TRIBUTE TO MALAYALAM LITTERATEUR KOVILAN

TRIBUTE TO
MALAYALAM LITTERATEUR KOVILAN

Malaylam Litterateur Kovilan died in the early hours of Wednesday,2nd June,2010.The 87 year old writer whose real name is Kandanassery Vattomparambil Velppan Ayappan. He is survived by two daughters and a son. Born on july9,1923 at Kandanassery in Guruvayur. Kovilan was a freedom fighter, a former anti- submarine detector operator and trade unionist. He worked in the Royal Indian Navy from 1943 to 1946.
Kovilan had written 11 Novels, 12 collections of Short stories, three Collections of Essays and one play. He wrote his first novel”Thakarnna Hridayangal in 1946.
Kovilan’s stories that shed light on life in and out of military barracks marked a remarkable change in the way stories have been told in malayalam Literature.
His vision is reflected in his works, right from the choice of the subject to the use of the language and imagery.Poverty and hunger had been the primary concerns of the writer. His quest for human dignity and art of telling complex stories in a stunningly simple language were remarkable.
Kovilan was a recipient of the State Governments highest Literary honour Ezhuthachan Puraskaram in 2006 in recognition of his contribution to Malayalam Literature.
He won the Kerala Sahitya Akadami award in 1972 and 1977 and Kendra Sahitya Akademi award in 1998. He also won Vayalar award in 1999.He was a Kendra Sahitya Akademi Fellowship holder.
His novels are Thakarnna Hridayangal(1946)A Minus B(1958),Tharavade(1963), Ezhamedangal, Board out(1965)Thazhvarakal(1969) Thottangal(1970) Himalayam(1973) Bharathan(1976)Janmantharangal(1982) and Thattakam 1995).
Chief minister, ministers and leders of various political parties have expressed deep sorrow at Kovilan’s death. In a condolence message, the chief minister termed Kovilan’s death a major loss for Malayalam Literature and the state.
Kerala Kavya Kala Sahithy Executive Committee have expressed deep sorrow at Kovilan’s death.K.K.K.S President said Kovilan had communicated through his writing the intense agonies of the poor sections of society and Soldiers life on the margins of exixtence. He again said Kovilan had gifted a new language and a new sensibility to malayalam Literature.
Prof. John Kurakar
johnkurakar@yahoo.com