T Vasudevan Nair, fondly known to me and countless others as "MT-chettan" or elder brother, was a towering figure in Malayalam literature and cinema. His contributions have left an indelible mark on both the fields, making him one of the most celebrated and respected personalities not just in Kerala's cultural history, but also India's.
As an author of searing and insightful fiction, MT authored nine novels and 19 collections of short stories, each reflecting the socio-political changes in and cultural renaissance of Kerala. His first major novel, Naalukettu (1958), or 'The House with the Inner Courtyard', dealt with the decaying feudal Nair family system and won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award. Other notable works include Asuravithu (1962), a disturbing work of human degeneration that literally translates as 'Demon Seed', and Randamoozham (1984), 'Second Turn', which retells the Mahabharata from Bhima's perspective - Bhima's was the 'second turn' with Draupadi.
MT's works often explored the complexities of human relationships, the decay of traditional family systems, and the socio-economic transformations of Kerala. His writing style is characterized by its lyrical quality, deep empathy, and profound understanding of human nature. It received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Jnanpith Award in 1995, the highest literary honour in India. He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2005 for his contributions to literature and education.
This story is from the January 02, 2025 edition of The New Indian Express Tirunelveli.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 02, 2025 edition of The New Indian Express Tirunelveli.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
La Liga: Real beat Las Palmas 4-1
WITH Kylian Mbappe putting on a show again, Real Madrid returned to the top of the Spanish league.
Israel Frees 90 Captives; Relief, Fear in Gaza
AFTER 15 months of collective grief and anxiety, three Israeli hostages left Hamas captivity and returned to Israel, and dozens of Palestinian prisoners walked free from Israeli jails, leaving both Israelis and Palestinians torn between celebration and fear as stirred modest hopes for ending the Israel-Hamas war.
5.2K birds of 117 species in Uttarakhand's Asan wetland
IN a significant citizen science effort, a bird counting campaign at the Asan Wetland in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand has yielded impressive results, with volunteers identifying 5,225 birds across 117 different species.
IT cos see revival in discretionary demand, deal wins
IT services companies have now started witnessing early signs of revival in discretionary spending and CEOs of top IT companies are optimistic about strong deal wins in coming quarters.
Axar Steps Into A New Role
Now part of the leadership group, the all-rounder doesn't feel the need to prove to anyone
Tiruchendur soil erosion: Activists seek quick action
Say erosion worsened near temple's beach after coal jetty's operations commenced
5 Cops Held Responsible for Badlapur 'Fake' Encounter
Magistrate Report Says No Fingerprints of Deceased Found on the Gun
M'luru cops crack Kotekar bank heist case; 3 arrested from Nellai
IN a major breakthrough, the Mangaluru city police cracked the Kotekar Co-operative Bank robbery case within 60 hours and arrested three prime accused, said to be part of a notorious gang from Mumbai's Dharavi.
R-Day parade to have an extra dose of art & culture
The government is working towards widening the portrayal of the nation's societal and cultural landscape while still preserving the military and martial spirit of the Republic Day parade, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated on Monday.
Lifer till death for RG Kar accused
A Sealdah court on Monday sentenced Sanjay Roy, the lone accused in the horrific rape-murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August last year, to life imprisonment till death.
