V. K. N

V. K. N Biography

V. K. N is the short name of noted author of Malayalam, Vadakkke Koottala Narayanankutty Nair. He was known for his satire works and his works include novels, short stories and political commentaries. He often criticizes socio-political classes of the society through his satire works. He has also served as the chairman of Kunchan Nambiar Society and Vice chairman of Kerala Sahitya Academy. In 1969 he received Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Arohanam. Payyan Kathakal in 1982 earned him Kendra Sahitya academy award for Malayalam literature. In 1997 he received Muttathu Varkey Award for Pithamakan. Religious Harmony Award and M. P. Paul Award are other major honours received by him.

He was born in Thiruvilwamala in Thrissur in 1932. After studies he worked in Malabar Devaswom Board (Board governing temples of North Kerala) for 9 years. He also worked as a journalist in Delhi for 10 years from 1959 to 1969. His work, Pitamahan is inspired from his work experience in Delhi as an English journalist. He started his writing in the early 1950’s. His first story was published in Mathrubumi Weekly in 1953 titled, Parajithan. He mostly concentrated in poetry during his first few years. During 1960’s, he came to prominence as a noted writer of Malayalam.

He too belongs to the group of young Kerala journalists of Delhi who made significant contribution to Malayalam literature post 1960’s. M. Mukundan, Kakkanadan and O. V. Vijayan need special mention. ‘Payyan Kathakal’ is his celebrated work with humour touch. `Vivahapittennu', `Pitamahan' and `Arohanam' are his other noted works. He died on January 25, 2004 at his residence aged 71. He was ailing for some time.

Published: N/A

Updated: May 23, 2014