THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Poet, linguist and teacher
Vishnunarayanan Namboothiri
, who also donned the role of a
temple priest
past his retirement from government service, passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday. He had been ailing for some time of dementia and other age related illness.
Namboothiri, a mellifluous presence in
Malayalam
literature, especially in poetry is generally regarded as one among the last in the league of Malayalam poets who are modern, yet traditional.
Namboothiri was a professor in English in various government colleges in the state. He retired from service as the head of the English department in University college here. It was big news when Namboothiri, unlike many others, refused to take up any government assignment post his retirement, but chose to become the priest at Peringol at Thiruvalla. He had taken a bold stand on environmental issues and was a permanent presence in the struggles for green causes.
He had received almost all coveted literary awards in Malayalam. The country had honoured him with Padmasree in 2014. The same year he received Ezhuthachan puraskaram. he had received Kendra Sahitya Academy fellowship in 1994. He received
Kerala Sahitya Academy award in 1979 and Vayalar and Vallathol awards in 2010. Odakkuzhal puraskaram was presented to him in 1983.
His major anthologies of poetry include Indiayenna vikaram, Aranyakam, Athirthiyilekku Oru yathra, Ujjayiniyile rappakalukal, Mughamevide and Charulatha. His major essay collections are Asahitheeyam, Kavithakalude DNA.
Namboothiri is survived by his wife Savithr and daughters Adithi and Aparna. Cremation of his body would be held at Thucaud Santhi Kavadam at 2 pm on Friday.
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