Born: May 10, 1927 (age 87), Valapad
Died: 2006
Kunjunni did to Malayalam poetry what VKN did to short-story writing. They created their own styles, combining form, content, language and rhythm in a unique, compact fashion.
Kunjunni mostly wrote brief verse noted for its aural impact, simplicity, intensity and directness of expression. His poems comprise simple words, but they evoke complex thoughts.
In this sense, each poem of his invokes the philosophy of the haiku: focus on a brief moment in time, use of colourful imagery, quality of being read in a single breath and a sense of sudden enlightenment.
His major works include Oonu Thotturakkam Vare, Pazhamozhi Pathayam, Kunjunniyude Kavithal, Kadankathal, Vithum Muthum, Kutti Pencil, Namboodiri Phalithangal, Raashthriyam,Kuttikal Padunnu, Undanum Undiyum, Kutti Kavithakal, Kalikoppu, Pazhanchollukal, Pathinanchum Pathinanchum, Aksharathettu, Nonsense Kavithakal, Muthumani, Chakkarappava, Kadalippazham,Kalikkalam and Kunjunni Ramayanam. His autobiography, Enniloode, is noted for its candour, humour and simplicity.
His major contribution was in the field of children's literature. He handled the column for children in the Mathrubhoomi weekly under the pseudonym, Kuttettan, for long. He initiated three or four generations of aspiring writers into the world of words. He taught them correct language and introduced them to the magical realms of literature.
Athiyarathu House at Valappad is a familiar address to children across the State. They had been sending Kunjunni their literary works, scribbled on postcards, and used to get prompt replies. A poem or a short story corrected by Kunjunni has been highly prized by children.
Son of Njayapilly Illathu Neelakantan Moosath and Athiyarathu Narayani Amma, Kunjunni started his career as a teacher at the Chelari school. He joined Sree Ramakrishna Ashram High School in Kozhikode in 1953. He retired from service in 1982.
He returned to his native village, Valapad, in 1987 and was involved in socio-cultural activities in and around Thrissur.
Like his life, Kunjunni's art too was austere and positive. On reading each poem of his, one will say: life is beautiful.
I have a broken bangle piece in my hand/To make my dull moments lighter these are enough).
Teased about being short, the poet wrote: Pokkamillayma'yaa'nente pokkam. Categorising Kunjunni's art is a tall order. The reason: he is unique.
He returned to his native village, Valapad, in 1987 and was involved in socio-cultural activities in and around Thrissur.
Like his life, Kunjunni's art too was austere and positive. On reading each poem of his, one will say: life is beautiful.
I have a broken bangle piece in my hand/To make my dull moments lighter these are enough).
Teased about being short, the poet wrote: Pokkamillayma'yaa'nente pokkam. Categorising Kunjunni's art is a tall order. The reason: he is unique.
Poems
He was known for writing short poems which appeared to be childlike in form, but conveyed a message. Kunjunni handled the column for children in the Mathrubhumi weekly under the pseudonym "Kuttettan". He initiated three or four generations of aspiring writers into writing. Kunjunni returned to his native village in 1987 and became involved in social and cultural activities in the Thrissur area. He appeared in Bhoomigeetham, a film directed by Kamal. His autobiography, Enniloode, is noted for its candour, humour and simplicity.
One of his two line poems in Malayalam when translated would be like this.
- In Cross my Belief, In Purse my Relief.........
One of his famous lines in Malayalam:
- Kaakka Paari Vannu, Paara Melirunnu
Kaakka Paari Poyi, Paara Baakkiyaayi
His major works include:
- Oonu Thotturakkam Vare
- Pazhamozhi Pathayam
- Kunjunniyude Kavithakal
- Kadankathal
- Vithum Muthum
- Kutti Pencil
- Namboodiri Phalithangal
- Raashthriyam
- Kuttikal Padunnu
- Undanum Undiyum
- Kutti Kavithakal
- Kalikoppu
- Pazhanchollukal
- Pathinanchum Pathinanchum
- Aksharathettu
- Nonsense Kavithakal
- Muthumani
- Chakkarappava
- Kadalippazham
- Kalikkalam
- Kunjunni Ramayanam
Awards
- Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (1974, 1984).
- State Institute of Children's Literature Award (1982).
- Kerala Sahitya Akademi Lifetime Achievement Award (1988).
- State Institute of Children's Literature lifetime achievement award (2002).
- Vazhakunnuam Award (2002).
- V.A. Kesavan Nair Award (2003).
- Tomyas Award
കുട്ടിക്കവിതകളില് ദര്ശനങ്ങള് നിറച്ച് ലളിതമായ ഭാഷയില് ലോകത്തോട് സംവദിച്ചിരുന്ന കുഞ്ഞുണ്ണി കവിതകള്ക്ക് ഇന്നും മൂര്ച്ച കുറഞ്ഞിട്ടില്ല.
