Novelist Kakkanadan passes away

Renowned Novelist and Story writer George Varghese Kakkanadan (76), passed away. He was more popularly known by his pen name Kakkanadan. The demise was in a private hospital in Kollam on about 8.15 am. His wife Ammini and other relatives were beside him then. He has been struggling with liver related problems. He was hospitalised 2 weeks ago. Kakkanadan is credited with laying the foundation of modernism in Malayalam literature with others. He had been also famous as a strong advocate of Communism.

Kakkanadan was born on 23 April 1935 in Thiruvalla and later moved to Kottarakkara. He started his career as a school teacher. He then quit the job to join as an officer in Southern Railways. Later he was shifted to Ministry of Railways. He went to Germany to research in physics but dropped out soon. Sakshi, published in 1967, was the first novel. Ushnamekhala, Aswathatmavinte Chiri, Vasoori, Japana Pukayila, Barsathi, Orotha and Kakkanadante Priyakathakal are other noted works. His works Mattoru Mukham, Adiyaravu, Parankimala, Unnikkrishnante Adyathe Christmas have been made into films.

Kakkanadan received the Lifetime Achievement Award of Kerala Sahitya Akademi in 2002. He has also won Kendra Sahithya Academy Award (2005) for 'Jappana Pukayila', Balamaniamma Award (2008), Padma Prabha Award (2002), Muttathu Varkey Award and Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam Sahithya Award (2009). Kerala Sahitya Akademy honoured him with fellowship in 2008.