A veteran leaves his ‘Thattakam’

THRISSUR: Malayalam writer V V Ayyappan, known as Kovilan, died at a private hospital at Kunnamkulam near here on Wednesday morning.

Born on July 9, 1923, Kovilan had his primary education in schools at his home village of Kandanassery. He then joined the Sahitya Deepika Sanskrit College at Pavaratty at the age of 13. Even as a student, he had shown interest in writing poems and stories.

A staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi, Kovilan left the Sanskrit College to participate in the Quit India Movement. He worked in the Royal Indian Navy from 1943 to 1946 and in the Corps of Signals from 1948 to 1968. He retired from the Indian Army as Havildar Major and settled down at Pullanikunnu at Kandanassery, near Guruvayur. Kovilan maintained a close friendship with Vaikom Muhammed Basheer, Joseph Mundassery and C J Thomas.

Kovilan, who led a simple life, is considered as one of the most prolific writers of contemporary Indian literature. His works stand apart by originality in their themes, sharp characterisation and style. In all, he had authored 11 novels, 10 collections of short stories, three essays and a play. His most popular novel was 'Thattakam', narrating the story of his home village of Kandanassery. The novel won him national recognition with the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 1998.

The other novels of Kovilan include 'Janmatharangal', 'Bharatham', 'Thottangal', 'Thazhvarangal', 'A minus B' and 'Thakarna Hridayangal'.

'Kovilente Kathakal', 'Thiranjedutta Kathakal' and 'Sakunam' are among his collections of short stories. In 2007, the Kerala Government conferred on Kovilan, the highest literary honour 'Ezhuthachan Puraskaram' in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Malayalam literature. He had been a fellow of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi since 2005.

Kovilan received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi awards in 1972, 1977 and 1998. The other awards he had received include Vayalar Puraskaram, Kerala Sahitya Parishath Puraskaram, Muttathu Varky Puraskaram, A P Kulakkad Puraskaram, N V Award, Basheer Puraskaram, and Tomyas Puraskaram. A large number of people belonging to different walks of life offered their last respects to the writer at his residence and at the Kerala Sahitya Akademi where the body was kept from 3.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Speaker K Radhakrishnan, writer Sukumar Azhikode, social activist and writer Sara Joseph, Madambu Kunjukuttan, K P Ramanunni, Punathil Kunjabdulla, V R Suresh, Vaisakhan, Purushan Kadalundy, Kerala Sahitya Akademi president P Valsala, V S Sunil Kumar, Murali Perunelly, Therambil Ramakrishnan and Babu M Palissery were among those who offered their last respects.

In a condolence message, P Valsala said that the demise of Kovilan was a major loss to Malayalam literature. She said that with his Army background, his writings had a strong reflection of national spirit.

Sukumar Azhikode said it would be a tribute to Kovilan if the Kerala Sahitya Akademi could use Kovilan's writings for the rejuvenation of Malayalam literature.

By Express News Service