981)
Aakramanam (1981)
Ammakkorumma (1981)
Arikkari Ammu (1981)
Irattimadhuram (1981)
Ambalavilakku (1980)
Naayattu (1980)
Idi Muzhakkam (1980)
Swantham Enna Padam (1980)
Jeevitham Oru Gaanam (1979)
Maalika Paniyunnavar (1979)
Puthiya Velicham (1979)
Venalil Oru Mazha (1979)
Etho Oru Swapnam (1978)
Mohiniyaattam (1976)
Thiruvonam (1975)
Bhoogolam Thiriyunnu (1974)
Chandrakaantham (1974)

Sreekumaran Thampi, was introduced to the Malayalam film industry by P. Subramaniam as a lyricist in the film Kaatumallika, has produced about 22 films, directed 29, and wrote scripts for 78 films in Malayalam besides writing thousands of songs

References

Jump uphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sreekumaran_Thampi

Sara Joseph

2014-12-16T18:26:00.002+04:00

Sarah Joseph (born 1946) is a novelist and short story writer in Malayalam. She won the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award for her novel Aalahayude Penmakkal (Daughters of God the Father). She also received the Vayalar Award for the same novel. Sarah has been at the forefront of the feminist movement in Kerala and is the founder of Manushi (organisation of thinking women). She and Madhavikutty are considered among the leading women writers in Malayalam. She has recently joined the Aam Aadmi Party and is contesting the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Thrissur.

Early and personal life

Sarah Joseph was born into a conservative Christian family at Kuriachira in Thrissur city in 1946 to Louis and Kochumariam. She attended the teacher's training course and began her professional career as a school teacher. Later, she received her M.A. inMalayalam and joined the collegiate service in Kerala. She served as a Professor of Malayalam at Sanskrit College, Pattambi. She has since retired from government service and lives at Mulamkunnathukavu in Thrissur district.

Sarah Joseph is also a well-known social activist and was at the forefront of several agitations in Kerala. She was an ardent left-sympathiser but joined the Aam Aadmi Party in January 2014 and has been fielded by the party as a candidate from the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency in the 2014 parliament elections.

Literary career

Sarah Joseph's literary career began very early, when she was in high school. Many of her poems appeared in Malayalam weeklies. She was also good at reciting her poems at poets' meets which was much appreciated by poets like Vyloppilli Sreedhara Menon andEdasseri Govindan Nair. After a short period of uncertainty she took to fiction and began writing short stories. Her collection of short stories Paapathara is considered a milestone in feminist writing in Malayalam.

She has published a trilogy of novels which includes Aalahayude Penmakkal, Mattathi, and Othappu. Her works are essentially liberalistic and convey the sentiments of various oppressed groups. The novel Othappu is about a woman's yearning for a true understanding of spirituality and her own sexuality. Othappu has been translated into English by Valson Thampu under the title "Othappu: The Scent of the Other Side". Her novel Aalahayude Penmakkal won her three major awards – the Kerala Sahitya Academy Award, the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, and the Vayalar Award. In 2011, Sarah won the Muttathu Varkey Award for her collection of short stories titled Papathara.

She has won much critical acclaim for her Ramayana Kathakal, a subversive reading of the Ramayana. An English translation of this work has been published by the Oxford University Press.

Selected works

Short stories

Manassile Thee Matram (1973)
Kadinte Sangeetham (1975, anthology of short stories)
Paapathara
Oduvilathe Suryakanthi
Nilavu Nirayunnu
Puthuramayanam
Kaadithu Kandaayo Kaanthaa
Nanmathinmakalude Vriksham (anthology of short stories)

Novels

Thaikulam
Aalahayude Penmakkal
Maattaathi
Othappu
Aathi
Ooru Kaval
Aalohari Anandam

Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai

2014-12-13T17:19:00.000+04:00

Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai (Malayalam: തകഴി ശിവശങ്കര പിള്ള) (17 April 1912 – 10 April 1999)^[1] was a novelist and short story writer of Malayalam language. He is popularly known as Thakazhi, after his place of birth. He focused on the oppressed classes as the subject of his works, which are known for their attention to historic detail. He wrote several novels and over 600 short stories. His most famous works are Kayar (Coir, 1978) and Chemmeen(Prawns, 1956). He was awarded India's highest literary award, the Jnanpith in 1984 for the epic novel Kayar

Born in the village of Thakazhy, in Kuttanad, Alappuzha district of Kerala, he started to write stories when he was a schoolboy. His literary taste was nurtured by his high school headmaster Kainikkara Kumara Pillai (1900–1988) who exposed him to Indian literature. He met Kesari A Balakrishna Pillai (1889–1960) while pursuing his law studies inTiruvanantapuram. He introduced Thakazhi to modern European literature and thought.

His novels and short stories addressed various facets of society in Kerala in the mid-20th century. His novel Thottiyude Makan (Scavenger's Son, 1947) is considered a pioneer work in Malayalam realistic novel. The novel portrays three generations of a working class family engaged in Alleppey as scavengers. The novel challenges the rationale of the caste system, that one's profession should depend on pedigree.

His political novel, Randidangazhi (Two Measures, 1948), projected the evils of the feudal system that prevailed in Kerala then, especially in Kuttanad. The film adaptation, directed and produced by P. Subramaniam from a screenplay by Thakazhi himself, received a certificate of merit at the National Film Awards in 1958.^[3]

His love epic Chemmeen (Prawns, 1956), which was a departure from his earlier line of realism, met with immense popularity. It told a tragic love story against the backdrop of a fishing village in Alappuzha. The novel and its film adaptation, also titled Chemmeen (1965), earned him national and international fame. Chemmeenwas translated into 19 world languages and adapted into film in 15 countries. Chemmeen won for Thakazhi the Kendra Sahitya Academy Award in 1958. The film adaptation, directed by Ramu Kariat, won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 1965.^[4]

Despite the popularity of Chemmeen, his novel Kayar (Coir, 1978) is quite widely considered his masterpiece. The novel extends to over 1000 densely printed pages and deals with hundreds of characters over four generations, bringing back to life an axial period (1885–1971) during which feudalism, matriliny, and bonded labour gave way to conjugal life and to universal access to land ownership, and later, to decolonisation and the industrial revolution of the 1960s.

Another famous novel, Enippadikal (Rungs of the Ladder, 1964), traces the careerism of an ambitious bureaucrat whose lust for power and position becomes his own undoing. The novel was adapted into a movie in 1973 by Thoppil Bhasi.^[5] He is also known as Kerala Mopasang.

Novels

Thottiyude Makan (Scavenger's Son, 1947; translation into English, New Delhi, 1975)
Randidangazhi (Two Measures, 1948; film adaptation, 1958)
Thendivargam (The Beggar Clan, 1950)
Chemmeen (Prawns, 1956; film adaptation, 1965; transl. into English, London, 1962, into French, Paris, 1965, etc.)
Ouseppinte Makkal (The Sons of Ouseph, 1959; transl. into English, New Delhi, 1984)
Enippadikal (Footsteps, 1964; transl. into English sub titles. Rungs of the Ladder, New Delhi, 1976)
Anubhavangal Palichakal (Experiences and Failures, 1967; film adaptation, 1971)
Chukku (Chukku Film adaptation, 1973)
Kayar (Coir, 1978; transl. into English, New Delhi, 1997)
Erinhadangal (Extinguishing, 1990)

Short stories

Teranjedutta Kathakal (Selected Short Stories, 1965)
Inquilab (1952)
Pativrata (Chaste Wife, 1946)
Njan Piranna Nadu (The Land Where I was Born, 1958)
Kure Kathapatrangal (A Number of Characters, 1980)

See the anthology by K.M. George ed. The Best of Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, New Delhi, 1999, including English translations of in the Flood; The Tahsildar's Father; Under the Mango Tree; A Faithful Wife; The Soldier; An Orphan's Burial; The White Baby; The Story of Kalyani; From Karachi; Death of Gandhiji; The Boundary Dispute; the Farmer; The Story of Kettuthali; The Handbag.

Autobiographies

Ente Balykala Katha (My Childhood Story, 1967)
Ormayude Theerangalil (On the Shores of Memory, 1985)
Oru Kuttanadan Katha (A Story of Kuttanad, 1992)
Jeevitathinte Oru Edu (A Page of Life, 1993)

Kerala writer

V. Madhusoodhanan Nair

Gireesh Puthenchery

Life and career

Selected filmography

Awards

Remembering the great lyricist Gireesh Puthenchery

References

Edasseri Govindan Nair

Personal beliefs

Recognition in search of poet

Awards

Literary works

Poothappaattu-Edasseri Govindan Nair Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edasseri_Govindan_Nair

Anil Panachooran

Biography

Awards

Filmography

Lyrics

Singer

Actor

Makal - Anil Panachooran

Chora Veena Mannil Ninnum

Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri (Malayalam: മേല്പത്തൂർ നാരായണ ഭട്ടതിരി)

Birth and education

Narayaneeyam

M. N. Vijayan

Early life

Academic career

Political and journalism career

Writings

List of published works

Intellectual mentor and counselor

Family

Death

References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._N._Vijayan

Kovilan

Early years

Military life

Death

Writings

Style and recurring themes

Awards

Bibliography

Novels

Novelettes

Short Stories

Play

Miscellaneous writings

Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan

Anand (P. Sachidanandan)

O. Chandu Menon

Olappamanna (Olappamanna manakkal Subramanian Namboothirippad)

Vailoppilli Sreedhara Menon

Mambazham -- Vailoppilli Sreedhara Menon

Changampuzha Krishna Pillai

"Ormayil Changambuzha"-Special Programme on Poet

Changampuzha Krishna Pillai"

O.N.V. Kurup

Poetry

Poetic works

Prose list

Lyricist

Awards

Civilian honours

Literary awards

Film awards

Positions held

Sugathakumari

Early Life

Personal Life

Literary career

Social activity

Works

Awards and recognitions

Poonthanam

Biography of Poonthanam

Vallathol Narayana Menon

Kunjunni Mash (Poet)

Poems

Poothappaattu-Edasseri Govindan Nair

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edasseri_Govindan_Nair