Vishnunarayanan Namboothiri

Vishnunarayanan Namboothiri Biography

Professor Vishnunarayanan Namboothiri is a prominent literal figure of Malayalam literature. He was most recently honoured with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, in 2014. He received Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award - 1994 for Ujjayiniyile Rappakalukal and Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award -1979 for Bhumigeethangal. He is also a recipient of multiple awards including C. V. Kunhiraman Literary Prize, Ulloor prize, Vallathol Award, Vayalar award, Asan prize, Changampuzha Award and the prestigious Odakuzhal award. Though mostly associated with poetry, he has also authored a few essays and done some translation works as well. He is one of the most famous poets of contemporary Malayalam literature.

He was born in Thiruvalla of Pathanamthitta district in 1939. After completing PG in English, he worked in several colleges as an English professor in different districts. He also worked in the State Institute of Languages. ‘Pranayageethangal’ is his popular work. His works are known for their blend of tradition and modernity. He is often called as ’Poet with a Difference and A friend of Controversies’. He is also a scholar of Indian classical and western literature and philosophy.

His major poetry works include – Bhoomigeethangal, Sreevalli, Ente Kavitha, Pranayageethangal, Uttarayanam, Mukhamevite, Swaathanthryathe-Kurichu Oru Geetham, Aparaajitha, Ujjayiniyile Raappakalukal, Athirthiyilekkoru Yaathra, Parikramam, India Enna Vikaram and Aaranyakam. In 2010 he received Vayalar award for his poetry ‘Charulatha’. In 2008 he received vallathol award for Uttarayanam. ‘Mukhamevide’ earned him Odakuzhal award for the year 1983. Asaahitheeyam,    Kavithayude DNA and Alakadalum Neyyampalulkalum are his essays and Rithu Samhaaram, Gandhi,    Sasyalokam and Kuttikalude Shakespeare – his translations. In September 2013 on Thiruvonam day, he was honoured by Chief Minister Oommen Chand at a function organised by Samskara Sahithy, cultural wing of the KPCC.

Published: N/A

Updated: June 16, 2014