M. T. Vasudevan Nair, one of the most respected Indian writers today, was born on 15th July 1933 in Kudallur, a small village in Palakkad district, Kerala. He rose to eminence through his well-crafted novels and short stories in Malayalam whose romantic poignancy and tender portrayal of the human condition endeared the author to his readers. He captured in subtle detail the pain and anguish that marked the ebb of feudalism in Kerala in many of his novels. A master storyteller, M.T made his way up to be honored with the highest literary award the nation confers on a writer, the Jnanpith in 1995. Prior to that, he had received many awards and accolades like both state and center Sahitya Akademi Awards. He occupied and continues to occupy many important and powerful positions in various literary bodies including the presidentship of Kerala Sahitya Akademi and the chairmanship of Tunchan Memorial Trust. The Library of Congress has in its collection sixty-two books, mostly by M.T and some on him. Also, some of them are translations of his works into English.
Note on the story:
A translation from the original short story titled ‘Ninte Ormaykku’ this is a story about the author’s recollections of childhood experiences and the trauma of domestic and parental misunderstandings on the child. He brings alive the typical life style of rural Malayalee family and the hierarchy that existed as a social norm. The issue of how the child becomes a victim of domestic discord and differences is highlighted effectively in the story.
Questions discussed: