M. V. Venkatram

M. V. Venkatram Biography

M. V. Venkatram was a popular fiction writer from Tamil language, who lived during the period, 18 May 1920 – 14 January 2000. He wrote novels, short stories and translations. He began his literal career in the 1950s and was active till early 1990s. Nithyakanni, Uyirin yathirai, Iruttu, Arumbu, Velvithee, Oru pen poradukiral and Kathukal are his published novels, while Mallikai vasam, Sukam enge, Kuyili, Varavum selavum, Vyasar padaitha penmanikal and Mohini are his short story collections. He has also done several translation works including - India Today, authored by Rajani Palme Dutt. He translated over 10 books for the National Book Trust of India.

M. V. Venkatram was born in Kumbakonam of present-day Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu in the year 1920. His family belonged to Sourashtra state in British India. He was involved in silk Zari business after completing his graduation in Economics. While as a college student, he started a literary magazine Manikodi in the 1930s. He also remained a member of the literary circle which included some of the big writers and journalists of the time. He started publishing his works through magazines, before compiling as books.

His first novel, Nithyakanni was published in the year 1955. He regularly published novels till early 1990s. Kathukal (1992) was his last published one, and the most acclaimed one as well, which won Sahitya Akademi Award for Tamil. In the 1960s he wrote many short stories. Yet he completely switched over to novels in the 1970s. In fact he gained popularity as a novelist. He also wrote more than 60 short biographies for Palaniappa Brothers. He wrote more than 200 short stories.

Published: September 15, 2018

Updated: September 15, 2018