O. V. Vijayan

O. V. Vijayan Biography

Ootupulackal Velukkuty Vijayan, shortly known as O. V. Vijayan was a writer of Malayalam literature as well as a journalist. He is an important figure in modern Malayalam language literature, best known for his first novel Khasakkinte Itihasam (1969). Vijayan has published 9 short story collections, six novels and many more. He has also contributed numerous cartoons. He was also an editorial cartoonist and political observer.

O. V. Vijayan was born in Palakkad on July 2, 1930 as the son of O. Velukutty. His formal schooling began at the age of twelve at Raja's High School, Kottakkal and completed at school at Koduvayur in Palakkad. He completed his college studies from Victoria College in Palakkad and Presidency College. The first novel of Vijayan appeared in 1969 and it took 12 long years to give it a finishing touch. His first novel Khasakkinte Itihasam is still regarded as the best work of this author. It was followed by Dharmapuranam in 1985, Gurusagaram in 1987, Madhuram Gayathri in 1990, Pravachakante vazhi in 1992 and Thalamurakal in 1997.

His first short collection was published in the year 1979 - Short Stories of Vijayan. His popular short stories are - Oru Neenda Rathriyude Ormakkayi, Asaanthi, Balabodhini, Kadaltheerathu, Kattu Paranja Katha, Poothaprabandham and Other Stories, Kure Kathabeejangal, O. V. Vijayante Kathakal and Arakshithavastha. His popular collection of essays include - Khoshayathrayil Thaniye (1987), followed by Oru Sindoora Pottinte Orma, Sandehiyude Samvadam, Vargasamaram Swathwam, Kurippukal, Ithihasathinte Ithihasam, Haindavanum Athihaindavanum, Andhanum Akalangal Kaanunnavanum and Ente Charithranewshana Pareekshakal. His works on cartoons are - Ithiri Neramboke, Ithiri Darsanam (1990), Memoirs: A Cartoonist Remembers (2002) and Cartoon: Tragic Idiom O.V. Vijayan's Cartoons & Notes on India (2006).  A few of his works has been translated to English of which Infinity of Grace and The Legends of Khasak need special mention.

He has received numerous awards for his contributions to art and literature. In 1990, he received Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Gurusagaram. He has also received Mathrubhumi Sahitya Award, Muttathu Varkey Award, Ezhuthachan Award and Odakkuzhal Award for Khasakkinte Itihasam. O. V. Vijayan Sahitya Puraskaram has been instituted by the Naveena Samskarika Kala Kendram, Hyderabad, in 2011, where he spent his last days.   

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Updated: September 27, 2017