MT Vasudevan Nair with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in January 2024 Photo credit: K. Ragesh
The Kerala government has declared a state of mourning on December 26 and 27 in honor of MT Vasudevan Nair, popularly known as MT, the late writer who left his indelible mark on Malayalam literature and perhaps changed its course through his criticism. Novels, insightful film scripts, short stories and journalistic pieces.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also canceled government functions including the cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday. The government is going to cremate Nair with full state honours.
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In his condolence message, Mr. Vijayan said Nair had taken Malayalam to the pinnacle of world literature. Although his works depicted a sense of identification with present-day central Kerala, Valluvanadu, his writings transcended parochialism and assumed a universal literary character.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan condoled the death of the eminent writer and Jnanpith awardee.
Mr. Khan remembered Nair as a multifaceted genius who influenced Malayalam and Indian literature, film, theater and journalism. He favored modernism in his works, Mr. Khan said.
“Speaking the Fierce Truth”
Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan said Nair was a stylist of Malayalam literature. There was a deep quality to his speech. It flowed swiftly like the current of the Nila River. The Congress leader said Nair had achieved immortality through his writings. He was fearless in his social and political views, and a staunch truth-teller. Mr. Satheesan said Nair was adamant that speaking out on social and political issues was a public duty. His views were secular and humanistic. Kerala State Congress Committee President K Sudhakaran and BJP State President K Surendran also condoled Nair’s death.
People across the socio-cultural political spectrum applauded the life and times of one of the country’s most influential writers.
published – December 26, 2024 at 12:16 pm IST