My humble tribute to Kakkanadan

It was at the age of fourteen that I read Japana Pukayila, a classic (off course, for a ninth standard student at that time it was a classic) work from George Varghese Kakkanadan, a legendary writer who mesmerized many generations with his eccentric work. Later, while I was studying in my pre-degree, I borrowed some books from ‘Yamuna’- the one and only library in my remote village, was sponsored by the Gram Panchayath. I got few other books of Kakkanadan, which often seemed like a bold rebellion against the harsh realities of life or the brush -off of the rigid line of morality that prevailed in the then society.

While I was studying for degree, I got thousands of Malayalam books from my college. They were considered as an addiction of youths of the 70’s and 80’s, thus I too got mesmerized with the magic of words. Apart from my political activities, I spent more in the libraries. Sometimes I bunked my literature and political science classes to catch up with some reading in the library.

By that time, my preferences ranged from O.V.Vijayan to Madavikutty, Sanjayen to Mukundan, Muhammed Basheer to Sakkariya. But to be frank, among all these authors I always admired Kakkanadan. This could be because of his way of expressing emotions or even his realistic language that depicted the reality very well.

Later, when I was doing my post graduation, I was able to create a collection of many of his books with my small income, which I earned by giving private tuitions. His works had a great impinge on the younger generation of Malayalam readers, which, triggered with full of realism and crazy boldness.

His exceptional works such as Ushnamekhala, Vasoori, Japana Pukayila, Kakkanadante Priyakathakal, Saakshi, Orotha, Kambolam, Parangimala and others were known as a trend setter in Malayalam literature. Most of his works bump in to a kind of adroitness in terms of value and tradition.

Many acclaims and awards came naturally to Kakkanadan. His Orotha, which depicts the story of Minachil River and a small village named Chorppukkal won him the 1984 Kerala Sahithya Akademi award. He got Kendra Sahithya academy award in 2005 for his masterpiece Parangimala. His lucid and radiant language attracted people from all walks of life and presented him with the Balamaniamma award, Padma Prabha award and Muttath Varkey award.

Finally the truth is that we lost that charming story teller once and for all… And that itself made an empty space in the realistic crown of Malayalam literature.

Kakkanadan is a rare genius to be known by his name, with his work and through his alluring language; he left behind a fertile legacy for the generations to come, May his soul rest in peace.