Cherukad Govinda Pisharodi

Cherukad Govinda Pisharodi Biography

Cherukad Govinda Pisharodi, popularly known as Cherukad was a playwright, novelist, poet and political activist from Kerala. He was associated with Communist movement in Kerala. Cherukad was born on August 26, 1914 at Chemmalasseri, Perunthalmanna as the son of Kizheettil Pisharath Karunakara Pisharody and Cherukad Pisharath Narayani Pisharasiar. He learnt Sanskrit from Guru Gopalanezhuthssan and was proficient in English and Hindi languages too. His autobiography Jivitappata, published in 1974 received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1975 and Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 1977.

After completing 8^th standard at local school in traditional learning methods, he became teacher at Chemmala Aided Mappala School. Later he passed Vidwan exam from Madras University. He has worked as teacher at Pulamanthol, Cherukara School and later at Pavaratti Sanskrit school. He has served as teacher at various high schools of Malabar. He has always nourished the talents of his students and was associated with PSV drama troupe of Kottakkal. He was also interested in drawing. He married Cherukara Subhadra Pisharasyar at the age of 22. After her death, he married Sridevi. His son K. P. Mohanan is a noted Malayalam writer.

He was also associated with communist party movements in Kerala. Its deep influence has also resulted in loss of his job for a short period. His attachment to politics has deeply influenced Kerala literature during 1950’s and 1960’s. He retired in the year 1970 after working in difefernt schools and colleges. Cherukad was one of the founder members of the Deshabhimani Study Circle and he was the predecessor of the Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham. His noted works include - Jivitappata, Tharavaditham, Manushyabandhangal, Namal Onnu, Manushya Hridayangal, Janmabhumi, Devalokam, Manninte Maril, Muthassi and Sanidasa. He wrote plays, short stories, poems as well as autobiography.

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Updated: January 26, 2014