Ayyappa Paniker

Ayyappa Paniker Biography

Dr K. Ayyappa Paniker was a Malayalam poet, literary critic, scholar and an academic. He was one of the pioneers of modernism in Malayalam poetry. His work, Kurukshethram published in 1960 is considered a turning point in Malayalam poetry. Ayyappapanikkarude Krithikal and Chintha have later deeply influenced Malayalam playwrights. In 1984, he received Kendra Sahitya Academy award for his poetry collection, Ayyappa Panikkarute Kritikal.

He has worked as a professor in different colleges and retired as the Director, Institute of English from University of Kerala. He has published more than 25 works which include poetry, essays as well as a few translations. He was the chief editor of the Sahitya Akademi’s Indian Literary Encyclopaedia and another noted work is Indian Narratology. Kavalam Narayana Panicker, noted Malayalam writer is his cousin.

Paniker was born on September 12, 1930 in Kavalam. His parents were E. Naryanan of Periyamana Illam, and M. Meenakshiamma. He had 7 siblings. He lost his mother at the age of 12. Panicker started writing while studying in high school. He published his first poem in Mathrubhoomi Weekly at the age of 16. He did his Intermediate at Malabar Christian College, Kozhikode and later completed degree and PG at University College, Thiruvananthapuram in 1951. Same year Paniker joined CMS College, Kottayam as a lecturer of English. He has also worked in Mahatma Gandhi College and University College Thiruvananthapuram. Paniker took his doctorate from Indiana University in 1982.

Throughout his literal career, he has received numerous honours including Padma Shri, Kerala Sahitya Akademi award and Kendra Sahitya Akademi award. In 2005 he received Saraswati Samman for his collection of writings Ayyappa Panikerude Krithikal. Vallathol award, Mahakavi Ulloor award for poetry, Kabir Samman, Asan prize and Vayalar Award are among the honours received by Paniker. His noted works are Kurukshethram, Ayyappapanikkarude Krithikal and Chintha.

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Updated: January 26, 2014