Kerala Poets and Writers

Kerala Poets and Writers

Thunchath Ezhuthachan

He is called the father of modern Malayalam. He is believed to have been born in the Thunchathu Tharavattu, west of the Trikkandiyoor Shiva Temple in Ponnani Taluk. He studied Sanskrit, Vedanta, Tamil, etc. He is believed to have lived in the 16th century AD. It is believed that he wrote many works such as Adhyathmaramayanam Kilippattu, Mahabharatam Kilippattu, Bhagavatam Kilippattu, Uttararamayanam, Chintaratnam, Devi Mahatmyam, Kaivalya navaneetham, Harinama kirtanam. Although Sanskrit words are mixed in, he gave stability to Malayalam literature and language through simple language.

Cherusseri

Cherusseri was a great poet who lived in the later half of the 15th century. He is believed to have been born in Cherusseri Illam in Kurumbranadu taluk of North Kerala. It is mentioned in one place in the Krishnagatha that Udayavarman, the king of Kolathunadu, was a follower of Kolathiri. It is believed that the Krishnagatha was composed on the orders of Kolathiri. Only the Krishnagatha has been preserved as belonging to him, who possessed a profound sense of beauty. The Krishnagatha covers the story from Krishna's birth to his ascension to heaven. There is no better work than this for Malayalis to enjoy the sweetness of the Manjari vritham.

Poonthanam

Poonthanam, a devotional poet who lived in the 16th century, was a contemporary of Ezhuthachan. He was born in Poonthanam Illam, Keezhattur, near Perinthalmanna. He lived with Melpathur Bhattathiripad at Guruvayur temple. Poonthanam was a great devotee of Lord Krishna. Legend has it that Lord has saved him from many dangers. His main works are Jnanapana, Bhashakarnamritham, Santanagopalam Pana, Narayaniya Stotram, and Dashavatarastotram. Poonthanam's Panas are the last link in the Pana movement.

Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri

He was born in the late 16th century in Melpathur, Ponnani taluk. Narayaniyam is his main work. Melpathur, a great devotee of Lord Krishna, lived in Guruvayur temple. Legend has it that he composed Narayaniyam while sitting in this temple. His poetic interests span across the fields of stotras, champukkals, muktakams and scientific texts. Narayaniyam, Sripadasaptati, Guruvayurpureshastotram and Prakriyasarvasvam are among the more than twenty works attributed to Melpathur Bhattathiri.

Ramapurathu Warrier

Born on 13 February 1703. He was a protege and audience of the Maharaja of Travancore, Marthanda Varma. Kuchelavritham Vanchipattu is the first Vanchipattu work composed by Warrier on the orders of the king. It is a work of excellence in terms of its composition, linguistic elegance and artistic brilliance. The subject of the poem is Kuchela's devotion and Krishna's devotional love. Kuchelavritham Vanchipattu is also advice for those who are averse to action and are immersed only in devotion. Bhasha Ashtapadi, a translation of the Gita Govindam written by Jayadeva, is his work. He died in 1753.

Unnayi Warrier

Author of Nalacharitham aattakatha. Born in the 18th century AD in Akathoottu Warriam, Irinjalakuda. Unnayi Warrier, a contemporary of Kunchan Nambiar, was a courtier of Karthikathirunal Ramavarma Maharaja along with Nambiar. Warrier achieved immortality in the field of Aattakatha and literature with his single work Nalacharitam Aattakatha. It is seen in the texts that in 1749, Nalacharitam Aattakatha was staged as a Kathakali at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Warrier's specialty is linguistic absolutism. Antyaprasam is the hallmark of Warrier's writing. Warrier adapted Nalacharitam Attakatha from the Nalopakhyanam of the Mahabharata (Aaranyaparvam).

Kunchan Nambiar

Kunchan Nambiar, born around 1700, wrote and presented Thullal kritikal. He was born in the Kalakkat house in Killikurissimangalam. He was a dependent of King Devanarayana of Ambalapuzha. When King Marthanda Varma conquered the kingdom of Chembakassery, he went to Thiruvananthapuram. Ramapurathuwarrier, Unnayiwarrier and others were among the poets. Nambiar's literary and social activities began with the work Kalyanasaugandhikam. He wrote many works such as Santanagopalam, Baanayudham, Syamantakam, Ghoshayatra, Kiratham, Nalacharitam, Sita Swayamvaram, Tripuradahanam, Panchali swayamvaram, Sabhapravesham, Keechakavadham. Each work was a lashing at the evils of society.

Irayimman Thampi

Born in 1783 in Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram. Thampi became famous for composing hymns to the goddess in his youth. He became the chief poet of Travancore in 1815. He became famous among the common people through the lullaby 'Omanathingalkidavo'. He has written many works in Sanskrit and Malayalam. Irayimman Thampi, a Sanskrit scholar, wrote three Aattakathas. The three works Utharaswayamvaram, Bakavadham and Keechakavadham have played a major role in the growth of Aattakatha literature. Subhadraharanam, Murajapappana, some Otta shlokas and Aattakathas are also written by Thampi. He died in 1856.

Hermann Gundert

Born in Stuttgart, Germany on 14 February 1814, Gundert made valuable contributions to the Malayalam language and literature. He came to India in 1836 for religious propagation and became proficient in most Indian languages. He settled in Illikunnu near Thalassery from 1839 to 1859. In 1872, Gundert's Malayalam-English dictionary was published from Mangalore. In 1843, Keralolpathi and in 1845, Pazhancholmala were published. Gundert wrote more than 25 books including Pathamala, Keralapazhama and Vasco da Gamayute Aagamanam. He died on 25 April 1893.

Swathi Thirunal

He was known as the king among artists and the artist among kings. Born in 1813, Swathi Thirunal was a musician, lyricist, and singer. Since he was the heir apparent even in his mother's womb, he was called 'Garbhashriman'. He ascended the throne on 4 April 1829. He made his mark in the field of social reform as well as literature. Some of Swathi Thirunal's works, which made valuable contributions to Hindustani and Carnatic music, are Utsava Prabandham, Ajamilopakhyanam, Kuchelopakhyanam, and Madhyamakaala Kirtanam. He died in 1847.

O. Chandu Menon

Born on 9 January 1847 in North Malabar. He held the posts of Court Clerk, Munshi, Head Munshi, Munsif and Additional Judge. He became a Sub-Judge of Kozhikode in 1897. He attained the rank of 'Rao Bahadur' in 1878. Chandu Menon's first work, Indulekha (1887), is still considered to be the first Malayalam novel with a strong character. His unfinished work, Sharada (1892), is one of the highlights of Chandu Menon's contemporary outlook. Through his works, he sharply criticized the conservatism, immorality and vices of the Nair-Namboodiri communities of that time. He died on 7 September 1899.

Kerala Varma Valiya Koyithampuran

Known as 'Kerala Kalidasan', he is the pioneer of modern prose. He was born on 19 February 1845 at Lakshmipuram Palace in Changanassery. He entered the literary field at the age of sixteen through essay writing and literary writing. He was a master of Dvithiyakshara Prasa Vadham. Mayurasandesham, Mahacharitasangraham, Sanmargapradeepam, Vigyanamanjari, Akbar, Manipravalasakunthalam, Amarukasathakam, Anyapadesashathakam, Parasuramavijayam, Daivayogam etc. are in Malayalam, and Visakhavijayam Mahakavyam, Kamsavadham Champu, Gurupavanapureshastavam, Shringaramanjaribhanam, Victoriacharitam, Sanmargasangraham, Shukasandeshavyakhyanam, Prakriyasarvasvavyakhyanam etc. are in Sanskrit. He died in 1914.

Kandathil Varghese Mappillai

Writer and founder of the Malayala Manorama newspaper. Born in 1857 in the Karuthanallur house in Thiruvalla, part of the Kandathil family. From 1 January 1881, he became the editor of Kerala Mitram in Kochi for about a year. On 14 March 1888, a company was registered to start the newspaper. The first issue of Malayala Manorama was published on 22 March 1890. He was the secretary of the Kavi Samajam, which was started in 1891 under the presidency of Kerala Varma Valiya Koyithampuran. In 1892, he established the Manorama Natakasabha. In 1893, Bhashaposhini was started. His main works are Darpavichchedam, Yoshabhushanam, Ebrayakutty (play), and Kalahanineedamanakam Vismayajanakam (poem). He died on 6 July 1904.

Kottarathil Sankunni

Author of Aithihyamala. Famous as a poet, physician and grammarian. Born on 4 April 1855 in Kodimatha near Kottayam. His real name is Vasudevan Unni. He started his studies after the age of 16. He was a Malayalam teacher at Kottayam M.D. High School. He worked in Malayala Manorama. He was one of the promoters of the Pachamalayala movement. Simple language and writing with decorative beauty in prose are the characteristics of his style. Apart from Aithihyamala (8 parts), he has more than 50 works. He translated Sanskrit plays Vikramorvasiyam and Malatheemadhavam. He also wrote many Attakathas. He died on 22 July 1937.

Punnasseri Nambi Neelakanta Sharma

Born on 17 June 1858 in Punnasseri, he studied astrology, grammar and poetry. He was a Sanskrit scholar. The Sanskrit Paadashala he started in Pattambi later became the Government Sanskrit College. Nambi mostly used the Manipravala style for literary writing. He served as the president of the Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala and a member of the Malabar District Board. Major works: Eehapuraaryasthavam, Ghoshapura Maharajni Charithram, Shailabdhiswara Shatakam, Chamalkara chinthamani, Jyothisasthra Subodhini, Sahitya Ratnavali. He died on 14 September 1934.

C.V. Raman Pillai

Born on 19 May 1858 in Thiruvananthapuram, C.V. created new movements not only in Malayalam prose literature but also in novels. He was the first to write farces and historical novels in Malayalam. He was known as the 'Scott of Malayalam'. He is the author of the farces Chandramukhi Vilasam and Kuruppillakalari, and the historical novels Marthandavarma (1891), Dharmaraja (1913) and Ramaraja Bahadur (1918), which are unique works in Malayalam literature. His specialty is the presentation of characters with extraordinary personalities. C.V. also wrote a communal novel called Premamrutham. He died on 20 March 1922.

A.R. Rajarajavarma

He was a poet, grammarian, and linguist. He was born in Changanassery on February 20, 1863. A.R.'s Malayavilasam was the first work that initiated the literary spring in Malayalam literature. He played a crucial role in the Dvithiyakshara Prasa Vadham with his great-grandfather Valiya Koyithampuran. He formulated the rules for language and literature. He is the author of literary works like Malayavilasam, Prasadhamala, and Angalasamrajyam, as well as language and literary law books like Kerala Panineeyam, Bhashabhooshanam, Vritha Manjari and Sahitya Sahyam. Kerala Panineeyam is still the basic text for grammar studies. He died on June 18, 1918.

Vengayil Kunhiraman Nayanar

Kunhiraman Nayanar, known by the pen name Kesari, was an early literary critic and humorist. He was born in 1860 at Mathamangalam, Chirakkal, Payyannur, Kannur district. Kesari is the author of Vasanavikriti, which is generally accepted as the first story in Malayalam. The facts he mentioned in the story Dwaraka are confirmed by recent research results. He wrote articles in periodicals such as Kerala Chandrika, Kerala Patrika, Vidyavinodini, Mithavadi and Manorama. He was also known by the pen names Desabhimani, Vajrabahu and Vajrasoochi. He also served as the editor of the newspapers Kerala Sanchari and Vidyavinodini for a short time. He died in 1914.

Kumaranasan

A rare talent who rose to the status of a mahakavi without writing a mahakavyam. One of the first in the modern trio of poets. Born in April 1873. He was called a great poet, a singer of love, and the Venus of the revolution. A poet who brought about a sound revolution in literature. Asan was the first to introduce 'flashback' in poetry. In 1891, he met Sree Narayana Guru. Later, he studied Sanskrit in Bangalore and Kolkata. In 1902, when the SNDP was established, he became its secretary. In 1922, the King of Wales gave him a silk robe (pattu) and a golden bracelet (valay). His major works are Veenapoovu, Leela, Chinthavishtayaaya Sita, Prarodanam, and Duravastha. He died in a boat accident in the Pallana River on 16 January 1924.

Kunjikkuttan Thampuran

Kunjikkuttan Thampuran was born in Kodungallur in September 1864 as the son of his father Venmani Achhan Namboothiripad. His mother was Kunjippilla Thampuratti of Kodungallur Kovilakam. Thampuran was fascinated by rapid poetry. Thampuran's works were published in early literary magazines. Sanskrit works such as Subhadraharanam, Jarasandhavadham, Sreeshankaragurucharitam, and some metaphors, gatha forms, and khanda kritas are his works. His translation of the Mahabharata, which was criticized by Vyasa, earned him the title 'Kerala Vyasan'. Thampuran translated the Mahabharata, which consists of 18 Parvas, 2000 chapters, and 1,20,000 verses, into Malayalam in 874 days. He passed away in 1913.

Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer

Born on June 5, 1877. One of the modern poets. Ulloor is more famous as a literary historian and researcher than a poet. A Sanskrit scholar, he was called Ujjwala Shabdadhyan and Ullekhapriyan. He excelled in the language and literary arena as the president of the Sahitya Parishad, editor of a quarterly newspaper, and member of the Kochi Language Reform Committee. He also served as a critic, prose writer and interpreter. His major works are Kerala Sahitya Charitram, Pingala, Bhakthideepika, Umakeralam (Mahakavyam), Karna Bhooshanam, and Chithrashala. He died on June 15, 1949.

I.C. Chacko

Sanskrit scholar and grammarian. Born on 25 December 1875 in Pulinkunnu in Kuttanad of Alappuzha. After completing his education, he joined the Geology Department of Travancore. Paananeeya Pradyotam, a commentary in Malayalam on Panini's Vyakarana Sutras written by Chacko is an outstanding contribution to Malayalam. Paananeeya Pradyotam has received the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award. Another literary specialty of Chacko was his logical criticism of ancient stories. Chacko gained knowledge in the fields of physics, chemistry, geology, natural science, acoustics, astronomy, ornamentation and history as well as in Sanskrit, English, Malayalam, Latin, Greek, Syriac, French and German. He died on 27 May 1966.

P.K. Narayana Pillai (Sahitya Panchananan)

Born in 1878. A scholar and prose writer who laid the foundation of Malayalam critical literature. He also gained fame as a lawyer and judge. In 1903, he became a Malayalam teacher at Maharaja's College. He was the one who conducted research on the author and the book in the Western model and started the practice of publishing scholarly and critical works in Malayalam. He is the author of Prasanga Tharangini (three parts), Prayoga Deepika, Kairalidwani, Vijnana ranjini and many other works, including Kshetrapraveshanavadam, Keralachara Nadeepariksha, Sreemoolavrithavali, and Krishnagatha - Oru Niroopanam. Died on 10 February 1938.

Vallathol Narayana Menon

Born on 16 October 1878. One of the modern poets. He was entitled as 'Kerala Valmiki'. Vallathol was hailed as the national poet. The indescribable beauty of the poetic imagery is the specialty of Vallathol's poetry. He established the Kerala Kalamandalam in 1927. His major works are Ganapathi, Bandhanasthanaya Aniruddhan, Shishyanum Makanum, Sahitya Manjari (11 parts), Chithrayogam (mahakavyam) and Valmiki Ramayana translation. He received honors such as Kavithilakam, Aasthanakavi and Padma Bhushan. He also served as the Vice-President of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi and a member of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi. He passed away on 13 March 1958.

Nalapat Narayana Menon

Born on 7 October 1887 in Ponnani. He received his primary education in Nalapat, Thrissur and Kozhikode. He studied English and Vedanta. He is among the pioneers of the Romantic Bhavagita movement. His work Kannuneerthulli holds a prominent place in the Vilapakavya movement. The work, written in lamentation of the untimely death of his wife, modeled after Western elegy poems, is characterized by its intensity of emotion and originality. The characteristic feature of this work is its emotional philosophy. He translated Victor Hugo's Les Miserables (Paavangal). Rathi Samrajyam is another work. The poetess Balamani amma is his consort. He passed away on 24 October 1984.

K.P. Kesava Menon

Born on 1 September 1886. He was a freedom fighter, writer and journalist. He completed his Bar at Law studies in London. He founded Mathrubhumi in 1923. He went to Malaya in 1927. He was involved in the activities of the Indian Independence League. He was the Minister of the Publications Department. He was imprisoned by the Japanese. He was the Indian High Commissioner to Ceylon and received the Padma Bhushan and an honorary doctorate from the University of Calicut. His works include Kazhinjakalam (Autobiography), Bhoothavum Bhaviyum, Jeevithachinthakal, Bilathi Vishesham, Naam Munnottu, Asthamanam etc. He died on 9 November 1978.

V.T. Bhattathiripad

Born on March 26, 1896. His full name is Vellithuruthi Thazhathu Karutha Patteri Raman Bhattathiripad. Social activist, playwright, and story writer. He was one of the prominent figures in the reformation of the Namboothiri community in Kerala. He was the reason for the first widow marriage in the Namboothiri community. V.T. is a literary hero who was able to establish an important milestone in the cultural history of Kerala. He was also a freedom fighter who corrected the chapter of bad customs. He was the editor of many newspapers. He wrote the autobiography Kanneerum Kinavum, the play Adukkalayilninnu Arangathekku, Rajnirangam, and many other stories and articles. He died on February 2, 1982.

Kesari A. Balakrishna Pillai

Born on 13 April 1889 in Thiruvananthapuram. Literary critic and editor. Founder of Kesari newspaper. Introduced new trends in world literature to Malayalam. His habit is to compare Malayalam writers with Western writers. In short, Balakrishna Pillai was guided by the scientific method of criticism, technical criticism, and biographical criticism that emerged in Western countries. He tried to expose corruption in the government through the newspaper. He translated many foreign language works. He wrote books like Navalokam, Harshavardhanan, Vikramadityan, Kesariyude Lokangal, Sankethika Nirupanangal, Sahitya Nirupanangal and Rupamanjari. He died on 18 December 1960 in Kottayam.

E.V. Krishna Pillai

Famous as a satirist, playwright, actor, short story writer and lawyer. Born on 14 September 1899 in Kunnathur, Kollam. His friendship with C.V. developed his literary thought. He married C.V.'s daughter Maheshwariamma. He was the editor of Malayali Patra and Manorama Chithravarika. His works were mixed with social criticism. Major works: Seethalekshmi, Iravikuttypilla, Raja Kesavadasan, Raamaraajaabhishekam, Chiriyum Chinthayum, Kurupinte Diary, Pennarasu naadu, Vivaha Kammattam, B.A. Mayavi, Police Ramayanam, M L C Kadhakal, Conductor Pappu. Died on 30 March 1938.

Karur Neelakanta Pillai

A prominent writer of the third generation of short story literature. Born in February 1898. He was a teacher for a long time. One of the founders of the Sahithya Pravarthaka Sahakarana Sangham. He mainly wrote short stories. Karur is notable for his simple language among the writers who gave a place to spoken language in literature. The collection of stories called Marappavakal is his masterpiece. Karur has written 37 books, including two volumes of selected stories. He received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for his children's literature work called Aanakkaran in 1959 and for his short story collection Mothiram in 1968. He died on 2 October 1975.

Kuttikrishna Marar

Kizhakke Marathu Kuttikrishna Marar was born on June 14, 1900 in Triprangode, Tirur. He worked as a literature teacher in Kalamandalam and a proofreader in Mathrubhumi. Marar was a complete Sanskrit scholar. He gave a new dimension to the critical movement in Malayalam according to the Indian Sanskrit criticism system. Marar unequivocally refuted the controversy that had arisen in literature about art, such as art for art's sake and art for life, with his work Kala Jeevitatham. This work received the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award. He wrote scholarly works such as Bharathaparyatanam, Rajanganam, Sahitya Sallapam, Malayalashaili, Dhanthagopuram and translations of Shakunthalam, Kumarasambhavam, Raghuvamsham, Meghasandesam etc. He died on April 6, 1973.

Kuttipuzha Krishna Pillai

Born in 1900 in Kuttipuzha near Paravur. He was a teacher at Aluva Christian College. He was a rationalist, thinker, literary critic, writer and teacher and was a friend of Sree Narayana Guru. Kuttipuzha, who worked with the Kerala Rationalist Society and the Progressive Literary Society, led the translation of Capital in 1968. Major works: Sahitiyam, Navadarshanam, Vicharaviplavam, Vimarshanarashmi, Nireekshanam, Granthavalokanam, Chinthatharangam, Manasollasam, Sahitikauthukam, Manamandalam, Smaranamanjari. Won the Sovietland Nehru Award in 1969. Died on 11 February 1971.

Sister Mary Benigna (Mary John Thottam)

She was born on June 24, 1901, in Elanji, Kottayam. Her name before becoming a nun was Mary John Thottam. Prabhavathi, Sayahnathile Ekantha Yatra, and Vembanadan are poems written during her school days. Sister Mary Baninja is a great poetess with an amazing talent who sang poems and stirred up Kairali at a time when women had not yet entered the literary field. Her notable works include Lokame Yathra, Marthoma Vijayam, Kavanamela and Gandhi Jayanthi. Her other main works are Kavitaramam and Athmavinte Sneha Geetha, which contain legends, historical events, biographical events, nature scenes, national festivals, dirges, and advice. She passed away on May 21, 1985.

G. Shankarakurup

Winner of the first Jnanpith Award (for the work Odakkuzhal in 1965). Born on 3 June 1901 at Nayathode near Kaladi. He made his mark as a teacher, lecturer, poet, prose writer and translator. He retired from Maharaja's College, Ernakulam in 1955. He became a member of the Rajya Sabha in 1968. He gave a place to yoga in Malayalam poetry. He won the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, the Sovietland Nehru Award and the Padma Bhushan. He wrote about fifty works in the genres of poetry, drama, biography, translation, art, grammar and criticism. His major works include Sahithya Kauthukam, Vellilparavakal, Chenkathirukal, Ithalukal, Odakuzhal, Suryakanthi, Vishwadarshanam, Ormmayude Olangalil, Gitanjali (translation), Ilamchundukal, Sahithya Parichayam etc. He died on 2 February 1978.

Sanjayan (M.R. Nair)

Sanjayan's real name was Mannikoth Ramunni Nair, born on June 13, 1903 in Thalassery. He graduated from Thiruvananthapuram Law College. He was the editor of the newspaper Kerala Patrika and the comic magazines Sanjayan and Vishwaroopam. Sanjayan often used a humorous and artificial language. He turned crying into laughter and advised the world that it was better to laugh than to cry. He took the universal and international deformities and defects of man for his satire. His main works are Sanjayan, Adhyopaharam, Thilodakam, Hasyanjali, Sahitya Nikasham etc. He died on September 13, 1943.

Joseph Mundassery

Born on July 17, 1903 in Kandasankadavu in Thrissur district. After primary education, he graduated in Physics. Later, he obtained an M.A. in Sanskrit and Malayalam. He was a teacher at St. Thomas' College. He edited the newspapers Kairali, Preshithan and Navajeevan. He introduced Western and Eastern literary criticism systems in Malayalam. Mundassery has a distinguished prose style. His study of modern poetry made Mundassery notable. A member of the Kendra and Kerala Sahitya Akademi, he is the author of many works including Natakantham Kavithwam, Karinthiri, Rajarajante Mattoli, Manushya Kathanugayikal, Manadandham, Kalathinte Kannadi, Kozhinja Ilakal (autobiography), Konthayil Ninnu Kurissilekku, Kavyapeethika etc. He died on October 25, 1977.

P.Kesavadev

Born in August 1904. He reflected the struggles of the working class through his works. He also left his mark in drama. Dev, who started his public life as an Arya Samaj activist, immersed himself in labor organization activities. He was a spokesman for the progressive literary movement and eventually raised his voice against communism. Dev's works depicted contemporary social realities. Instead of looking at the characters drawn from real life from a distance, Dev merges with them in their joys and sorrows and laughs and sheds tears with them. His major works are Ayalkkar (Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award), Odayil Ninnu, Bhranthalayam, Munnottu and Ethirppu (autobiography). He died in 1983.

M.P. Paul

He was born on 1 May 1904 in Varappuzha, Ernakulam district. He started his primary education in Ernakulam and obtained an M.A. degree in English literature. He was a founder member and president of the Sahithya Pravarthaka Sahakarana Sangham. Paul wrote his poems by analyzing the poetic experiences he received at the level of deep thought and rationality. He was not willing to promote useless poetic beauty. He never tried to praise or trample on any work without reason or place. Novel Sahithyam, Saundaryathinte Adhistanam and Cherukatha Prasthanam are among his prominent works. He died on 12 July 1952.

Edasseri Govindan Nair

Born on December 23, 1906 in Kuttipuram. He worked as a poet, playwright, social activist, and lawyer clerk. He was a member of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi and the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi. The rural heart and modesty, the strength and willingness to respond like a rock without becoming a coward when faced with the realities of life are the characteristics of Edasseri. He has written poetry collections such as Alakavali, Karutha Chettichikal, Kavile Pattu, Thathwa Shastrangal Urangumbol, Puthankalavum Arivalum Poothappattum and plays such as Koottu Krishi, Noolamala, Ennichutta Appam, Kaliyum Chiriyum, Njediyil Padaratha Mulla. He received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1971 and the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 1970. He died on October 16, 1974.

P. Kunhiraman Nair

Born on October 4, 1905. Served as a school teacher. He established Kerala images in the world of poetry. A poet who sang about Onam and Vishu. Famous as a devotional poet. His autobiography, Footsteps of the poet, which used poetical motifs in prose, is famous. His constant expressions were a strong hatred of Western civilization, a noble devotion to the colorful Indian culture and pure Kerala culture, a complete disrespect for materialistic thinking, and a strong protest against the ideas expressed by progressive writers about the value of art. His works include Sreeramacharitham, Kaliyacchan ( Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award) and Thamarathoni (Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award). He died on May 27, 1978.

Balamani Amma

Born on 10 July 1909 in the Nalapat family in Punnayurkulam. Inspired by Tagore's works, she wrote poetry. She began her poetic career by depicting motherhood and childhood with love. She received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1964, the Saraswathi Sammanam in 1995, the Ezhuthachan Award and the Vallathol Award in 1996. Her husband is V.M. Nair. She is the daughter of the famous storyteller Madhavikutty (Kamala surayya). She has written many works including Muthassi, Kudumbini, Dharmamargathil, Sthree Hridayam, Prabhankuram, Oonjalinmel, Ambalathilekku, Nagarathil etc. She passed away on 29 September 2004.

Lalithambika Antharjanam

Born on March 30, 1909 in Kottarakkara. The stories of Lalithambika Antharjanam were views about the tragedies experienced by namboodiri women. Major works: Kunjomana, Gosayi Paranja Katha, Moodupadathil, Kalathinte Etukal, Agni Pushpangal and many other stories. Sita Mutal Satyavati Vare, novels such as Agnisakshi and Gramabalika, poetry collections such as Nisabda Sangitam, Ayirathiri and Onakazhcha, plays such as Punarjanmam and Veera Sangeetham. Thus, she contributed to all fields of literature. She won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Odakuzhal Award, Vayalar Award and Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award. She passed away on February 6, 1987.

Ponkunnam Varkey

Born in Edathua in 1910. He was a teacher. He was subjected to many persecutions for writing stories. He was the president of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi and the Sahithya Pravarthaka Co-operative Society. His major works are Nivedanam, Aniyara, Sabdikkunna Kalappa, Democracy, Hridayanadam, Jethakkal, Swargam Nanikunnu and Visarikku Kattu Venda. He received the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, the highest honour of the Kerala government, in 1997. He has written an autobiography titled Ente Vazhithirivu. He passed away on 2 July 2004.

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer

Born in 1910 in Thalayolaparambu near Vaikom, Basheer led Malayalam short stories and novels in a new direction. His unique personality, perspective and style made his stories immediately noteworthy. He won the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 1972. He received many fellowships and a doctorate. His major works include Pathummayude Aadu, Balyakalasakhi, Shabdangal, Ntuppuppakkoranendarnnu, Mucheettukalikkarante Makal, Sthalathe Pradhana Divyan, Anavariyum Ponkurishum, Mathilukal, Premalekhanam etc. Each work not only makes the reader laugh but also makes them think. He was honored by the country with the Padma Shri award in 1982 and passed away on 5 July 1994.

Sooranad Kunjan Pillai

Born on 24 June 1911. Scholar and educationist. Served as a college teacher, assistant secretary, and editor of the Malayalam Dictionary. He was the Chief Editor of Malayalam Lexicon, University of Kerala from 1953 to 1971. He is the author of many works, including works such as Amba Devi, Sahitya Bhushanam, Pushpanjali, studies on Unnuneeli Sandesham, Leelathilakam, commentaries on the works of Irayimman Thampi and Punam Namboothiri. He won the Kerala Government's Ezhuthachan Award in 1993 and received many other awards, including the Padma Shri. Died on 8 March 1995.

Changampuzha Krishna Pillai

Born on October 10, 1911 in the Changampuzha family of Edappally. Changampuzha was the most beloved poet of Malayalis in the 40s and 50s. Changampuzha, known as the Ganagandharvan of the Malayalam poetry world. His famous work 'Ramanan' is on the death of his friend Edappally Raghavan Pillai. The Bhavagita movement spread in Malayalam by Changampuzha and Edappally created a spring in the world of poetry. He wrote more than forty collections of poetry, including Bashpaanjali, Sangalpakanthi, Yavanika, Swararagasudha, Padunna Pisachu, in his short life of 37 years. He died on June 17, 1948.

Thakazhi Sivashankara Pillai

Jnanpith winner. Born on April 17, 1912 in Thakazhi. Inspired by the works of Maupassant, he wrote stories. Thakazhi, who excelled in describing the life and pain of a farmer, is called the 'storyteller of Kuttanad'. Simple and powerful language and genuine expression are the characteristics of his writings. The author of more than 25 novels and about two hundred stories, including Randidangazhi, Chemmeen, Kayar, Enippadikal, Anubhavangal Paalichakal. Thakazhi won the Jnanpith and Vayalar Award in 1984 and the Padma Bhushan in 1985. He also received the Ezhuthachan Award in 1994. He died on April 10, 1999.

Vyloppilli Sreedhara Menon

Born on May 11, 1911. He started writing poetry under the pen name Sree. Through poems like Kudiyozhikkal, Kannikoythu, Yugaparivarthanam, Kanneerpadavum Mattu Pradhaana Kavithakalum and Kadalkkakkakal, he presented social issues in front of the common man in a deeply emotional manner. Poems like Kannikkoythu, Mambazham, Sahyante Makan and Panthangal brought Vailoppilly to fame. He has won many awards including the Vayalar Award, Sovietland Nehru Award and Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award. Other works include Sreerekha, Onappatukar, Kunnimanikal, Vitthum kaikkottum, Vida, Kaipavallari and Makarakoythu. He passed away on December 22, 1985.

SK Pottekkatt

Winner of the Jnanpith Award in 1981. Born on 14 March 1913 at Pottekkatt house in Calicut. A prominent travelling writer. Worked in Bombay from 1940-45. Was a member of the Lok Sabha from 1962-67. During his international travels that began in 1949, he visited Europe, Africa, America, Asian countries, etc. several times. He was an executive member of the Sahitya Akademi. His major works include Oru Desathinte Katha, Vishakanyaka, Oru Theruvinte Katha, Naadan Premam, Bali Dweep and Kappirikalude Nattil. He died on 6 August 1982.

M.P. Appan

Born in 1913 in Jagathi, Thiruvananthapuram. He became a teacher and headmaster in a government school. He wrote more than 40 works in prose and verse. His works are characterized by artificial colors, emotional intensity, a poetic atmosphere with little artificiality, a continuous style, and a concentrated devotion to beauty. He received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Muloor Award, Asan Prize, Vallathol Award and the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram in 1998. Vellinakshathram, Leela Soudham, Amrithabindukkal, Panineerpoovum Padavaalum, Prasadam and Udyanasoonam are some of his prominent works. He passed away on 9 December 2003.

Muttathu Varkey

Born on April 28, 1915 in Varappuzha near Changanassery. He was able to bring the common people closer to novels. He wrote more than 180 works including novels, short story collections, and translations. He was the associate editor of Deepika Patram for 21 years. He wrote novels like Mriyakutty, Paadaatha Painkili, Inapravukal and Akkarappacha, as well as a collection of short stories called Kalyanaratri and a collection of poems called Athmanjali. Dr. Zhivago, a translated book, is also one of his major works. He has made about thirty novels into films. He died on May 28, 1989.

K.M. George

Born on 20 April 1914 in Edayaranmula. He is a researcher and writer. He has served as the Assistant Secretary of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi and the Chief Editor of Malayalam Encyclopaedia. He has written more than forty Malayalam books and 10 English books. He has brought Malayalam literature and writers to the attention of the world. He has won the Sovietland Nehru Award in 1987, the Padma Shri and the Ezhuthachan Award in 1988. His major works include Place Names of Southern India, Malayalam Literature, Western Influence on Malayalam Language & Literature, Jeevacharithra Sahityam, Anveshanangal Padanangal. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2001. He passed away on 19 November 2002 in Thiruvananthapuram.

N.V. Krishna warrier

NV was born on May 15, 1916, in Njeruvisseri, Thrissur. He was a teacher in various colleges. He resigned from his job in 1942 and became a freedom fighter. He received many awards including the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, and the Sovietland Nehru Award. He has written many works in the form of poems, studies, articles, and translations, including Neenda Kavithakal, Kurekkoode Neenda Kavithakal, Gandhijiyum Godseyum and Amerikkayiloode. He was the editor of the weekly Mathrubhumi. He passed away on October 12, 1980.

Uroob (P.C. Kuttikrishnan)

Born on 15 August 1915 in Parutholli Chalappurathu, Ponnani. He worked as a teacher, clerk, and compounder. He was a producer at All India Radio. He was the editor of Kumkumam, the weekly Malayala Manorama, and the president of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi. He started writing under the pen name Uroob from 1952. His major works include Sundarikalum Sundaranmarum (Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award), Ummachu (Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award), Aamina, Aniyara, Mindappennu and Thurannitta Jalakam. He died on 10 July 1979.

S. Guptan Nair

He was a renowned teacher, essayist, critic, actor and lecturer. He was born on 22 August 1919 in Oachira. He served as a professor and principal in various colleges. He was the editor of the publications Grandhalokham, Vigyana Kairali, Malayali and Sannidhanam. He was the president of N.B.S. and Kerala Sahitya Akademi. He won the awards of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi in 1967 and the Kendra Sahitya Akademi in 1984 and was also awarded the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram in 2005. He is the author of many works including Samalochana, Isangalkappuram, Krantha Dharsikal, Tagore Kaviyum Manushyanum, Kaavya Swaroopam, Changampuzha Kaviyum Kavithayum. He passed away on 6 February 2006.

C.J. Thomas

Born on 14 November 1918 in Koothattukulam. He was associated with the communist movement in the 1930s. He worked with M.P. Paul in the Progressive Literary Organization and the Literary Workers' Cooperative Society. As a playwright, he made valuable contributions to Malayalam literature and the theatre. He has written independent translations, adaptations and radio plays. Avan Venndum Varunnu, Aa Manushyan Nee Thanne, 1128-il Crime 27, Socialism, Mathavum Communisavum, Uyarunna Yavanika, Vilayiruthal, Salomi, Dhikkariyude Kathal and Visha Vriksham are his notable works. He died on 14 July 1960.

Kovilan (V.V. Ayyappan)

V.V. Ayyappan, known by his pen name Kovilan, was born on 9 July 1923 in Kandanassery, Thrissur. He retired from military service in 1969. Kovilan initially gained fame by writing military stories. He is the author of many novels such as Thottangal, Himalayam, Ezhamedangal, A Minus B, Thervazchakal, Thattakam and collections of stories such as Shakunam and Theranjedutha Kathakal. Thottangal and Sakunam won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award. He received the Vayalar Award in 1999 and the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram in 2006. He passed away on 2 June 2010.

Olappamanna Mana Subramanian Namboothirippad

Born on 10 January 1923 in Olappamanna Mana, Palakkad. He became famous as Olappamanna. He was the Vice President of the Sahithya Pravarthaka Sahakarana Sangham and the Chairman of the Kerala Kalamandalam. Olappamanna's unique poetic themes, his vivid imagination, his love for modernity and his awareness of life are his specialties. He has written about twenty works such as Veena, Kalpana, Nangemakkutti, Panchali, Kadhakavithakal, Varinellu, Jalakapakshi and Nizhalana. He received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1989. He passed away on 10 April 2000.

P. Bhaskaran

Notable as a poet, film lyricist, director, producer and actor. Born on 21 April 1924 in Kodungallur. Served in prison in connection with the Quit India movement. He was the editor of Deshabhimani, Jayakeralam and Deepika. He has served as a producer at All India Radio, the chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi and the chairman of the Film Development Corporation. His major works include Odakkuzhalum Lathiyum, Villali, Paadunna Mantharikal, Mulkireedam, Satrathil Oru Rathri, Orkkuka Vallapozhum, Ottakambiyulla Tamburu etc. He won awards such as the Odakkuzhal Award and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award. Died on 25 February 2007.

Thoppil Bhasi

Born on 8 April 1924 in Alappuzha, he was noted as a revivalist of the drama movement, a drama and film director, a scriptwriter and an actor. He studied Ayurveda and Sanskrit. He was twice elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly. In 1945, the play Munnettam was staged. The play Ningalenne Communistaakki gained the reputation of being the play that was staged the most times. Other important plays are Mudiyanaya Puthran, Mooladhanam, Ashwamedham, Sharashayya, Puthiya Aaksaham Puthiya Bhoomi, Thulabharam, Kayyum Thalayum Purathidaruthu, Panchali, Sarvekkallu, Rajani etc. Ashwamedham received the National Award for Drama in 1968. He died on 5 December 1992.

Parappurath (K.E. Mathai)

K.E. Mathai, famous for his novel Ara Nazhika Neram, was born on November 14, 1924 in Kunnam, Mavelikkara, in Parappuram. After schooling, he served in the army. He has also written many war stories. He was the president of the Sahithya Pravarthaka Sahakarana Sangham. He won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award. He wrote scripts for several films. In 1971, he received the State Award for the script Ara Nazhika Neram. His major works include Ninamaninja Kalpadukal, Anweshichu Kandethiyilla, Keezhadangal, Marikkatha Ormmakal, Akasathile Paravakal, etc. He passed away on December 30, 1981.

Thirunellur Karunakaran

Born on 8 October 1924 in Perinad near Kollam. He completed his college education at University College, Thiruvananthapuram. He has served as a teacher at S.N. College, Kollam and University College, Thiruvananthapuram. He became a member of the Kerala Public Service Commission in 1975. His best poetry collections are Premam Madhuramanu Dheeravumanu, Rani and Soundaryathinte padayalkal. Some of his other works are Meghasandesham, Malayalabhashaparinamam Sidhanthangalum Vasthuthakalum and Oru Mahayudhathinte Paryavasanam. His poetry collection Thirunalloor Karunakarante Kavithakal won the Vayalar Award in 1988. He passed away on 5 July 2006.

Chemmanam Chacko

He was born on March 7, 1926, in Mulakulam near Vaikom. Various descriptions can be given to Chemmanam Chacko, such as a poet who calls out social evils in the same way as he saw them, and a poet who strengthened the field of critical and humorous poetry after Nambiar. He is the author of about twenty-five works, including about twenty critical and humorous works. He received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Rajapaatha, the award for humorous literature and the Kuttamath Award for Aalilla Kaserakal. His major works include Kanakaaksharangal, Nellu, Asthram, Agneyaasthram, Aavanazhi, Dukkhanthinte Chiri, and Narma Sankadam. He passed away on August 14, 2018.

Sukumar Azhikode

Lecturer, writer. Born on 26 May 1926. Studied Upanishads in his youth. Worked as an editor in many newspapers. Was a teacher in many schools and colleges. His works include Aashaante Seethaakavyam, Ramananum Malayala Kavithayum, Sankara Kuruppu Vimarsikkappedunnu, Thathwamasi, Azheekodinte Lekhanangal (four volumes), Khandanavum Mandanavu, Guruvinte Dukham, Pathakal Kazhchakal, Akasham Nashtapedunna India, Bharathiyatha etc. He won the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram in 2004. He served as the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Calicut University. He passed away on 24 January 2012.

Kunjunni Mash

Kunjunni Mash, a famous figure in the field of children's literature in Kerala, was born on May 10, 1927, in Valapad, Thrissur district. He worked as a school teacher. Mash's literary contributions are children's stories and children's poems. In terms of form, Kunjunni poems are close to proverbs and folk sayings. Kunjunni Mash's poems, which evoke thought rather than laughter, are enjoyable for any type of person. He wrote many works including Amruthakadhakal, Aksharathettu, Oonuthottu Urakkam vare, Kunjunni kavithakal, Valiya kuttikkavithakal, Kurum Kavithakal, and old proverbs. He received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Aksharathettu and Kunjunni kavithakal. He passed away on March 26, 2006.

Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri

Achuthan Namboothiri was born on March 18, 1926 in Kumaranallur, Palakkad. The poet, who was friends with Edassery, Nalappat, Marar, V.T., M.R.B., etc., was a social activist. In 1972, he received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Balidarsanam and in 1975, the Odakkuzhal Award for Nimisha Kshetram. He was selected for the Amrita Keerti Puraskar in 2004 for his Vedic literary nourishment, spiritual propagation, and poetry worship. He was awarded the Balamani Amma Award in 2007 and the Ezhuthachan Award in 2008 in recognition of his comprehensive contributions to literature. He wrote many works including Sparsamanikal, Irupatham Noottandinte Ithihasam, Maanasa Pooja, Manoratham and Idinju Polinja Lokam. He also wrote a poetic translation of the Sree Mahabhagavatham.

Vayalar Ramavarma

Born on March 25, 1928, the poet is best known for his film lyrics. He composed more than 2000 songs for more than 400 films. His work Sarga Sangeetham won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1961. He received the National Award for lyricism in 1974. The works like Thadaka Enna Dravida Rajakumari, Ravanaputhri, Ayesha, etc. give a different face of Vayalar. He has written many works including Konthayum Poonoolum, Mulankaadu, Enikku maranamilla, Oru Judas Janikkunnu. He passed away on October 27, 1975.

Malayattoor Ramakrishnan

Born on 30 May 1927 in Kalpathi, Palakkad. He obtained IAS in 1959. He gained fame as a writer, administrator, cartoonist and filmmaker. He resigned from the service in 1981. He has contributed a lot in the fields of novels, short stories and screenplays. His major works include Ormmakalude Album, Service Story: Ente IAS Dinangal and Verukal, which won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1979, Yanthram, which won the Vayalar Award in 1979, Yakshi, Anchu cent, Ponni, Dwandwayuddham, Nettoormadam, Amrutam Thedi and Aaraam Viral. He passed away on 27 December 1997.

N.P. Muhammad

Born on 1 July 1929 in Koondungal, Kozhikode district. He was the resident editor of Kerala Kaumudi. His novel Daivathinte Kannu won the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award. His collection of stories Presidentinte Adyathe Maranam received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award and the Samastha Kerala Sahitya Parishad Award. Ennappadam, Maram and Arabiponnu (with M.T.) are famous novels. Veerarasam: C V Kruthikalil which received the CV award, Manushyakam, Manthahasathinte mouna rodanam, and Thoppiyum Chattavum are critical works. He passed away on 3 January 2003.

Vaikom Chandrasekharan Nair

Born in 1928 in Vaikom. He is famous as a novelist, playwright and journalist. He excelled in art, music, literature and philosophy. He was an editor of periodicals like Kerala Bhushanam, Malayala Manorama, Pauraprabha, Keralam, Janayugam, Kaumudi and Chitrakarthika. He was the chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi (1978-81). His works include Smrithikavyam, Nakhangal, Panchavankadu, Jathugriham, Madhavikkutty and Swathi Thirunal. Jathugriham received the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award. He passed away on 13 April 2005.

K. Ayyappa Panicker

Born on 12 September 1930 in Kavalam, Alappuzha. He was an English teacher in various colleges. He was the chairman of the English department of the University of Kerala. He received awards from the Kendra and Kerala Sahitya Akademi for his poetry. In 1990, he became the chief editor of the Sahitya Akademi's book Medieval Indian literature: An Anthology. He has also published a collection of articles and poems under the name Ayyappapanikerude Krithikal. This work received the Saraswati Samman Award in 2005. He is the author of many works in English, including Indian Renaissance, K.M. Panicker, Malayalam Anthology, A Perspective of Malayalam Literature, Indian English Literature, Thakazhi Sivashankara Pillai, V.K. Krishnamenon, etc. He died on 23 August 2006.

M. Leelavathy

Literary critic and teacher. Born on September 16, 1929 in Guruvayur. She was a college teacher. She was a member of the board of directors of the Sahithya Pravarthaka Co-operative Society. Kavithadhwani, which won the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award and the Suvarnakairali Award. Varnaraji, which won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award ( 1980) and the Odakkuzhal Award (1979). Jeeyude Kavyajeevitham, Malayalam Kavitha Sahitya Charitham, Kavitharathi, Kavithayum Shastravum and Nammude Vilapakavyangal are her main works. She was awarded the Samagra Dattatreya Award for Literature, the Padma Shri, and the Ezhuthachan Puraskar (2010). She has won many other awards, including the Mathrubhumi Sahitya Award in 2011 and the K.P. Kesava Menon Award in 2014.

O.V. Vijayan

Born in 1931 in Manali, Palakkad district, he became famous as a novelist, short story writer, cartoonist, political thinker and journalist. His full name is Ottupulackal Velukkuty Vijayan. He worked for Shankar's Weekly and the Patriot newspaper. He became a freelance writer from 1967. He drew cartoons for many newspapers. His political criticism series Indraprastha is also famous. Khasakkinte Itihasam, Dharmapuranam, Gurusagaram, Madhuram Gayathi and Pravachakante Vazhi are his famous works. Gurusagaram received the Kerala and Kendra Sahitya Akademi Awards in 1990, the Vayalar Award in 1991 and the Ezhuthachan Award in 2001. He died on 30 March 2005.

ONV Kurup

Born on 27 May 1931 in Chavara, Kollam. He was a poet and teacher and the president of the Kalamandalam. He started writing poetry while he was a student. In 1949, he published his first collection of poems, Porutunna Soundaryam. His major works include Njan Ninne Snehikkunnu, Mattuvin Chattangale, Daahikkuna Panapatram, Agni Shalabhangal (Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award), Uppu (Vayalar Award), Aksharam (Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award), and Ujjayini. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1998 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2010. He was awarded the Jnanpith Award and the Ezhuthachan Award in 2007. He won the Kerala State Film Award several times and the National Award once for his lyrics. O.N.V., a master of modern poetry and literature, passed away on 13 February 2016.

C.L. Jose

Born on 4 April 1932 in Angamaly. His first play, Manam Thelinju was published in 1956. He has published 36 complete plays, a play for children, 60 monologues in 11 collections and an autobiography of drama. He wrote a collection of jokes 'Chiriyude Pooram' and a autobiography, 'Ormakalkku Urakkamilla'. He received fifteen awards, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1978 for his play Jwalanam and the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award in 2001. He has served as the chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi.

T. Padmanabhan

Born on 5 February 1931 in Pallikunnu, Kannur. He worked in a factory. Active in the short story field since 1948, he gave a free narrative style to modern short story literature. He created a stir in the literary world by refusing the award given by the Kerala Sahitya Academy in 1973 for his collection of stories Sakshi. He has written many stories including Prakasam Parathunna Oru Penkutty, Kalabhariavan, Gouri, Puzha Kadannu Marangalude Edayileku, Kadal. He received the Odakkuzhal Award in 1995, the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 1996, the Lalithambika Antharjanam Award in 1998, the Vayalar Award in 2000, the Vallathol Award in 2001 and the Ezhuthachan Award in 2003. He also received the Mathrubhumi Award in 2015.

M.T. Vasudevan Nair

Winner of the Jnanpith in 1995. Born on July 15, 1933 in Kudallur, Ponnani. He opened a fundamental path in short stories and novels. His contributions to screenwriting made it a literary form in itself. Novels like Nalukettu and Asuravithu made him a writer for the masses. He was the editor of the Mathrubhumi weekly. He wrote and directed five films. He won the award for best screenwriter several times. Novels like Randamoozham, Nalukettu and Kaalam are famous. He was the president of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi. He received the Padma Bhushan award in 2004 and the Ezhuthachan award in 2011. He died on 25 December 2024. In 2025, he received Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, posthumously.

VKN

Vadakkke Koottala Narayanankutty Nair alias V.K.N. was born on 6 April 1932 in Thiruvilvamala. He developed the satirical novel in Malayalam as a literary form for the common people. V.K.N.'s works depict current socio-political events through humorous satire. The novel Arohanam received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1969. He is the author of many novels including Asuravani, Manchal, Pithamahan (Muttathuvarkey Award) and Syndicate, and stories including Mandahasam, Cleopatra, Salkaram and Payyan Kathakal (Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award). He died on 24 January 2004 in Thiruvilvamala.

Sugathakumari

Born in January 1934. Malayalam poet and social activist. Daughter of poet Bodheswaran. She was a professor in various colleges. She won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for her work Pathirappookkal, the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award for Rathrimazha, the Padma Shri in 2006, the Ezhuthachan Award in 2009, the Saraswati Samman in 2013, and many other awards. She has written many works including Ambalamani, Paavam Pavam Manava Hrudayam, Muthuchippi, Pranamam, Irul Chirakukal, Devadasi, and Manalezhuthu. Simple language, intense narrative style, fearless expression of emotions and genuine expression are the hallmarks of the poet. She also served as the chairperson of the first Women's Commission of Kerala. She has been in charge of a social organization called 'Abhaya'. She died on 23 December 2020.

Madhavikutty (Kamala Das, Kamala Surayya)

Born on 31 March 1934 to Nalappattu Balamaniyamma and V.M. Nair. Her real name was Kamaladas. Later she was named Surayya. She won many awards in Malayalam and English, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Short Story in 1969, the Vayalar Award in 1997, and the Ezhuthachan Award in 2002. She has published works such as Mathilukal, Naricheerukal Parakkumbol, Tharishunilam, Aruna, Pakshiyude Manam, Chuvanna Pavada, Ente Snehitha, Manasi, Kamala Dasinte Thiranjedutha Kavithakal, Chandanamarangal, Chekkerunna Pakshikal, Madhavikuttiyude Moonnu Novelukal, and English poetry collections such as Summer in Calcutta, The Old Playhouse and Other Poems. She passed away on 31 May 2009.

Kadammanitta Ramakrishnan

He brought poetry to the common people through his poems. He was born on March 17, 1935 in Kadammanitta, Pathanamthitta. He served in the postal service. In 1982, Kadammanitta's poems received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award and the Asan Prize. He became a member of the Legislative Assembly from Aranmula in 1995. He also has poetry collections like Kavitha, Mazha Peyyunnu Maddhalam Kottunnu etc. He translated of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot and Octavio Paz's Sunstone. He was the chairman of the State Library Council. He was awarded the Basheer Award in 2004. He passed away on March 31, 2008.

Yusufali Kechery

Born in 1934 in Kechery, Thrissur. Malayalam poet and film lyricist. Started practice as a lawyer. Served as Assistant Secretary of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi. Has composed many Krishna devotional songs. Has written many works including Sainaba, Anchu Kanyakakal, Ormaikku Thalolikkan, Nadabhramam, Amrithu, Perariyatha Nombaram, Anuragagaanam Pole, Aalila, Kadhaye Premicha Kavitha and Ahaindavam. He is also the author of the screenplay Sindura Cheppu, and the poetry collections Aiyaram Naavulla Maunam, which won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award and Kecheri Puzha, which won the Odakkuzhal Award. Died on 21 March 2015.

Anand

Born in 1936 in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur district. His real name is P. Sachidanandan. He graduated in civil engineering in 1958. He has received many awards including the Yashpal Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Vayalar Award, Samastha Kerala Sahitya Parishad Award, Abu Dhabi Malayali Samajam Award, etc. His work Govardhande Yathrakal won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1997. He also received the Vallathol Award in 2015. His major works include Aalkkoottam, Marana Certificate, Utharayanam, Abhayarthikal, Marubhoomikal Undakunnathu, Vyaasanum Vighneswaranum (novels), Jaivamanushyan (study), Veedum Thadavum, Ira, Odiyunna Kurisu, Samvadam, Asantham (stories), Savaghoshyathra and Mukthipadham (drama).

Kakkanadan

George Varghese alias Kakkanadan was born on April 23, 1935 in Kollam. He worked as a school teacher and a railway officer. His work Orotha won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Best Novel in 1984. His collection of stories 'Alwar Thirunagarile Pannikal' also won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award. His collection of stories 'Jappana Pukayil' won the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 2005. His major works include Ushnamekhala, Ezham Mudra, Vasoori, Sakshi, Parankimala, Chumar Chitrangal, Mazhayude Jwalakal, Randam Piravi, Mazha Nizhal Pradesam, Pralayathinu Sesham and Colossus. He passed away on October 19, 2011.

Punathil Kunjabdulla

Born on April 3, 1941. Graduated in Medicine from Aligarh Muslim University. He has written works such as Aligadhile Tadavukaran, Suryan, Kathi, Smarakasilakal, Khalifa, Marunnu, Malamukalile Abdulla, Kunjabdullaye Kroorakrithyangal, Dukhitharkoru Poomaram, Sati, Mini Stories, Thettukal, Narabali, Krishnante Radha, Akashanthinumapuram, Ente Achanammamarude Ormaikku, Kaalalppadayude Varavu, Kanyavanangal, Nadappathakal etc. Navagrahangulude Thadavara is a novel co-written with Sethu. Malamukalile Abdulla has received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award and  Smarakasilakal received the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award and the Vishwadeepam Award for Marunnu. He passed away on October 27, 2017.

P. Vatsala

Born on 4 April 1938 in Kozhikode. She was a school teacher and a member of the board of directors of the Sahithya Pravarthaka Cooperative Society. Her first novel, Nellu, won the Kumkumam Award and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for "Nizhaluragunna Vazhikal". Nellu was made into a film of the same name by Ramu Kariyat. Her other works are Agnayam, Gauthaman, Palayam, Chaver, Arakkillam, Thakarcha, Kooman Kolly, Nambarukal, Vilaapam (novels), Pazhaya - Puthiya Nagaram, Aanavettakkaran, Anupamayude Kavalkkaran, Unikkoran Chathopathiya, Karuttha Mazha Peyyunna Thazhvara (collections of stories). He passed away on 21 November 2023.

M. Mukundan

Born on 10 September 1942 in Mayyazhi. His main works are Ee Lokam Athiloru Manushyan (Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award), Mayyazhippuzhayude Theerangalil (M.P. Paul Award, Muttathuvarkey Award) and Daivathinte Vikrithikal (Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award). Avilayile Sooryodayam, Delhi, Haridwaril Mani Muzhangunnu, Aakashathinu Chuvattil, Oru Dalit Yuvathiyude Kadanakatha, Kili Vannu Vilichappol, Kesavante Vilapangal (novels), Thevidissikkili, Mukundante Kathakal, Russia (short story collections), Enthanu Aadhunikatha? (study) etc. He received Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres award from French Government in 1998.

George Onakkoor

George Onakkoor, who made unique contributions to the field of Malayalam novel literature, was born on 16 November 1941 in Muvattupuzha. He has worked as a professor at Mar Ivanios College, a member of the Film Censor Board, a member of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Governing Body, the Director of the Children's Literature Institute, the Sarvavijnanakosam Institute, the Kerala Saksharatha Samithi, and the Chairman of the State Resource Centre. His major works include Oolkadal, Illam (Sahitya Akademi Award), Kalthamara, Uzhavuchalukal, Kamana, Samathalangalkkappuram and Olivumarangalude Nattil. He received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 2005 for his travelogue Adarunna Akasam.

Paul Zacharia

Writer and journalist, born on June 5, 1945 near Pala. He was a college teacher. He was a program consultant for Asianet. He created some innovations in the world of short stories. Works - Oridathu: Zachariyayude kathakal, Oru Nasrani Yuvavum Goulisasthravum, Aarkariyam: kathakal, Salaam America, Kannaadi Kaanmolavum: kathakal, Bhaskara Pattelarum Ente Jeevithavum, Praise the Lord, Enthundu Visesham Pilatose? (novel), Ishtikayum Aasariyum, Govindam Bhaja Moodamathe, Buddhanum Njanum (articles). He received the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 2004 for his work Zachariyayude Kathakal. He received the O. V. Vijayan Literary Award in 2012 for his work Alphonsammayude Maranavum Shavasamskaravum.

P. Padmarajan

Born on May 23, 1945 in Kayamkulam. He was a story writer and novelist. However, he was most notable in the film industry. He was a screenwriter and film director. The specialty of Padmarajan's screenplay is poetic. Novels like Udakappola, Peruvazhiyambalam, Kallan Pavithran etc. Peruvazhiyambalam, Oridathoru Phayalvaan, Deshadanakili Karayarilla, Thoovanathumbikal, Njan Gandharvan and Aparan are his major screenplays. He passed away on January 23, 1991.

Sarah Joseph

Born on 10 February 1946 in Kuriachira, Thrissur. She worked as a teacher at St. Thomas High School, Tirur, Pattambi Sanskrit College, and Victoria College, Palakkad. She is an organizer of the feminist movement in Kerala. Member of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi. Her famous works include Aalahayude Penmakkal, Mattathi, Shelter, Manassile Thee Matram, Kadinte Sangeetham, Nanmathinmakalude Vriksham, Papathara and Nilavu Nirayunnu. Aalahayude Penmakkal have received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award and the Vayalar Award. Mattathi also received the O. Chandu Menon Award.

K. Sachidanandan

Translator, critic, and teacher. Born on 25 May 1946 in Kodungallur. He has translated poems into most Indian and foreign languages. His work Kavitayum Janatayum won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1984. His works include Anchusooryan, Aathmagita, Padinjaran Kavitha, Ezhuthachan Ezhutumbol, Ivanekkoodi, Malayalam, Kavibuddhan, Apoornam, Kavithaparyadanangal, Karutha kavitha, Nerudayude Kavithakal, Sambhashanangal, Muhurtangal, and Pala Lokam Pala Kaalam (travelogue).