Akbar Kakkattil

Akbar Kakkattil Biography

Akbar Kakkattil is a noted writer from Kerala known for short stories and novels in Malayalam language. His work, 'Sarga Sameeksha' is noted for its distinct style of writing and perhaps the first one of this type in Malayalam literature. He authored 'Paadham 30' - the First Teacher Service Story in Malayalam. His works are noted for its unique narrative style and belongs to the new generation of Malayalam literature. Kakkattil is the name of the village where he was born. He published 49 books till now which includes – 4 novels, 7 novelettes, one play, a few memorials and critical essays, 4 essay collections and 25 short story collections. A few of his works have been translated to other Indian languages.

Akbar was born on July 7, 1954 at Kakkattil in Kozhikode District. He was born to P. Abdulla and Kunjhamina and has one sister. His schooling was done from his native place and later took graduation from Govt. College Madappalli. He majored in English literature. He also took Bachelor of Education degree from Govt. Training College, Thalassery. After studies he served as a Malayalam teacher in different schools for 30 years. He spent most of his teaching period at National Higher Secondary School, Vattoli.

Akbar started writing at the age of 14 and published short stories for children in Mathrubhumi magazine regularly for a long time. He published his stories in children’s column. During his college days he created a pen-friendship with doyens of Malayalam literature - G. Sankara Kurup, Thakazhi Sivashankara Pillai and Basheer. He is a recipient of Kerala Sahitya Academy award twice. He won it for the first time in 1992 in humour section - School Diary (an anthology of short essays) and for the second time in 2004, 'Vadakkuninnoru Kudumba Vrithantham' in the novel section.

He died on 17 February 2016.

Published: N/A

Updated: February 21, 2016