Renowned Malayalam poet and Jnanpith laureate Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri passed away on Thursday morning. He was 94. Akkitham was undergoing treatment in private hospital in Thrissur for age related ailments for the past few days. The death was declared at 8.10 am.
Born in 1926 at Kumaranallur in Palakkad district, Akkitham grew up to become the tallest poet in contemporary Malayalam literature, enjoying an indisputable position as the last Mahakavi of Kerala. He introduced “meaningful modernism” in Malayalam poetry several decades ago.
He worked for nearly three decades with Akashvani as scriptwriter and editor. Akkitham had close associations with Communist ideologue E.M.S. Namboodiripad when they both were part of the social reform movement.
He worked for nearly three decades with Akashvani as scriptwriter and editor. Akkitham had close associations with Communist ideologue E.M.S. Namboodiripad when they both were part of the social reform movement.
He began dabbling in poetry very early in life by scribbling on temple walls. He made notable contributions to Malayalam literature through his poems, stories, plays and essays. He has nearly four dozen works to his credit.
Some of his seminar works include Pathalathinte Muzhakkam, Irupatham Noottandinte Ithihasam, and Balidarshanam. Among his widely read works were Bhagavatham, Nimisha Kshetram, Vennakkallinte Katha, Manassakshiyude Pookkal, Panchavarnakkili, Arangettam, Madhuvidhu, Oru Kula Munthiringa, Idinju Polinja Lokam, Amritagathika, Samathwathinte Akasham, Prathikara Devata and Manasapooja.
Akkitham was known for leading a life of great personal virtue. According to poet Manamboor Rajanbabu, he deserved to be called Mahakavi not only because of the greatness of his works, but also because of his virtuous life.
“He was a man of inimitable virtue who displayed great positivity and optimism. The modernism he heralded was quite meaningful. People could easily understand his poetry, which abounded in imageries that they could very well associate with. That’s his greatness,” said Mr. Rajanbabu.
Akkitham’s widely quoted lines “Velicham dukhamanunnee, thamassallo sughapradam” still have few parallels in modern Malayalam poetry not only in popularity but in depth as well.
The following lines of Akkitham have travelled deep down the minds of Malayalees:
“Theruvil kakka kothunnu,
Chathapenninte kannukal;
Mula chappi valikkunnu,
Naravarga navaathidhi.”
Recently, he was conferred with the Jnanpith award, the highest literary award in the country. The poet, who was instrumental in heralding modernism in Malayalam poetry, was also a true Gandhian, social reformer, journalist and an example of simplicity.
