Chemmanam Chacko

Chemmanam Chacko Biography

Chemmanam Chacko is an accomplished poet associated with Malayalam literature. One of the legendary writers of Malayalam post Indian independence, he is known for his satire takes on different subjects. A winner of countless awards and recognitions, Chacko was conferred with the lifetime achievement award for literature by the Kerala Sahitya Akademi in 2006. His anthology of poems - Rajapatha won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for the year 1977. Deeply influenced by Kunjan Nambiar, not many Malayalam poets have employed satire and humour this extensively, and effectively, in poetry other than Chacko.

Chacko was born on March 7, 1926 in Mulakulam village of present day Kottayam and Ernakulam districts. After schooling from Piravom, his nearest place, he joined University College Thiruvananthapuram for Malayalam literature and won first rank. Later he worked as a Malayalam professor at Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram. He published his first poem at the age of 20 in 1946. The poem was titled – ‘Munnottu'. 'Kanakaaksharangal' published in 1967 was one of his popular poems during his first phase of writing. Since then he regularly published poetry works. Many of his poetry works have been the part of academic studies of schools and universities. His thought provoking poem, ‘Mummy’ is a satire take on Indian’s acceptance of British culture and mannerisms.

Very soon Chacko earned recognition as a satire poet of Malayalam literature and rose to fame. Chemmanam – is his pen name. His works were often compared with legendary Kunjan Nambiar for his satire take of social life and evils. Some of his published poetry collections include – Ottayaal Pattaalam, Bhoomikulukkam, Dukkhanthinte Chiri, Asthram, Akshara Poraattam, Narma Sankadam, Nellu, Onnu Onnu Randaayiram, Chinteru, Akshara Poraali, Innu, Agneyaasthram, Rajapaatha, Ottayaante Choonduviral, Ampum Villum, Aalilla Kaserakal, Puthari, Aavanazhi, Jaithrayaathra, Daahajalam and Raajavinu Vasthramilla etc. He has also published collection of humorous essays.

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Updated: February 07, 2016